What To Know
- The D780 is a versatile camera for videographers, offering 4K UHD video recording at up to 30fps and Full HD video recording at up to 120fps.
- The D4, on the other hand, features a more robust magnesium alloy body and is weather-sealed to a higher level, making it ideal for extreme conditions.
- The D4 is a more expensive camera, but it offers a higher level of performance and durability that may be worth the investment for professional photographers.
In the realm of professional photography, Nikon’s D780 and D4 stand as formidable contenders, each offering a unique set of capabilities and features. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two cameras, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Sensor and Image Quality
The D780 boasts a 24.5MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, while the D4 features a 16MP full-frame CMOS sensor. Despite the lower resolution, the D4’s larger pixel size (7.3µm vs. 5.9µm) contributes to excellent low-light performance with a native ISO range of 100-12800 (expandable to 50-204800). The D780, on the other hand, offers a slightly wider dynamic range and better color depth, resulting in more vibrant and detailed images.
Autofocus and Performance
Both cameras employ Nikon’s advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus system, providing fast and accurate subject tracking. The D780 features 51 autofocus points (15 cross-type), while the D4 boasts 51 autofocus points (9 cross-type). However, the D4’s autofocus system is more sensitive in low light (-4EV vs. -3EV), making it more suitable for challenging lighting conditions.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The D780 excels in continuous shooting speed, capturing up to 12fps with full autofocus and auto-exposure. The D4, on the other hand, offers a more modest 10fps with full autofocus and auto-exposure. However, the D4’s buffer capacity is significantly larger (100 RAW images vs. 62 RAW images), allowing for longer bursts of continuous shooting.
Video Capabilities
The D780 is a versatile camera for videographers, offering 4K UHD video recording at up to 30fps and Full HD video recording at up to 120fps. It also features a full-width HDMI port for clean output to external recorders. The D4, while not as feature-rich for video, still produces high-quality Full HD video at up to 60fps.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The D780 is built with a durable magnesium alloy body and is weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture. The D4, on the other hand, features a more robust magnesium alloy body and is weather-sealed to a higher level, making it ideal for extreme conditions.
Connectivity and Storage
Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer and remote control. The D780 features a single XQD card slot, while the D4 has dual CFExpress/XQD card slots for increased storage capacity and data redundancy.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D780 body is currently available for around $2,300, while the Nikon D4 body is priced at around $6,000. The D4 is a more expensive camera, but it offers a higher level of performance and durability that may be worth the investment for professional photographers.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
The Nikon D780 and D4 are both excellent cameras for professional photographers, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The D780 is a more versatile and affordable option, offering a good balance of image quality, performance, and features. The D4, on the other hand, is a more specialized camera designed for demanding professional applications that require exceptional low-light performance, durability, and continuous shooting speed.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which camera has better low-light performance?
The Nikon D4 has better low-light performance due to its larger pixel size and higher native ISO range.
2. Which camera is faster for continuous shooting?
The Nikon D780 is faster for continuous shooting, capturing up to 12fps with full autofocus and auto-exposure.
3. Which camera has better video capabilities?
The Nikon D780 has better video capabilities, offering 4K UHD video recording at up to 30fps and Full HD video recording at up to 120fps.
4. Which camera is more durable and weather-sealed?
The Nikon D4 is more durable and weather-sealed, making it ideal for extreme conditions.
5. Which camera is more affordable?
The Nikon D780 is more affordable, costing around $2,300 compared to the D4’s price of around $6,000.
