Nikon
D780
Last great Nikon DSLR — Z6 sensor with DSLR ergonomics and hybrid live view AF.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Jan 2020
Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 3.7 years newer.
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Wins
D780
Wins
Zf
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZf has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- AD780 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (2260 shots vs 380 shots)
- BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 12 fps)
- BZf has higher Burst (mechanical) (14 fps vs 7 fps)
- BZf has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 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
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
D780 is 1mm narrower than Zf but it is also 13mm taller and 27mm thicker.
D780 is 45 g heavier than Zf.
Depth (front-to-back): 76mm D780 · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D780
144 × 116 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 103 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
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D780
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Zf
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D780
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Zf
Nikon Z
90+
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
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 143.5, 115.5, 76
Battery life (CIPA)
2260 shots vs 380 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Cars, Bicycles…
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 12 fps — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Zf supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 24.5 MP
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 273
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
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
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D780 and Zf at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D780 or Zf?
Zf scores 9.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for D780 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the D780 and Zf?
Both cameras share the same 24.5 MP resolution.
Do the D780 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
D780 does not have IBIS, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D780 or the Zf?
D780 reaches 12 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D780 and Zf?
D780 weighs 755 g and Zf weighs 710 g, so the Zf is 45 g lighter.
Do the D780 and Zf record 4K video?
D780: 4K up to 30p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D780 and Zf weather sealed?
D780: Yes. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 2,260 shots (CIPA) for the D780 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the D780 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D780 launched at $2,299 and Zf at $2,049. The Zf is $250 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D780 vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.