4 years later and still a great relevant video. I actually just picked this camera up brand new for 750 usd from an event photography company that bought Sony and Nikon gear for their shoots then decided to just use one make and sold off the Nikon gear. I asked how much, they said make an offer. I threw out 750 and figured I’d get a counter offer but they handed me the box! Shutter count 3. Love this camera. Steep learning curve coming from a D5600 but this video makes it much easier. Thank you!!
Ken you are an absolute legend! I've recently started on a voyage with AF-D lenses with a used D810. I bought the camera to use a 105/2 DC and ended up with way too many AF-Ds, which I prefer for digital so that I get full EXIF data. You and others have shown exactly why the D780 is so wonderful: it brings mirrorless usability features to screw drive AF lenses 🙌 I've been reading your stuff since I can always remember! It's going into my B&H cart from your link as soon as they reopen after Shavuot. You're a real asset to the photographic community!
Thanks Ken, I've been following you for years. I think your tutorials Rock! Thanks for keeping my brain from frying out with the nikon manuals. They have gotten better over the years HOWEVER. You have simplified everything about the menu's and I thank you for that. Keep up the good work, very much appreciated. Thanks Chris
I bought the Nikon FX 28-300mm because of your review and have used it a lot for wedding photos in churches and receptions. Great choice for that extra reach for closeups. However the other lens to consider is the Nikon 24-120mm F4 which is a great as an all round lens and focuses even faster than the 28-300mm so it's great for fast action and capturing decisive emotional moments in candid shooting. I will keep both lenses and use accordingly for the right moments. Great video Ken!
I have come to this video several times to setup my d780. This video is so awesome! I even bought a 28-300 lens, owning several primes and a few f2.8. Now is my go to for daily pictures. EXCELLENT!!! YOU GOT MY LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!
Really liked the video I just got this camera I been trying to turn focus conformation beep I have beep sounds enabled but camera doesn't beep when it finds focus I miss hearing the beep to let me know its found focus
Very well done Ken. All camera manufacturers would do well to provide a RUclips video to improve their customers’ experience. I wish there was an easy way to get RUclips videos to go back 20 seconds to make it easy to replay certain bits. I love your reviews.
Hi Christian....you can just tap on the screen on the left side once or twice or three times etc to rewind....same goes for the right side to forward. Great video Ken. Thanks.
Ken I am. Buying a camera after years away. I love Nikon and was considering which one for me at 73 I have glass and just need to pick camera. Thank you the 780 is still being sold and the 850 I think a 780 is enough for me now.
Ken, I have consulted you for some time on all things Nikon. I would like to add my opinion with regard to settings on the D780. While one can indeed copy your settings to a card and upload them to the 780 camera, it is very beneficial to manually go through the various screens to find where the various setting are located. Please continue to help photographers and photography in general with your excellent guidance.
Absolutely brilliant Sir!; just purchased a D780 and trying to work it out!; I am using a 18-55mm AFP VR DX lens and just zooming in slightly to reduce the vignetting and the image quality is superb!; will try to find the same lens as you had on your Camera!
I’m having trouble tethering my D7 80 with tether tools cable and light room classic. Can you share any insight as to what might be the best combination of hardware and software for tethering a D7 80?
Hello there! I have the Nikon D3500 with the cropped sensor, more than a year and I'm feeling like I hit my limits with that camera. Should I jump to d750 or to d780? Does d780 have WiFi connection or it works only with the snapbridge of Nikon? Thank you for your review and thank you in advance for your guidance! Sincerely, Kostas
Stick with Canon. See my written reviews at KenRockwell.com for sample files from these two cameras at every ISO. Canon is better for handing and support; how they compare at high ISOs is the least important thing.
Not really. DSLRs have had effective face recognition since at least the D3 of 2007; see its review and sample here www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3/performance-pre.htm#focus The Japanese always like to gin-up the newest subtle doffence, like eyelash- and cornea- detection autofocus, but even my 2007 gets the job done great. This is suspect the D780 will do at least as well in regular shooting - live view is a silly way to use the d780. Thanks!
Never tried that combo. No worries; get it from an approved source www.kenrockwell.com/links.htm#stores and you can return it for a full cash refund if you don’t love it. Thanks!
Thanks Ken. I’m just patiently waiting for the price on this to continue to drop and hobbling with my d610 for now. I have no need for mirrorless beyond the tech they built into this camera and I love my vintage and contemporary F mount lenses. Looks like third parties are making a grip for this now.
I've noticed that used prices of D780 are coming down. I am kind of tempted. I love my D750 but sometimes I need to use live view to get a shot over peoples heads or something like that and the focusing then sucks. I think that the D780 solves that problem, right?
@@PJ-om2wq yes, it will completely solve live view and make it what it always should have been. You get two focusing systems with their own strengths here. I ended up getting one for about the current price. There was a period they were selling for higher than I paid for mine. I think the camera is fantastic if you have a collection of f glass, in particular d version glass (28/85/105/135 all excellent and the 35 and 50 are compact and can do the job), which is basically useless adapted (no autofocus. If I want to manual focus I’ll get a Zeiss or a Leica or a Voigtlander). I love the sound of the mirrors and the optical viewfinder experience. My other cameras are a Leica m10 and a sigma FP. I have no interest in the crap Sony has put out. This Nikon is a huge winner.
THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO! I'm looking to upgrade my classic D750 with a 24-70mm and wideangle 12-24mm lenses and go for either a D780 or D850, and this tutorial is very helpful unless I decide to go mirrorless wirh the Z system! LOL
Pass on the Z, look instead at Canon see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm thanks!!!
Hi Ken, you said, you use USB type C cable for charging the battery. There is one USB-c Cable is in the box. But what I'm confused, how to charge it? Any specific power adapter need to use or any charging adapter, e.g. power adapter for my android phone will do? Can I use a power bank to charge it?
Plug USB c cable into camera. It has a charging light that will stay ok while charging. Also comes with the charger that you insert battery into and plug into outlet.
I checked it. It works with any power adapter and also from pc or laptop USB port. Only restriction is camera should be switched off. If you power on the camera, charging stops and resume again when you switch off the camera again.
I have been considering the D780 for some time now. However I have, up until the recent situation been shooting a lot in theatres on stage plus the portraiture of actors. I rely on the on board flash on my D700, D610 and D750 when set to commander mode to trigger my main light sources - SB700 and SB910. I do have an SB400 but believe that this will not act as a flash trigger for the D780. Is this so?
The D780 has no built-in flash. The SB-400 can’t work as a commander atop the D780, unless of course you shoot the SB-400 in manual mode (set that in camera) and run the other flashes in regular 1970s slave mode.
i still use my d700, i love it. but the rubber and all the things are showing its age after thousands of shots. i've only ever used a 50mm on my camera, and also 28-300mm lens thats insane!!! definitely need to check that out. if i were to ever upgrade which i dont think i would, but if i did in the future i would definitely buy the d780, thanks ken!
Of course. Quality depends on your skill, not the camera. I worked in Hollywood when The Blair Witch Project feature film did so well - and it set us on ear because it was shot on a Hi-8 camcorder!
Ken, I just got this camera and am struggling to find how to sync my studio strobes with it. I called Nikon and there is no Commander mode function. How does the D780 use off camera flash?
Hi Annie, Easy: I use the SB-30 as the trigger for my manual strobes. The SB-30 even has a dark sliding panel that blocks visible light but passes infra-red to trigger the optical slave on my power pack. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb30.htm
Nikon should know this, the fact that they don’t is among the reasons I moved to Canon. Of course the D780 has no commander mode; it has no built in flash. If you want to control other I-TTL flash, then you buy a flash that has the commander mode like the SB-500 and put in it your D780’s hot shoe www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb500.htm or one of Nikons dedicated commanders like the SU-800 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/su800.htm which you can get at www.adorama.com/?kbid=21866&sku=NKSU800
And the simplest way for one off camera flash is an extension cord for the hot shoe that lest you hold another flash in your other hand a few feet away with an SC-28 remote cord www.adorama.com/?kbid=21866&sku=NKSC28
And last but not least, if you just want to use a cord to run to your power pack like the 1950s, put a hot shoe to PC terminal adapter in your shoe and plug in www.adorama.com/DLCHSPCANK.html?kbid=21866
Superb job as always!! BTW, I was joking about the tattoos and hat and stuff in that comment a while back. I think you took me seriously. I get so tired of seeing those types. Like I said though, Don't change anything!! Looking forward to more videos from you!!
Oh, dude - I’ve spent the last month totally getting my arms, neck and face tatted up. That’s why I have been off camera until it’s ready. I’m going to be looking good !
I am changing from canon to Nikon and this camera seems so much more complicated than what I have now, but I know ill get used to it eventually. Thank you for this video
Another great guide. Thanks Ken! Quick question, I have a Canon A-1 film camera with a few lenses, flash and motor drive and I shoot mostly landscapes and portraits. I'm looking for my first DSLR or Mirrorless. I prefer full sensor. What do you recommend, Nikon Z6 or D780?
Neither! Canon EOS RP is the best, AND least expensive. The newer R5 and R6 are nice, but bigger and much more expensive. See www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm
@@KenRockwellTV I haven't had a chance yet to take it out but from what I have snapped so far, I'm impressed with the image quality, true Nikon colors, and how much quieter it is than my D7200. There is nothing like full frame for wide angle. I took a pic with the Irix Blackstone 15mm f/2.4 and WOW!
Silly idea; a real macro lens like the extraordinary 55mm f/2.8 is a far better idea, with or without an extension tube. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55f28ais.htm
Hi Ken, do you have any recommendations on settings or lens calibration for the 24-120 F4 to get some more sharpness out of it. Fantastic lens but I feel some settings are not quite right.
Forget “calibrations.” Not needed and more likely you’ll make it worse. Change your sharpening settings at picture controls . Try increasing to 755 rather than the default. Only shoot ISO 100 or below, higher isos are always softer, just be sure everything holds still
Hey Ken great review as usual! I've been following you for many years, I got a D70 back in the day and today I am using a D850, in fact I even remember translating a couple of articles on your website into Italian :) May I ask you something concerning non CPU lenses? I am using a Nikkor 135mm F2.8 (my Dad bought it in Japan in 1979, he was using an FE back then), and even though I have entered the info in the non CPU lens data menu, exposure seems to be a bit off, namely the camera overexposes quite a bit. Do you happen to know what the issue might be? Should I give up matrix metering? Thanks a lot and keep the great reviews coming !
See if overexposure more common at small apertures (f11) bit ok at 2.8. If so, it means your diaphragm is sticky and not stopping down for some or all shots, meaning it needs service. You can try this by taking lens off camera, setting to f22 and seeing if diaphragm responds to tweaking the lever on the back of the lens mount. Grazie!
