Let’s compare the Nikon Z6 with Nikon D780 camera. We have done a very detailed comparison review between these two camera, let’s find out the best one for you.
1. Sensor and Mount Comparison
As we all know Nikon Z is Nikon’s future mount at the same time the Z-Mount do have the ability of adapting F-Mount seamlessly. That’s is if you have a bunch of FX mount lenses then even you can easily migrate to new Z system.
Sensor of both the camera is exactly the same, we have no difference between them. At the same time both cameras do have the same kind of low-pass filter inside them. So, due to the nature of mount if user have S-line of lenses he will get better image quality compared to the Nikon D780 DSLR Camera.
2. Built-in image stabilization in Nikon Z6
Nikon Z6 have built-in image stabilization which gives you 4.5 Stops of IS. With Nikon Z6 you can shoot more neat low-light images with your hands since it allows you to shoot up to 4 stops slower speed under low light condition. One of the biggest advantages you will have while shooting with camera Nikon Z6 with FTZ adapter allow you to use Nikon Prime lenses and you when you get backup of sensor shift IS you can extract the maximum amount of details in available light conditions.
Nikon D780
Nikon Z6
Lens Mount
Nikon F
Nikon Z
Camera Format
Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
Low Pass Filter
Yes (weak)
Yes (weak)
Pixels
Actual: 24.92 Megapixel
Effective: 24.5 Megapixel
Actual: 25.28 Megapixel
Effective: 24.5 Megapixel
Maximum Resolution
6048 x 4024
6000 x 4000
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 16:9
1:1, 3:2
Sensor Type
CMOS BSI
CMOS BSI
Sensor Size
35.9 x 23.9 mm
35.9 x 23.9 mm
Image File Format
JPEG, Raw
JPEG, Raw
Bit Depth
14-Bit
14-Bit
Image Stabilization
None
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
3. Better low light Camera between Nikon D780 and Nikon Z6 ?
Nikon Z6 and Nikon D780 camera have same sensor, now here is a glitch. Many users were waiting for Nikon D780 with a hope that it will have no OLPF (optical low pass filter) architecture since the Nikon Z6 do have LPF (low pass filter), as we all know the absence LPF make images more sharp. But, Nikon disappointed us this time again and the Nikon D780 camera do have LPF same as of Nikon Z6.
4. So, we will get Same image quality from Nikon Z6 and D780 ?
Yes, if you are using F-mount lenses in Nikon Z6, But, as we all know Nikon Z-mount is an advance mount and features 52mm diameter with shortest flange distance among its competitor allowing more light to get into the camera sensor. So, if you have S-line of lenses with you then for sure you will see better image quality compared to Nikon D780 with F-mount lens.
5. Best camera for Fast Auto Focus, Nikon D780 or Nikon Z6
Technically due to the nature of DSLR system Nikon also added 51 point Phase AF sensor inside the Nikon D780. The phase AF system is active when you are using OVF [optical viewfinder] of the camera. So, when you are in viewfinder mode of Nikon D780 camera you are using an inferior AF system with less screen coverage [273 vs 51] compared to Hybrid AF system. At the same time when you are with Nikon Z6, you are getting 273 AF points support in viewfinder, LIVE VIEW and Video Mode.
Nikon D780
Nikon Z6
ISO Sensitivity
Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800)
Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800)
Shutter Speed
Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
1/8000 to 900 Seconds
Bulb Mode
Time Mode
Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
Bulb Mode
Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade
Continuous Shooting
Up to 12 fps at 24.5 MP
Up to 7 fps at 24.5 MP
Up to 12 fps at 24.5 MP
Up to 5.5 fps at 24.5 MP
Interval Recording
Yes
Yes
Self-Timer
2/5/10/20-Second Delay
2/5/10/20-Second Delay
Mirror Lock-Up
Yes
6. Nikon D780 extended Shutter
Nikon D780 arrived with extended shutter range, as we can see Nikon D780 have Max opening of 900 Sec. That’s really awesome to have when you have to get long exposure shot of more than 30 sec duration. As usual, Nikon Z6 is bonded with traditional Max Shutter opening limit of 30sec.
