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Nikon D780 — full-frame DSLR · 2020
Nikon

Nikon D780

full-frame DSLR · 2020

84
/ 100
From $2,299
VS
Sony FX3 wins by 6
Sony FX3 — full-frame · 2021
Sony

Sony FX3

full-frame · 2021

90
/ 100
From $3,898
Specdex verdict

Sony FX3 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D780 lands at 84 and Sony FX3 at 90. That puts Sony FX3 ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon D780 if…

  • ✓Mature system, great used market
  • ✓Proven lens lineup
  • ✓Often on sale

Pick Sony FX3 if…

  • ✓Current-gen AF system
  • ✓Proven lens ecosystem
  • ✓Strong video + stills balance
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photo

Sony FX3

Compared on the photo sub-score

Sony FX3 leads on photo (90 vs 84).

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Autofocus

Sony FX3

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony FX3 leads on autofocus (88 vs 80).

Value for money

Nikon D780

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon D780 more score per dollar ($2,299 vs $3,898).

Nikon D780 84
vs
90 Sony FX3

Score breakdown

Nikon D780
84
photo 84
video 76
autofocus 80
ergonomics 86
Sony FX3
90
photo 90
video 86
autofocus 88
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon D780 versus Sony FX3 — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon D780 Sony FX3
Format
full-frame DSLR
full-frame
Release year
2020
2021

Nikon D780

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

Sony FX3

Pros
  • +Current-gen AF system
  • +Proven lens ecosystem
  • +Strong video + stills balance
Cons
  • −Body price excludes lens
  • −Heavy for travel (flagship)
  • −Learning curve on menus

FAQ: Nikon D780 vs Sony FX3

Which is better, Nikon D780 or Sony FX3? +

Sony FX3 scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon D780 worth the price? +

At $2,299, Nikon D780 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in ergonomics.

Is Sony FX3 worth the price? +

At $3,898, Sony FX3 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in photo.

Does Nikon D780 or Sony FX3 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for photo, Nikon D780 or Sony FX3? +

Sony FX3 — leads on photo (90 vs 84). Compared on the photo sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon D780 or Sony FX3? +

Sony FX3 — leads on autofocus (88 vs 80). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.