Ken Rockwell you were absolutely right! The diaphragm gets stuck around f 5.6 😲 interestingly the camera displays the aperture correctly (i.e. it matches the number on the ring) even though of course the diaphragm is stuck. Kudos to you!
I absolutely love this camera for property and weddings and cant see me moving to mirrorless anytime soon i have 2 of these currently plus a D750 and the D780 is worlds apart!!!
Thanks for your excellent review. Just one question what picture control should I select while using a polariser? I mean for the clouds to stand out on a blue sky?
I use Vivid and +3 saturation, but I’m nuts. Polarizers went obsolete about 1990 when Velvia came out ( www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/velvia-50.htm ); I never use them because with Modern films and now digital all they often do is turn the sky close to black; be careful. More about D780 settings at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780-users-guide.htm#pixctl and of course way more at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780-users-guide.htm#top thanks!
Yes. Find a local shooter whose work you admire and is good with lighting and flash. Show him your work and see what he can suggest. I can’t help much without being there to see your images and ask what you were doing. Lighting is an art that can take a lifetime to master. Also be wary if you’re using any flashes or accessories that aren’t genuine Nikon; often off brands never work very well in any of the auto exposure modes. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV - thanks very much Ken. Issues were the flash not firing, or firing intermittently, usually in lower light situations. Never had that issue before in 46 years of shooting. I'll check with some of the photo (and 780) groups online. Thumbs up.
Thank you Ken, another great video. I’m still contemplating if I move from the D750 to the D780 or the Z series. i’m in no rush though, as I love the D750, even if it is not the greatest for family videos. Question: do you use the the back button focus?
It’s someplace in MENU > Custom > controls > and set the af system only to work when you press the AF button. By default the camera autofocuses with a half press of the shutter; it might be in a different menu but you can set the AF system not to run with the shutter button.
There is a lock for the rear multi controller. Otherwise search Nikons full manual at download.nikonimglib.com/archive4/1VrOl001nkJg04v4FxL41Yav8V82/D780RM_(En)02.pdf to see if it does exactly what you want thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV i searched that manual until i was blue in the face. couldn’t find it. on my d700 one can assign that to the fn button. it’s there as an option. i do t see that option on the d780. i thought maybe that you might know.
Looks nice but I love the layout in my D800... I really like having the functions accessible on the top left button on my D800. But the low light capabilities of the D780... (the 780 looks more fragile than the 800)
A stereo pair of Senal SCM-660 with much outboard processing. www.kenrockwell.com/audio/senal/scm-660.htm my head moves and my choice of mic placement exaggerates it. Do you like it or hate it?
The viewfinder blind (or the palm of your hand) is only used to keep stray light from behind the camera from fooling the meter in the finder if your eye isn’t on the finder. It’s not needed for exposure, just for measuring exposure where stray light could lead to underexposure if your eye was absent. There’s no blind in the d780, so keep your eye on the finder - or use live view in which case it also is not used. Thanks!
Hey Ken, off the top of your head, which mirrorless camera has auto eye detect, 2 memory cards slots and in body stabilisation? Thx mate, great info here!
See my full written review for the differences: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780.htm#compared and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780.htm#new pictures will be the same. See also kenrockwell.com/tech/is-it-worth-it.htm
I'm a film shooter and I want to jump to dslr, as I have a good collection of nikon lenses (used on my f100) I'm planning a ff Nikon dslr, I'm between the d810 and the d780, which one does you recommend for me?
You'r probably the most fluent instructor that rocks well all the zillions of Nikon settings we like to play with. In fact you did it so fast that I had to turn down the speed for the video! I'm just in the process of thinking about to upgrade from the D750 to the D780 because of the video, touch screen and WLAN enhancements and features. Not sure yet but may be I get your expert opinion. It's not about the money, rather "do I really need it" and what I do with the D750 ... Thank for sharing your knowledge with us! PS: Watch for donation of USD 50 via PYPL by this nick name.
Eh? It’s ground glass; you can focus manually anywhere even if not AF. Yes, I had always hoped AF would cover the frame, and in mirrorelsss it does. Thanks!
No, but it probably tags them so some software can apply those settings is you want. All depends on your software, which always changes. That’s why I don’t look at raw files: because you can’t look at them until processed by software, which is a huge variable.
The only real upgrade over the d750 is you get 4k video that's it they both have 24 megapixel sensors they both have tilting screens it boils down to you get 4k video are you willing to pay another $1000 and get 4k video.
Plus... The D780 is/has: 1/2fps faster Expeed 6 (vs 4) Bluetooth UHS-II support ~.2MP more resolution (negligible) 1/8000 shutter Higher rear screen resolution Extended shutter times (>30sec) disregarding bulb mode The new sensor alone is a nice upgrade over the 750 coupled with Expeed 6. Although I personally wouldn't be able to justify the price if upgrading from a 750. I upgraded from a crop 7100.
Nope. My videos are shot with so much light so close at such high resolution that with a black camera all sorts of invisible dust is seen. In person you can’t see it. Thanks!