Nikon D780
Nikon Z6
Recording Modes
MOV/H.264
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p
MOV/MP4/H.264
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p
As from the comparison table we can clearly see that Nikon D780 have same video features as we have in Nikon Z6 Mirrorless camera. So, from both the camera you will get same video output.
8. Best Auto-focus mode – Nikon Z6 vs. Nikon D780
Nikon D780 uses Dual AF system due to the presence of OVF in the camera. So, when you are using OVF the AF capability of the camera is slightly limited with 51 AF points. At the same time Eye AF and face tracking is completely absent in viewfinder shooting mode. No, AF issues in Nikon Z6 either you are shooting in Viewfinder, Live-view mode and Video mode.
Nikon D780
Nikon Z6
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Continuous-Servo AF (C), Full-Time Servo (F), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Continuous-Servo AF (C), Full-Time Servo (F), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Nikon D780 have Dual card slot (UHS II) and Nikon Z6 (XQD) have single card slot. As usual having more than one card slot really helps have more space at the same time you can create an instant backup if you are shooting important events.
Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Single Slot: CFexpress Type B / XQD
Connectivity
USB Type-C (USB 3.1), HDMI C (Mini), 3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone
3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI C (Mini), Nikon DC2, USB Type-C (USB 3.0)
Wireless
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
No
No
10. Price Difference
Nikon D780
Nikon Z6
Nikon D780 DSLR Camera with 24-120mm Lens
Nikon Z 6 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm Lens and FTZ Mount Adapter Kit
$2,796.95
$2,443.90
11. Nikon Z vs Nikon F – Mount Difference
Nikon Z mount is Nikon Future Mount, the ability of Z mount is to get more light in it and with less flange distance you will get better image quality then DSLRs, the Z-mount can accept Nikon F Mount lenses without any issue with all AF capability you were getting in S-line of Lenses.
. Nikon F Mount is a limited and old mount and not able to accept new S-line of lenses.
Verdict: Both cameras have same Sensor and Video features. If you are someone who wants an affordable camera with IBIS and advance Z Mount you can get Nikon Z6. Nikon D780 if for those who love DSLR OVF and wants to have Dual Card slot in their camera.
According to latest rumor Nikon already have working prototypes 0f 8K capable fullframe Mirrorless camera. At Apple’s WWDC 2019 event we have seen Canon working 8K cinema camera. Now in the same event, to demonstrate the video editing capabilities of new new Mac Pro. Apple team used a 8K movie created by Ami Vitale. We all know that Ami Vitale is a National Geographic photographer and also a brand ambassador for Nikon.
The video shown was described as 8K ProRes raw footage originating from a documentary shot in Kenya, which was said to have been captured and edited in HDR. Every single frame of 8K camera was of 33 MP. It clearly indicates that upcoming High-End Nikon Mirrorless camera Nikon Z9 may carry a 36MP FF CMOS sensor and a option to record 8K videos.
Update – The Video was Shot by RED Monstro not Nikon Z9
Update by one of Readers Bob
Guys, most of that Africa footage was shot by my buddy Mark Toia on an 8K RED. It was indeed transcoded from R3D files to ProRes because the new system isn’t optimized to decode native Red files…. yet!
Nikon Z6 and Z7 few units are facing some serious issue. According to Nikon, few models of Nikon Z6 and Z7 camera have faulty VR unit. So, users will not get the proper feature they are paying off.
Check out your Nikon Z6 and Z7 camera serial number
Nikon issues a Technical Service Advisory for Users of the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 Cameras.
Nikon Press Release
MAY 16, 2019
Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.
Issue
While Nikon has taken great measures to assure the high quality expected of Nikon products, it has come to our attention that the vibration reduction (VR) feature in some Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras may not function fully. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Resolution
Nikon has resolved this by making available corrective service for affected Z 6 and Z 7 cameras free of charge, including the cost of shipping an affected Z 6 and Z 7 camera to Nikon as well as its return, even if your Z 6 or Z 7 camera warranty has expired.
Identifying Affected Products and Requesting Service
To determine whether your camera is one of those affected, please click the appropriate Check Serial Number button below and enter the serial number for your Z 6 or Z 7 camera as indicated. If your camera is one of those affected, instructions for requesting service, including receiving your free shipping label, will be displayed onscreen. You may also contact Nikon Customer Relations by visiting www.nikonusa.com\support for assistance. If your Z 6 or Z 7 camera is not one of those affected, this will be displayed onscreen and you may continue using your camera without concern for this issue.
