Nikon Z6 is better for video than Nikon D780

I think a lot of Nikon shooters are curious about which Nikon camera is currently their best video camera. I did some extensive research, and found some nice sample videos that make me conclude that the title belongs to the Nikon Z6, which is even better than the newly launched D780. The latter is actually Nikon's best video DSLR, however I don't think it can beat the Z6 as the overall best Nikon video camera. Let's compare the basic video specs first.

Basic spec comparison

Here's a basic specifications comparison between the Z6 and the D780. The sensor is the same in both cases, but there are small differences in terms of hardware: The D780 has a better LCD (it's newer), while the Z6 has IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilisation) and a smaller lighter body (however some Z lenses are heavier and bulkier than the F lenses). IBIS is huge in terms of shooting more steady hand-held and to get more out of old manual lenses (for stills, mainly).

Items	Nikon Z6	Nikon D780
Type	DSLR	MILC
Sensor	24.5 mpxl CMOS sensor with IBIS	24.5 mpxl CMOS sensor
Lens mount	Z-mount	F-mount
Memory card	1 x XQD / CFexpress	2 x SD (UHS-II compliant)
LCD resolution	2,100,000 dots	2,359,000 dots
4K UHD options	30p / 25p / 24p	30p / 25p / 24p
Full HD options	120p / 100p / 60p / 30p / 25p / 24p	120p / 100p / 60p / 30p / 25p / 24p
DX mode (1.5 crop)	Available (except for 120/100p)	Available
Recording time limit	29 min 59 sec	29 min 59 sec
Battery	EN-EL15b	EN-EL15b
Weight with battery + card	675 g	840 g
Weight with 50mm 1.8 lens	1090 g	1025 g

Now let's look at the real world examples from both cameras. You will quickly realize that the colors are very similar, and they are beautiful. But the reason why I give the edge to the Z6 is the continuous auto-focus performance, which is superior. Fact is, the F-mount lenses are not optimized for video. You can often hear them hunting for focus, as well as a clacking noise, which is annoying and notable in the videos. The Z lenses focus silently and were designed with video in mind.

Nikon Z6 video samples

These videos were made by the Korean Youtuber and website called WAPY. First let's have a look at the Nikon Z6 4K and footage which is nearly flawless.







Nikon D780 video samples

Here's the Nikon D780 footage: Colors are nearly as amazing, but there's some hunting when it comes to auto-focus. It just isn't as smooth as the Z6's, but still acceptable in my opinion.







In conclusion

What's your opinion on the Z6 and D780 for video? Which one did you like best and why? Share in the comments.