Nikon
D780
Last great Nikon DSLR — Z6 sensor with DSLR ergonomics and hybrid live view AF.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Jan 2020
Nikon
D850
Legendary 45MP DSLR still favored by landscape and studio photographers.
$3,299
Launch priceReleased Aug 2017
D780 is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
D780
Wins
D850
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AD780 has higher 1080p max frame rate (120 fps vs 59.94 fps)
- AD780 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- BD850 has higher Resolution (45.7 MP vs 24.5 MP)
- AD780 has higher AF points / zones (273 vs 153)
- AD780 has higher Burst (electronic) (12 fps vs 7 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD780
144 × 116 × 76 mm
755 g (1.66 lb / 26.63 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D850
146 × 124 × 79 mm
1005 g (2.22 lb / 35.45 oz)
D780 is 3mm narrower, 9mm shorter, and 3mm thinner than D850.
D780 is 250 g lighter than D850.
Depth (front-to-back): 76mm D780 · 79mm D850
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D780
144 × 116 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
D850
146 × 124 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D780
144 × 76 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
D850
146 × 79 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D780
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
D850
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D780
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
D850
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D780
Subject recognition
Adds People, Dogs, Cats
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 143.5, 115.5, 76
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, SD UHS-II
1080p max frame rate
120 fps vs 59.94 fps — higher is better
AA filter
Only D780 supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Eye AF
Only D780 supports it
Reasons to choose
D850
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.264, MOV, MP4
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 146, 124, 78.5
Card types
Adds SD/SDHC/SDXC, CFexpress Type B / XQD
Resolution
45.7 MP vs 24.5 MP — higher is better
ISO min (native)
64 vs 100 — lower is better
EVF magnification
0.75 × vs 0.7 × — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 7 fps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D780
Pros
- ✓Z6 sensor in DSLR
- ✓Dual card slots
- ✓4K video
- ✓OVF + EVF hybrid
Cons
- –DSLR end of era
- –Heavy
- –Limited future lenses
D850
Pros
- ✓45MP DSLR classic
- ✓Excellent dynamic range
- ✓Huge F-mount lens library
Cons
- –DSLR mirror system
- –Heavy
- –No modern mirrorless AF
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D780 and D850 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D780
Nikon D850
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D780 or D850?
D780 scores 5.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for D850 — 12fps burst — solid for most action.
What's the resolution difference between the D780 and D850?
D780 is 24.5 MP and D850 is 45.7 MP, so the D850 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the D780 and D850?
D780 does not have IBIS, while D850 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D780 or the D850?
D780 reaches 12 fps electronic. D850 reaches 7 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D780 and D850?
D780 weighs 755 g and D850 weighs 1005 g, so the D780 is 250 g lighter.
Do the D780 and D850 record 4K video?
D780: 4K up to 30p. D850: 4K up to 29.97p.
Are the D780 and D850 weather sealed?
D780: Yes. D850: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 2,260 shots (CIPA) for the D780 and 1,840 shots for the D850, giving the D780 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D780 launched at $2,299 and D850 at $3,299. The D780 is $1,000 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D780 vs D850 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.