Upgrade Guide
Nikon Nikon D780→Nikon Z30
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The Z30 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most Nikon D780 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the Z30
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Burst rate11fps vs 7fps
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Battery life~300 shots (CIPA) vs 2,260 shots (CIPA, viewfinder)
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Generation2 years newer (2022 vs 2020)
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution21MP (down from 25MP — optimised for low light)
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
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 | Nikon D780 | Z30 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.4 | ||
| Street | +1.1 | ||
| Travel | +0.4 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.5 | ||
| Filmmaking | -1.2 | ||
| Documentary | -1.1 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.7 | ||
| Landscape | -1.3 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.1 | ||
| Casual | +3.0 | ||
| Food | +1.0 | ||
| Macro | +0.6 | ||
| Architecture | -0.6 | ||
| Astrophotography | -1.3 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Nikon D780 | Z30 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £479 | |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 24.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 25MP | 21MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/30p, 10-bit N-Log via HDMI, 1080p/120p | 4K/30p, 4K/60p (with crop), 1080p/120p | |
| Autofocus | 51-point DSLR phase-detect (viewfinder); on-sensor hybrid AF with eye detection (live view/video) | Phase-detect, 209 points, subject tracking (human/animal/vehicle) | |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | No stabilisation | |
| Burst Rate | 7fps | 11fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 2,260 shots (CIPA, viewfinder) | ~300 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 840g (with battery and card) | 405g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 0.7x magnification, 100% coverage | No viewfinder | |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount | Nikon Z-mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD (UHS-II) | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
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