Upgrade Guide
Nikon D5→Nikon Nikon D780
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The Nikon D780 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D5 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the Nikon D780
-
Resolution25MP vs 21MP (+4MP)
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StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Generation4 years newer (2020 vs 2016)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | D5 | Nikon D780 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.7 | ||
| Street | +1.5 | ||
| Travel | +1.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.5 | ||
| Filmmaking | +0.7 | ||
| Documentary | +1.0 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.4 | ||
| Landscape | +0.9 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.3 | ||
| Casual | +1.3 | ||
| Food | +1.5 | ||
| Macro | +1.8 | ||
| Architecture | +1.0 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.4 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D5 | Nikon D780 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,800 | £1,999 | |
| Released | 2016 | 2020 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 20.8MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 24.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS | |
| Resolution | 21MP | 25MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K UHD 30fps (heavy sensor crop) | 4K/30p, 10-bit N-Log via HDMI, 1080p/120p | |
| Autofocus | Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system, 99 cross-type | 51-point DSLR phase-detect (viewfinder); on-sensor hybrid AF with eye detection (live view/video) | |
| Stabilisation | — | No stabilisation | |
| Burst Rate | 12fps mechanical | 7fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~3780 shots (CIPA) | 2,260 shots (CIPA, viewfinder) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1405g (body only) | 840g (with battery and card) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | OVF 0.72× magnification, 100% coverage | Optical pentaprism, 0.7x magnification, 100% coverage | |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.36M dots | Tilting touchscreen | |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F-mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual XQD slots (XQD variant) | Dual SD (UHS-II) |
Compare side-by-side
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Nikon D780 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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