Upgrade Guide
Nikon Nikon D780→Nikon Z6 III
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The Z6 III improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most Nikon D780 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the Z6 III
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Burst rate20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic vs 7fps
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Battery life~380 shots (CIPA) vs 2,260 shots (CIPA, viewfinder)
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Generation4 years newer (2024 vs 2020)
Unchanged or similar
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ResolutionSimilar (24MP)
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 | Z6 III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.7 | ||
| Street | +0.9 | ||
| Travel | +0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +1.0 | ||
| Filmmaking | +1.6 | ||
| Documentary | +1.4 | ||
| Sports & Action | +2.9 | ||
| Landscape | +0.8 | ||
| Wildlife | +2.7 | ||
| Casual | +1.0 | ||
| Food | +1.7 | ||
| Macro | +1.6 | ||
| Architecture | +1.3 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.7 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Nikon D780 | Z6 III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £2,199 | |
| Released | 2020 | 2024 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 24.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame Partial-stacked CMOS | |
| Resolution | 25MP | 24MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/30p, 10-bit N-Log via HDMI, 1080p/120p | 6K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, 4K/60p oversampled, N-Log, 10-bit | |
| Autofocus | 51-point DSLR phase-detect (viewfinder); on-sensor hybrid AF with eye detection (live view/video) | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle/aircraft) | |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.0 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 7fps | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 2,260 shots (CIPA, viewfinder) | ~380 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 840g (with battery and card) | 760g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 0.7x magnification, 100% coverage | EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.90× magnification | |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen | |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD (UHS-II) | Dual slots: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
Compare side-by-side
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