Because I’m good enough to take great photos with whatever gear is in my hands, and obviously the 28-300 is the most convenient over missing photos changing lenses. Thanks! Full review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-300mm.htm
Want a real NOCT? I got mine at rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5574731834&toolid=10001&campid=5336071501&customid=&icep_uq=(Nikon,Nikkor)%20Noct%20-(50,0.95,1.4)&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg
At least half of that stuff is missing from their lower end cameras, which is fine, but the problem is that it's never highlighted in the spec sheet. Plus a few more deal breakers that you didn't even mention, like on camera flash control and live aperture control in liveview. But I'm still not upgrading. I'm not even buying new Nikon lenses. Mirrorless is the future for cameras, and Canon is far more innovative in lenses. Nikon SLR is over for me. I've got my eye on that 60MP Sony.
Cameras today are waaaayyy too complicated. I know... they do render beautiful results. I just bought a Fuji x pro3 and it will be another several months before I have ir all figured out. I'm not a pro. Although very experienced it's not all I do so it's easy to lose track of where things are. Just saying.
4 years later and still a great relevant video. I actually just picked this camera up brand new for 750 usd from an event photography company that bought Sony and Nikon gear for their shoots then decided to just use one make and sold off the Nikon gear. I asked how much, they said make an offer. I threw out 750 and figured I’d get a counter offer but they handed me the box! Shutter count 3. Love this camera. Steep learning curve coming from a D5600 but this video makes it much easier. Thank you!!
See the full guide at the link in the description for even more. Thanks!!
Ken you are an absolute legend! I've recently started on a voyage with AF-D lenses with a used D810. I bought the camera to use a 105/2 DC and ended up with way too many AF-Ds, which I prefer for digital so that I get full EXIF data. You and others have shown exactly why the D780 is so wonderful: it brings mirrorless usability features to screw drive AF lenses 🙌 I've been reading your stuff since I can always remember! It's going into my B&H cart from your link as soon as they reopen after Shavuot. You're a real asset to the photographic community!
Bingo! Many thanks!
Thank you very much Ken Rockwell. I've learn a lot from you since 2006.
Thanks Stephen! Lots more coming. Let me know if you have any questions.
Ken, you're always reliable when it comes to camera info. You're the best and greatly appreciated
YOU’RE the best! Thanks!
Thanks Ken, I've been following you for years. I think your tutorials Rock! Thanks for keeping my brain from frying out with the nikon manuals. They have gotten better over the years HOWEVER. You have simplified everything about the menu's and I thank you for that. Keep up the good work, very much appreciated. Thanks Chris
Thanks, unlike people who work at Nikon and probably get paid by the page, I like to get to the point in real English.
I bought the Nikon FX 28-300mm because of your review and have used it a lot for wedding photos in churches and receptions. Great choice for that extra reach for closeups. However the other lens to consider is the Nikon 24-120mm F4 which is a great as an all round lens and focuses even faster than the 28-300mm so it's great for fast action and capturing decisive emotional moments in candid shooting. I will keep both lenses and use accordingly for the right moments. Great video Ken!
They’re very similar and yes, I prefer going to 300. Thanks!
Best review ever thank you so easy to follow so easy to understand. Thank you keep making more for certain occasions.
Thank you!!!!
I have come to this video several times to setup my d780. This video is so awesome! I even bought a 28-300 lens, owning several primes and a few f2.8. Now is my go to for daily pictures. EXCELLENT!!! YOU GOT MY LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!
THANK YOU!!!!!
Thanks for the quickguide! You saved me a lot of time and head-scratching. 👌😅
Thanks! I write it all down so I can find this crazy stuff again myself.
Thanks ken! Just got my 780 this week, upgraded from the d800.
Love it???? Hope so!!! Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Starting to love it, almost there. There's a lot of new features I need to figure out how to use in my portrait shoots.
Great video!! You just opened my eyes to even more great things about my D780!! Thanks!
Hope you LOVE yours! Thanks!
Just received my D780 yesterday, thanks for this video! 🙌🏾🙌🏾👌🏾
Thank you!!!
@@KenRockwellTV hey Ken do you think its better in low light from the D4 or D850?
See www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d4.htm#iso and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d850.htm#highisos
Really liked the video I just got this camera I been trying to turn focus conformation beep I have beep sounds enabled but camera doesn't beep when it finds focus I miss hearing the beep to let me know its found focus
Very well done Ken. All camera manufacturers would do well to provide a RUclips video to improve their customers’ experience. I wish there was an easy way to get RUclips videos to go back 20 seconds to make it easy to replay certain bits. I love your reviews.
I could make them 20 seconds, but I’d need a lot of them to cover all the features. I do a lot of editing for brevity. Thanks!
Hi Christian....you can just tap on the screen on the left side once or twice or three times etc to rewind....same goes for the right side to forward. Great video Ken. Thanks.
Awesome tips. Thanks Ken!
Hope they help. I write them down so I can find them again. Thanks!
Ken I am. Buying a camera after years away. I love Nikon and was considering which one for me at 73 I have glass and just need to pick camera. Thank you the 780 is still being sold and the 850 I think a 780 is enough for me now.
Both are superb. 780 is newer while 850 has even more resolution
Ken, I have consulted you for some time on all things Nikon. I would like to add my opinion with regard to settings on the D780. While one can indeed copy your settings to a card and upload them to the 780 camera, it is very beneficial to manually go through the various screens to find where the various setting are located. Please continue to help photographers and photography in general with your excellent guidance.
Thanks and I agree. People ask for my settings, so for those who want them, there you go.
Great! Thank you, Ken
Thank YOU!!!
Absolutely brilliant Sir!; just purchased a D780 and trying to work it out!; I am using a 18-55mm AFP VR DX lens and just zooming in slightly to reduce the vignetting and the image quality is superb!; will try to find the same lens as you had on your Camera!