Check Serial Number (Z 6 camera customers)
Check Serial Number (Z 7 camera customers)
To locate your camera’s serial number, open the camera’s monitor on the back of the camera and the serial number will be the 7-digit number printed on the label affixed to the camera body, as indicated by the red frame in the image above (the Z 6 camera is represented in the image).
Please understand that Nikon will collect personal information as necessary in order to facilitate the service and shipping of affected cameras. This information will not be used for any other purposes.
Once again, thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.
Russian Photography website photo.ru taken interview (translated text below) of Nikon representative and asked several question to them, but one of my favorite was
And why one slot? “We can see that even our closest competitors, Canon, are making a mirror with one slot for memory cards.
Now the next question is about similar score of Nikon Z6 and A7III in DXO Mark Lab, and is Nikon Z6 is using a Sony made sensor ?
Well, let’s talk about the cameras already released. Z6 in the DXoMark rankings is lower than Sony AIII 1 point. We see that the performance of their sensors are the same for a number of factors. Your company and Sony employees unofficially told us that the cameras used the same sensor. Confirm or disprove this information.
– About DxO – we do not officially comment on DxO ratings, because it is an independent company, and we didn’t take our measurements, which we could compare. We certainly recognize that DxO is a large company, a large information portal that market users pay attention to. If we assume that their ratings and measurements are correct – then the question arises, what error is acceptable in the methodology? Are they sure, and are we sure that 1% – or 1 point out of 100 – is not an error? Are we sure that the measurement was carried out correctly?
In any case, we can say that, judging by the DxO rating, the performance of the matrices of the Nikon Z6 and Sony A7III cameras is identical. They are similar in technical characteristics. I think I answered your question.
Other main parts of the interview
About third party lenses for Nikon Mirrorless system
—- Nikon ecosystem is closed to third-party manufacturers. The company does not provide the source code and bayonet parameters to third-party manufacturers.
What will happen to DSLR lineup now ?
— As one of our top managers said, the series of SLR cameras will definitely continue.
Why was the XQD slot chosen for the Z6 and Z7 cameras ?
—- We understand that XQD is a very reliable and fast format. It works stably at any speed, at any camera operating mode. It is not only good in performance, it is also good in reliability.
How long has Nikon been developing a mirrorless full-frame camera series?
—- From what I know: the Nikon mirrorless full-frame camera has been developed for several years, passed many tests.
I was really amazed to see with the help of FTZ adapter the Nikon Z6 camera was working in collaboration with Nikon VR (Optical Image stabilization) system. After activating the Lens based VR the overall image stabilization of the camera unexpectedly improved, you can see for yourself.
Nikon Should Add VR to S-Line of lenses
After watching this video I recommend and hope that Nikon will soon add VR (Vibration reduction) tech to their future S-Line of lenses. Since, the camera they have made support DUAL IS feature. The Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 share same Image stabilization module inside, so there is no doubt that Nikon Z7 will also work in collaboration with VR lenses.
Finally Nikon Z6 camera reached at Nikon Z6 DXO Mark Lab, the Nikon Z6 is the best camera in Nikon with 24MP APS-C Sensor in Nikon line-up. As you can see the Nikon Z6 camera is sitting just below the Sony A7 III camera in ranking.
Take a look what DXO Mark lab reviewers said about test
With the introduction of the mirrorless Z 6, Nikon has adopted one of the best-performing full-frame 24 MP BSI-CMOS sensors. At base ISO, it has very good color and a wide dynamic range; additionally, the sensor has outstanding dynamic range at mid-ISO settings, and has particularly good low-light performance at high ISOs.
Panasonic S1 vs Nikon Z6 AF Test – Le’s have a look at the AutoFocus Video test between the Recently announced Panasonic S1 and Nikon Z6 at $1996 (B&H | Amazon.com) camera. As we all know that Nikon Z6 features 273 Phase AF points based Fullframe Sensor and Panasonic S1 is limited to Panasonic traditional Contrast based DFD AF System. Take a look at the AF Speed test, and decide for yourself which one of more fast.
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