Nikon Z6 vs Nikon D780
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z6 and Nikon D780. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.


Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufacturered by Nikon.
Nikon Z6 were released 2018 and Nikon D780 was released 2020. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period of time can be of interest since technology is always improving etc.Camera | Manufacturer | Released |
Nikon Z6 | Nikon | 2018 |
Nikon D780 | Nikon | 2020 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z6 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D780 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts sensor (called "FX") which means that if you compare the cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.
Camera | Experienced focal length when using a lens with 50mm focal length (ex a common "50mm f/1.8") | |
Nikon Z6 | 50 mm | (a fullframe sensor does not have a crop factor / focal length multiplier) |
Nikon D780 | 50 mm | (a fullframe sensor does not have a crop factor / focal length multiplier) |
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Both these cameras has the exact same resolution. Nikon Z6 has a 25 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D780 has 25 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels | Pixel (total) | Pixels (width) | Pixels (height) |
Nikon Z6 | 25 MP | 24337152 | 6048 | 4024 |
Nikon D780 | 25 MP | 24337152 | 6048 | 4024 |
ISO range
Both of these cameras offers the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 51200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon Z6 | 100-51200 |
Nikon D780 | 100-51200 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that supports autofocus, does not have a autofocus motor of their own but this wont cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses that work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z6
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D780
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definately be of interest. Nikon Z6 can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds and Nikon D780 can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon Z6 | 12 |
Nikon D780 | 12 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon Z6 and Nikon D780 can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, carried around, for several hours at the time.
Nikon D780 weighs 840 gr (equal to 1,85 lb) which is 24% heavier than Nikon Z6 and its 675 gr (or 1,49 lb).
Camera | Weight (in gram) | Weight (in pounds) |
Nikon Z6 | 675 gr | 1,49 lb |
Nikon D780 | 840 gr | 1,85 lb |