Forget DX lenses like that on the d780, stick to FX for obvious reasons. My fave lens for it is the www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-300mm.htm thanks!
Thanks for sharing Ken.
Thank you!
Finding your channel after buying a Nikon IS GOLD!
Thanks!!! Even better is my website KenRockwell.com
@@KenRockwellTV do you have a Instagram?
I’m having trouble tethering my D7 80 with tether tools cable and light room classic. Can you share any insight as to what might be the best combination of hardware and software for tethering a D7 80?
No idea whatsoever, never shot tethered. That scares me, unless it’s wireless. Thanks for asking!
Goodness bless you for this!!!!
Thank you!!!!!
Hello Ken which camera between the D4s and the d780 would you chose in terms of picture quality and AF reliability?
D780.
hi Ken, just curious, is this camera overkill for micro-photography?
Yes, could be. You probably don’t need the frame rate. Thanks!
Hello there!
I have the Nikon D3500 with the cropped sensor, more than a year and I'm feeling like I hit my limits with that camera. Should I jump to d750 or to d780? Does d780 have WiFi connection or it works only with the snapbridge of Nikon? Thank you for your review and thank you in advance for your guidance!
Sincerely,
Kostas
Hi! What limits? The D3500 is superb. I don’t know that it has limits. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/upgrades.htm thanks!
Awesome video! Thanks, As a long time Canon shooter I think about puchasing a Nikon d780. How does it compare to a Canon 5d mk4 in low light?
Thanks.
Stick with Canon. See my written reviews at KenRockwell.com for sample files from these two cameras at every ISO. Canon is better for handing and support; how they compare at high ISOs is the least important thing.
Thanks. I thought face recognition can only be used in LIVE MODE. True?
Not really. DSLRs have had effective face recognition since at least the D3 of 2007; see its review and sample here www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3/performance-pre.htm#focus The Japanese always like to gin-up the newest subtle doffence, like eyelash- and cornea- detection autofocus, but even my 2007 gets the job done great. This is suspect the D780 will do at least as well in regular shooting - live view is a silly way to use the d780. Thanks!
thank you very much SIR.
Thank you!
Hi Ken. Have you tried your Tamron 100-400 on the D780 and did everything work properly please? Thanks
Never tried that combo. No worries; get it from an approved source www.kenrockwell.com/links.htm#stores and you can return it for a full cash refund if you don’t love it. Thanks!
Thanks Ken. I’m just patiently waiting for the price on this to continue to drop and hobbling with my d610 for now. I have no need for mirrorless beyond the tech they built into this camera and I love my vintage and contemporary F mount lenses. Looks like third parties are making a grip for this now.
Exactly. Mirrorless is novel, while your DSLR is still higher performing. Thanks!
I've noticed that used prices of D780 are coming down. I am kind of tempted. I love my D750 but sometimes I need to use live view to get a shot over peoples heads or something like that and the focusing then sucks. I think that the D780 solves that problem, right?
@@PJ-om2wq yes, it will completely solve live view and make it what it always should have been. You get two focusing systems with their own strengths here.
I ended up getting one for about the current price. There was a period they were selling for higher than I paid for mine. I think the camera is fantastic if you have a collection of f glass, in particular d version glass (28/85/105/135 all excellent and the 35 and 50 are compact and can do the job), which is basically useless adapted (no autofocus. If I want to manual focus I’ll get a Zeiss or a Leica or a Voigtlander). I love the sound of the mirrors and the optical viewfinder experience. My other cameras are a Leica m10 and a sigma FP. I have no interest in the crap Sony has put out. This Nikon is a huge winner.
THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO! I'm looking to upgrade my classic D750 with a 24-70mm and wideangle 12-24mm lenses
and go for either a D780 or D850, and this tutorial is very helpful unless I decide to go mirrorless wirh the Z system! LOL
Pass on the Z, look instead at Canon see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm thanks!!!
Great tips Ken, love your channel 🙏👍👍
Thanks Garry!!!
Fantastic thanks Ken
Thank you!
Hi Ken, you said, you use USB type C cable for charging the battery. There is one USB-c Cable is in the box. But what I'm confused, how to charge it? Any specific power adapter need to use or any charging adapter, e.g. power adapter for my android phone will do? Can I use a power bank to charge it?
It charges from any USB source. More at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780-users-guide.htm#charge Thanks!
Plug USB c cable into camera. It has a charging light that will stay ok while charging. Also comes with the charger that you insert battery into and plug into outlet.
I checked it. It works with any power adapter and also from pc or laptop USB port. Only restriction is camera should be switched off. If you power on the camera, charging stops and resume again when you switch off the camera again.
I have been considering the D780 for some time now. However I have, up until the recent situation been shooting a lot in theatres on stage plus the portraiture of actors. I rely on the on board flash on my D700, D610 and D750 when set to commander mode to trigger my main light sources - SB700 and SB910. I do have an SB400 but believe that this will not act as a flash trigger for the D780. Is this so?
The D780 has no built-in flash. The SB-400 can’t work as a commander atop the D780, unless of course you shoot the SB-400 in manual mode (set that in camera) and run the other flashes in regular 1970s slave mode.
i still use my d700, i love it. but the rubber and all the things are showing its age after thousands of shots. i've only ever used a 50mm on my camera, and also 28-300mm lens thats insane!!! definitely need to check that out. if i were to ever upgrade which i dont think i would, but if i did in the future i would definitely buy the d780, thanks ken!
