Still, it is the first in the series to offer 4K video, albeit from a cropped region of the sensor. It was the EOS 5D Mark II that launched the trend of DSLR filmmaking, but the 5D Mark IV is no longer the standard-bearer of DSLR video. The Mark IV is also the first 5D-series model to include Wi-Fi with NFC and even has built-in GPS for geotagging photos.
While slower, CompactFlash media has been used for generations of professional full-frame cameras, so many photographers have these cards lying around. It also uses dual card slots, but sports one SD and one CompactFlash (CF). Like the D780, the Mark IV can shoot continuously at 7 fps. Even in the dim light of morning and evening, we found the camera to focus very quickly. It has a familiar design and control layout, great image quality, and the best performance the series has ever seen.īesides a newly developed 30-megapixel full-frame sensor, the 5D Mark IV uses a 61-point viewfinder autofocus system and Canon’s Dual Pixel Autofocus in live view. The 5D Mark IV is the latest member of the legendary EOS 5D family and one of the best Canon cameras. Who’s it for: Professionals and enthusiasts who want a capable full-frame DSLR. Why should you buy this: Superior live-view autofocus, and Canon’s best full-frame sensor to date Read our Nikon D780 review Best Canon DSLR: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Daven Mathies/Digital Trends The Nikon D780 offers the best balance of features for the price, however, and it’s faster live-view autofocus make it the right choice for the majority of customers. The higher-resolution (and higher-cost) Nikon D850 was our previous best DSLR, and that’s still the better camera for some photographers, namely working professionals. The LCD screen also tilts up and down, although does not flip forward, making it easier to get high- and low-angle shots. This is Nikon’s first DSLR to get these features, making it the best DSLR for video in the company’s lineup. Combined with Nikon’s N-Log flat color profile, its suitable for professional use. Not only does it shoot 4K, but it also offers 10-bit output over HDMI into an external recorder. Video is another strong suit of the D780. Not everyone needs that kind of long-lasting power, but it’s a welcome feature for those who do, like wedding photographers, and means you can save money by not having to buy spare batteries. It can work all day long with a CIPA rating of 2,260 shots per charge, the best we’ve seen. Switch to live view, and it will give you 12 fps using the electronic shutter.Ĭompared to mirrorless (and most other DSLRs, for that matter), the D780 also has marathon battery life. While not a sports camera, specifically, the D780 plays the role pretty well, capturing up to 7 frames per second. That means better accuracy and excellent subject-tracking performance, which we confirmed in our testing.
Through the viewfinder, the D780 uses the same 51-point autofocus system as the D750, but it has been updated with the focusing algorithm from the flagship D5. Unlike the Z 6, however, the D780 features dual SD memory card slots, allowing for backup, overflow, or separating media types to different cards.
The eye-detection autofocus, in particular, is very impressive.
While resolution is unchanged from the D750, the D780 can hit a higher ISO of 51,200.Įssentially the DSLR version of the mirrorless Nikon Z 6, the D780 is Nikon’s first DSLR to incorporate on-chip phase-detection autofocus, giving it responsive performance in live-view and video modes. It replaces the incredibly popular D750 - from way back in 2014 - and uses an updated 24-megapixel full-frame sensor. The D780 isn’t just Nikon’s newest DSLR, it’s also the most refined. Who’s it for: Enthusiasts who want a capable camera that fills multiple roles. Why should you buy this: It’s a DSLR that can handle just about everything At a glanceīest DSLR overall: Nikon D780 Daven Mathies/Digital Trends
While we would recommend taking a look at the best mirrorless cameras, if you’re set on a DSLR, these are our current favorites. Its great performance for both viewfinder and live-view shooting, along with a very capable video mode, make it a fantastic choice for photo enthusiasts and even some professionals. The Nikon D780 is the best DSLR you can buy.