Nikon D780

Nikon D780

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I chose the Nikon D780 for a few different reasons. It uses two SD cards, it’s a relatively late model DSLR, it has the ability to use a wide variety of F-mount Nikon/Nikkor lenses both manual and auto focus. It takes 4K video and is reasonably priced. I have a really nice bag of MF lenses and now have four G series lenses for it.

AF-S Nikkor 18-35 f3.5-4.5 G ED FX 

AF-S Nikkor AF-S 50mm f1.8 G FX

AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 G ED VR FX

AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR FX

I am learning so much about the D780 controls. If I want to use one of my manual focus Nikkor lenses, I can, the F-mount is forward and backward compatible. But with my AF (auto focus) lenses above, I don’t have to, just about cover the whole focal length of my MF (manual focus) lenses. 

After unboxing, for my first pic, I chose the AI-S 20mm f2.8, mounted it to the body and went outside. Taking a look at the controls, everything is way different so I just focused on our flower pot outside our front door and snapped a pic. I went back inside and started reading about how to get the image out of the camera, off the memory (SD card) Nikon has an APP for my iPhone 16pro, SnapBridge so I uploaded it to both iPhone and iPad, dug around in the D780 menu and ran the APP, pairing the camera to my phone and boom, I am in.

My first quick photo after turning it on.

This digital camera will keep my film cameras happy. I can feed them premium film and get HQ processing now. I’ll carry two cameras in the field, snaps with the D780 and compose with the F3 or FE2. I can share my MF lens quiver with both.

Also, the D780 has video capabilities so now I can start practicing shooting video, editing on my iPad. The Idea is taking shape. Just about all components are in place. I can now start planning to visit the rock art sites and studying Freemont, Anasazi and Hohokom styles, developing a body of work, images in my mind to use to paint the ideas I have.

I use two of the following SD cards, fast and lots of storage. I also use an SB-400 Speedlight flash for both night and fill. I carry my D780 without a strap most of the time by using a Lowepro Nova 1 camera bag on a shoulder sling.

Super excited to learn how to use a modern pro level digital camera.

Below are a few photographs from the D780

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Resources

Nikon D780 Review (Maarten Heilbronn)
Nikon D780 (Ken Rockwell) User’s Guide

Nikon D780 - Hands On Review
Nikon D780 Secrets (Ken Rockwell)
Nikon D780 Menu Set Up Guide (Steve Perry)
Nikon D780 Settings - Landscape, Portrait (Leigh & Raymond Photography)
Astrophotography for Beginners - Gear, Settings & Tips (Mallory Davis Photography)

camera | lens | film | flash