Thanks again!
Is this possible to record a good quality short flim!?
Of course. Quality depends on your skill, not the camera. I worked in Hollywood when The Blair Witch Project feature film did so well - and it set us on ear because it was shot on a Hi-8 camcorder!
Ken, I just got this camera and am struggling to find how to sync my studio strobes with it. I called Nikon and there is no Commander mode function. How does the D780 use off camera flash?
Hi Annie, Easy: I use the SB-30 as the trigger for my manual strobes. The SB-30 even has a dark sliding panel that blocks visible light but passes infra-red to trigger the optical slave on my power pack. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb30.htm
Nikon should know this, the fact that they don’t is among the reasons I moved to Canon. Of course the D780 has no commander mode; it has no built in flash. If you want to control other I-TTL flash, then you buy a flash that has the commander mode like the SB-500 and put in it your D780’s hot shoe www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb500.htm or one of Nikons dedicated commanders like the SU-800 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/su800.htm which you can get at www.adorama.com/?kbid=21866&sku=NKSU800
And the simplest way for one off camera flash is an extension cord for the hot shoe that lest you hold another flash in your other hand a few feet away with an SC-28 remote cord www.adorama.com/?kbid=21866&sku=NKSC28
And last but not least, if you just want to use a cord to run to your power pack like the 1950s, put a hot shoe to PC terminal adapter in your shoe and plug in www.adorama.com/DLCHSPCANK.html?kbid=21866
Thank you so much, Ken!!! I really appreciate your time and expertise!!!!
Thanks Ken
Thanks, Brandt!
Superb job as always!! BTW, I was joking about the tattoos and hat and stuff in that comment a while back. I think you took me seriously. I get so tired of seeing those types. Like I said though, Don't change anything!! Looking forward to more videos from you!!
Oh, dude - I’ve spent the last month totally getting my arms, neck and face tatted up. That’s why I have been off camera until it’s ready. I’m going to be looking good !
@@KenRockwellTV LOL!!! Don't forget to jump around all over the place too!! I'll be watching for ya!! ;-)
I am changing from canon to Nikon and this camera seems so much more complicated than what I have now, but I know ill get used to it eventually. Thank you for this video
Hope it helps. Here are all the details www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780-users-guide.htm
Stay with cannon always better autofocus. Great review I just bought a d780 in 2023 so many f lenses
Another great guide. Thanks Ken! Quick question, I have a Canon A-1 film camera with a few lenses, flash and motor drive and I shoot mostly landscapes and portraits. I'm looking for my first DSLR or Mirrorless. I prefer full sensor. What do you recommend, Nikon Z6 or D780?
Neither! Canon EOS RP is the best, AND least expensive. The newer R5 and R6 are nice, but bigger and much more expensive. See www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm
Just ordered a D780. Been enjoying my D7200 but I decided to get back into FX.
Let me know how much you LOVE it! Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV I haven't had a chance yet to take it out but from what I have snapped so far, I'm impressed with the image quality, true Nikon colors, and how much quieter it is than my D7200. There is nothing like full frame for wide angle. I took a pic with the Irix Blackstone 15mm f/2.4 and WOW!
i wonder how that 58mm noct would look with a macro tube
Silly idea; a real macro lens like the extraordinary 55mm f/2.8 is a far better idea, with or without an extension tube. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55f28ais.htm
Def worth upgrading from the D750
Thanks!
Ken, great video.....some good settings! Your 28-300 lens is the camera compensating for the Distortion this lens captures? (barrel or pinch)
As always read the written review for all these details. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780.htm#corrections thanks!
Which would you recommend for weddings and events. For even money, a used d850 or the d780?
Tough call. I’d look at the controls and se which you prefer. I really love the mode dial of the d780. If money matters, don’t forget the d750
Hi Ken, do you have any recommendations on settings or lens calibration for the 24-120 F4 to get some more sharpness out of it. Fantastic lens but I feel some settings are not quite right.
Forget “calibrations.” Not needed and more likely you’ll make it worse. Change your sharpening settings at picture controls . Try increasing to 755 rather than the default. Only shoot ISO 100 or below, higher isos are always softer, just be sure everything holds still
@@KenRockwellTV thanks Ken!!!!
Sir , how can we check a photo setting or which setting a photo has been taken in playback mode
That often can be read later in software.
In my d7200 and d850 is use Playbak menu/Playback display options.
Are you going to make a Fuji xt4 video like this? I have a Fuji xt2 which has been great for everything and am interested in upgrading for the ibis
Maybe, depends on what else is going on when I might get round to it. Thanks for asking!
Hey Ken great review as usual! I've been following you for many years, I got a D70 back in the day and today I am using a D850, in fact I even remember translating a couple of articles on your website into Italian :) May I ask you something concerning non CPU lenses? I am using a Nikkor 135mm F2.8 (my Dad bought it in Japan in 1979, he was using an FE back then), and even though I have entered the info in the non CPU lens data menu, exposure seems to be a bit off, namely the camera overexposes quite a bit. Do you happen to know what the issue might be? Should I give up matrix metering? Thanks a lot and keep the great reviews coming !
See if overexposure more common at small apertures (f11) bit ok at 2.8. If so, it means your diaphragm is sticky and not stopping down for some or all shots, meaning it needs service. You can try this by taking lens off camera, setting to f22 and seeing if diaphragm responds to tweaking the lever on the back of the lens mount. Grazie!
