[6] It is the successor to the Nikon D750 and has incorporated a lot of technologies from mirrorless Z6 camera.

[7] As compared to the previous Nikon D750, this camera body has an upgraded EXPEED 6 processor (the D750 had an EXPEED 4 processor), a BSI CMOS sensor that allows for better low-light performance (the D750 had an ISO range of 100–12,800, where the D780 has a range of 100–51,200), and a faster maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 (as compared to 1/4000 on the D750).

[8][9] The D780 also does not have the facility to add a battery grip with portrait orientation shooting controls.

DPReview calls the D780 "a DSLR that's learned a lot from mirrorless".

They go on to note differences between the D750 and D780, finishing with the observation that those invested in Nikon F-mount lenses should consider this body if it meets their needs.