Decision tools · Compare
Nikon D780 vs Z7 II
Quick take: The Z7 II has the highest resolution at 46MP; the Nikon D780 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·14 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
Z7 II — Landscape & Studio / High-Resolution: The Z7 II is a landscape and studio camera first, everything else second. 45.7MP with weather sealing and dual card slots is a compelling package. If you need resolution, it delivers. If you don't, the Z6 II is the smarter buy.
Who should buy what
Z7 II (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
- Landscape photographers who print large or need to crop significantly
- Studio and commercial photographers requiring maximum resolution
- Architecture photographers where detail is non-negotiable
- Fine-art photographers who shoot primarily from a tripod
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | Nikon D780Nikon · 2020 | Z7 IINikon · 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999Best | £2,499 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 45.7MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 25.0MP | 45.7MPBest |
| Video | 4K/30p, 10-bit N-Log via HDMI, 1080p/120p | 4K/60p, 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | 51-point DSLR phase-detect (viewfinder); on-sensor hybrid AF with eye detection (live view/video) | Phase-detect, 493 points, Eye AF, subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops (up to 6 stops with VR lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 7fps | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronicBest |
| Battery Life | 2,260 shots (CIPA, viewfinder) | ~420 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 840g (with battery and card) | 615g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | — | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 0.7x magnification, 100% coverage | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M dots |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD (UHS-II) | Dual card: 1× CFexpress Type B / XQD + 1× SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
Nikon D780
Z7 II
Portrait
6.7/10
7.9/10
Street
5.4/10
6.0/10
Travel
5.6/10
6.0/10
Wedding & Events
7.3/10
7.5/10
Filmmaking
6.2/10
6.6/10
Documentary
6.5/10
6.9/10
Sports & Action
6.3/10
7.2/10
Landscape
6.2/10
6.8/10
Wildlife
6.2/10
7.4/10
Casual
4.2/10
4.7/10
Food
5.8/10
7.0/10
Macro
5.4/10
6.8/10
Architecture
5.9/10
6.8/10
Astrophotography
6.7/10
6.0/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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