Ken Rockwell awesome tip as usual :) grazie mille!
Ken Rockwell you were absolutely right! The diaphragm gets stuck around f 5.6 😲 interestingly the camera displays the aperture correctly (i.e. it matches the number on the ring) even though of course the diaphragm is stuck. Kudos to you!
More review on Sony mirrorless Mr. Rockwell. Would love to know in details and functions on Sony stuff. Thanks.
Coming, as I get each new piece. Thanks!
I think it makes sense that the LCD illumination doesn't switch on when in endless exposure. It might influence your long-time low-light exposure.
Thanks!
I absolutely love this camera for property and weddings and cant see me moving to mirrorless anytime soon i have 2 of these currently plus a D750 and the D780 is worlds apart!!!
Exactly!! Thanks!
Thanks for your excellent review.
Just one question what picture control should I select while using a polariser? I mean for the clouds to stand out on a blue sky?
I use Vivid and +3 saturation, but I’m nuts. Polarizers went obsolete about 1990 when Velvia came out ( www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/velvia-50.htm ); I never use them because with Modern films and now digital all they often do is turn the sky close to black; be careful. More about D780 settings at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780-users-guide.htm#pixctl and of course way more at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780-users-guide.htm#top thanks!
Does anyone know if there is a setting where you can switch from live view to view finder quickly.
Like the Z 7 ii does.
You lost me. View finder and Live View are different kinds of things; they don’t switch. Thanks!
Pressing the live view button?
- Went through THREE 780s and had flash issues with each one, while using the SB 700s. Advice out there ? (all from B&H)
Yes. Find a local shooter whose work you admire and is good with lighting and flash. Show him your work and see what he can suggest. I can’t help much without being there to see your images and ask what you were doing. Lighting is an art that can take a lifetime to master. Also be wary if you’re using any flashes or accessories that aren’t genuine Nikon; often off brands never work very well in any of the auto exposure modes. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV - thanks very much Ken. Issues were the flash not firing, or firing intermittently, usually in lower light situations. Never had that issue before in 46 years of shooting. I'll check with some of the photo (and 780) groups online. Thumbs up.
Thanks K.R.
Thanks N.R.P.!
Shree K.R.JI
Thank you
You’re welcome!!!
Thank you Ken, another great video. I’m still contemplating if I move from the D750 to the D780 or the Z series. i’m in no rush though, as I love the D750, even if it is not the greatest for family videos. Question: do you use the the back button focus?
I never use the back button for focus. I use iPhone for videos, much better than anything else. Thanks!
use back button focusing.....it will do wonders to your photography
Hi how do I disable the shutter button to not focus I just wanted to use only af on button thank you ken
It’s someplace in MENU > Custom > controls > and set the af system only to work when you press the AF button. By default the camera autofocuses with a half press of the shutter; it might be in a different menu but you can set the AF system not to run with the shutter button.
@@KenRockwellTV thank you ken
does this 780 have a command dial lock like my older d700?
There is a lock for the rear multi controller. Otherwise search Nikons full manual at download.nikonimglib.com/archive4/1VrOl001nkJg04v4FxL41Yav8V82/D780RM_(En)02.pdf to see if it does exactly what you want thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV i searched that manual until i was blue in the face. couldn’t find it. on my d700 one can assign that to the fn button. it’s there as an option. i do t see that option on the d780. i thought maybe that you might know.
Sir nice guidance...
Thank you
Looks nice but I love the layout in my D800... I really like having the functions accessible on the top left button on my D800. But the low light capabilities of the D780... (the 780 looks more fragile than the 800)
Sounds good. Thanks!
Can you do a video on how to take great pictures
Some day! See www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm
Hello, do you have photo results for this camera so we can see it somewhere.. please
Yes! You can see the photos and download the original files at my written review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780.htm#sampleimages
Thanks, but I'd like to see pictures of your experiences@@KenRockwellTV
Which microphone are you using in this video?
A stereo pair of Senal SCM-660 with much outboard processing. www.kenrockwell.com/audio/senal/scm-660.htm my head moves and my choice of mic placement exaggerates it. Do you like it or hate it?
👍 keep the hard work Mr
Slave driver! Took me a month to do all this D780 stuff. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV always listen your vids, they are very informative although I will skip DSLRs, I have a small budget and I think I have plenty with z6
Gostaria de saber porque ( flash Control ) não abre no menu da Nikon 780
¡Gracias!
Beats me! Sorry about that.
Can the view finder be closed for long exposure or do have to use a view finder cap like I do on the D750
The viewfinder blind (or the palm of your hand) is only used to keep stray light from behind the camera from fooling the meter in the finder if your eye isn’t on the finder. It’s not needed for exposure, just for measuring exposure where stray light could lead to underexposure if your eye was absent. There’s no blind in the d780, so keep your eye on the finder - or use live view in which case it also is not used. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV thank you
Hey Ken, off the top of your head, which mirrorless camera has auto eye detect, 2 memory cards slots and in body stabilisation? Thx mate, great info here!
Only the newer Sonys. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV A7R2? or 3?
Cant decide to get another D750 or the new D780 for our property photography ?
See my full written review for the differences: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780.htm#compared and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780.htm#new pictures will be the same. See also kenrockwell.com/tech/is-it-worth-it.htm
I'm a film shooter and I want to jump to dslr, as I have a good collection of nikon lenses (used on my f100) I'm planning a ff Nikon dslr, I'm between the d810 and the d780, which one does you recommend for me?
We’re all different, and the D780 is much newer and handles highlights marvelously. I’d get it.
By the way, have Nikon found a way to show a histogram in the viewfinder of the new D780? or is this the preserve of only mirrorless cameras?
NO. Only works with an electronic finder. Thanks.
I bought d780. Is the shutter release button really that sensitive compared to d3400? I almost dont feel the halfway press.
I forget; they’re similar but will vary.
Hello Ken,
Is your D780 setup file work with the D750?
No, sorry. They’re very different cameras internally. Here’s my D750 file www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d750.htm#use Thanks for asking!
You'r probably the most fluent instructor that rocks well all the zillions of Nikon settings we like to play with. In fact you did it so fast that I had to turn down the speed for the video! I'm just in the process of thinking about to upgrade from the D750 to the D780 because of the video, touch screen and WLAN enhancements and features. Not sure yet but may be I get your expert opinion. It's not about the money, rather "do I really need it" and what I do with the D750 ... Thank for sharing your knowledge with us! PS: Watch for donation of USD 50 via PYPL by this nick name.
Thanks! Of course there are far more details and comparisons at my written review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780.htm
Just ordered my D780 with the 24-120 VR. Can't wait! Great rundown on the settings. How well does face detect work in the optical viewfinder? Thanks!
Works great in my 2007 D3, so while I haven’t given it much of a workout in the D780, it’s got to be good.
Is that a new Nikon lens. I know it's sold as a kit lens but I shoot a lot of video now and the VR will be handy for me.
Mark Shirley 24-120 came out in 2010 and is their newest version. Full review www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/24-120mm.htm
It’s just me or someone else hates that you can’t focus close to the borders with the viewfinder?
Eh? It’s ground glass; you can focus manually anywhere even if not AF. Yes, I had always hoped AF would cover the frame, and in mirrorelsss it does. Thanks!
You know what will be the best F mount camera Nikon could make? A DF2
Thanks!
Does the picture control affects raw files? thank you
No, but it probably tags them so some software can apply those settings is you want. All depends on your software, which always changes. That’s why I don’t look at raw files: because you can’t look at them until processed by software, which is a huge variable.
Is d750 can match with this d780 for still image?
Yes. All nikons since about 2007 look the same when set the same.
First like btw
Thanks! Good stuff comes later in this video.
The only real upgrade over the d750 is you get 4k video that's it they both have 24 megapixel sensors they both have tilting screens it boils down to you get 4k video are you willing to pay another $1000 and get 4k video.
That’s about it. Full details of what’s different at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780.htm#new
You get 1/8000 speed which is important for me
Plus... The D780 is/has:
1/2fps faster
Expeed 6 (vs 4)
Bluetooth
UHS-II support
~.2MP more resolution (negligible)
1/8000 shutter
Higher rear screen resolution
Extended shutter times (>30sec) disregarding bulb mode
The new sensor alone is a nice upgrade over the 750 coupled with Expeed 6. Although I personally wouldn't be able to justify the price if upgrading from a 750. I upgraded from a crop 7100.
In 2020 you still explain Nikon basic fonction?
Yes! Thanks!
You must get a lot of dust on your sensor.
Nope. My videos are shot with so much light so close at such high resolution that with a black camera all sorts of invisible dust is seen. In person you can’t see it. Thanks!
Хорошая затычка для объектива
Спасибо!
Why do you use a this dark amateur lens? why not 24-70 2.8.
Because I’m good enough to take great photos with whatever gear is in my hands, and obviously the 28-300 is the most convenient over missing photos changing lenses. Thanks! Full review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-300mm.htm
People don't charge your camera through the charge port.
But I do. Thanks!
Eh Ken you want to get rid of that Noc.? :=) I can take some okay pics with my 18-70 DX.
Want a real NOCT? I got mine at rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5574731834&toolid=10001&campid=5336071501&customid=&icep_uq=(Nikon,Nikkor)%20Noct%20-(50,0.95,1.4)&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg
Full NOCT info www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/58.htm
At least half of that stuff is missing from their lower end cameras, which is fine, but the problem is that it's never highlighted in the spec sheet. Plus a few more deal breakers that you didn't even mention, like on camera flash control and live aperture control in liveview.
But I'm still not upgrading. I'm not even buying new Nikon lenses. Mirrorless is the future for cameras, and Canon is far more innovative in lenses. Nikon SLR is over for me. I've got my eye on that 60MP Sony.
Go for it! Thanks.
Cameras today are waaaayyy too complicated. I know... they do render beautiful results. I just bought a Fuji x pro3 and it will be another several months before I have ir all figured out. I'm not a pro. Although very experienced it's not all I do so it's easy to lose track of where things are. Just saying.
Fuji’s like that - always makes me feel like a moron. That’s why I prefer other brands.
@@KenRockwellTV So... the Leica Q2 for three times (or more) the money?
Don Durham easy: if you want great pictures, get the Nikon. If you want a bauble to impress others, consider the LEICA.
@@KenRockwellTV Ken, as always you boil it down to the essence. Thanks for your insight and replies... I'm amazed you keep up with this stuff.
You went to fast for my liking, couldn't keep up! Will look elsewhere for tips!!
Here’s the secret: find the gear icon or playback options menu, select PLAYBACK SPEED and try 0.75x or 0.5x. Cool, huh? Thanks!
You know you can press pause