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Nikon D780 vs Panasonic GH2

The Nikon D780 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2020 and September 2010. The D780 is a DSLR, while the GH2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D780) and a Four Thirds (GH2) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24.3 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D780
versus
Panasonic GH2
Nikon D780   Panasonic GH2
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
24.3 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800) ISO 160-12,800
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1534k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2359k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Tilting touchscreen Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
12 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
2260 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
144 x 116 x 76 mm, 840 g 124 x 90 x 76 mm, 442 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D780 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D780 and the Panasonic GH2. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GH2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D780 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D780 vs Panasonic GH2
Compare D780 versus GH2 top
Comparison D780 or GH2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH2 is considerably smaller (33 percent) than the Nikon D780. Moreover, the GH2 is substantially lighter (47 percent) than the D780. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D780 is splash and dust resistant, while the GH2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D780) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH2). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GH2, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D780 gets 2260 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15b battery, while the GH2 can take 330 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 power pack. The power pack in the D780 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D780 144 mm 116 mm 76 mm 840 g 2260 Y Jan 2020 US$ 2 299 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 US$ 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 6D Mark II 144 mm 111 mm 75 mm 765 g 1200 Y Jun 2017 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 US$ 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 US$ 749ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The GH2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 61 percent) than the D780, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D780 features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic GH2 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH2 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the D780 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH2 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D780 and Panasonic GH2 sensor measures

With 24.3MP, the D780 offers a higher resolution than the GH2 (15.9MP), but the D780 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 3.76μm for the GH2) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D780 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 3 months) than the GH2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D780 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D780 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.1 inches or 76.8 x 51.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 40.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GH2 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The D780 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D780 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the D780 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the GH2 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D780 versus GH2 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D780 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3287795
2.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
3.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
4.
 
Canon 6D Mark II Full Frame 26.0 6240 41601080/60p24.411.9286285
5.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
6.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
7.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
8.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
9.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
10.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
11.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
12.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
13.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
14.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
15.
 
Panasonic GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
16.
 
Panasonic GM5 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.111.772166
17.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D780 provides a higher video resolution than the GH2. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Panasonic is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the GH2 has an electronic viewfinder (1534k dots), while the D780 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the GH2 has a higher magnification than the one of the D780 (0.71x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D780 and Panasonic GH2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D780optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
2.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
4.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.5/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
12.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic GM51166 n3.0 / 921 fixed Y 1/500s 5.8/s n n
17.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the D780, but is missing on the GH2 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The GH2 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D780 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D780 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D780 and the GH2 write their files to SDXC cards. The D780 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GH2 only has one slot. The D780 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the GH2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D780 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D780Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
5.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
6.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
8.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic GM5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-

It is notable that the D780 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the GH2 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D780 (unlike the GH2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The D780 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the GH2 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the GH2 was succeeded by the Panasonic GH3. Further information on the features and operation of the D780 and GH2 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D780 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH2 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D780 and the Panasonic GH2? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D780:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24.3 vs 15.9MP) with a 26% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 460k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (2260 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards on both slots.
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 3 months of technical progress since the GH2 launch.

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Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2:

  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.70x).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x90mm vs 144x116mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 398g or 47 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (61 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2010).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D780 is the clear winner of the match-up (26 : 10 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D780 26:10 GH2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D780 and the Panasonic GH2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D780 or the GH2 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D7805/5..5/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2020 US$ 2 299 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 US$ 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 6D Mark II4/5+4/580/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2017 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 US$ 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 749ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D780 vs Panasonic GH2

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D780 Panasonic GH2
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date January 2020 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 2,299 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Nikon D780 Panasonic GH2
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24.3 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6048 x 4024 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.94 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 2.84 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 160 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 6 Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 60
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 11.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 655
    Screen Specs Nikon D780 Panasonic GH2
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1534k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2359k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D780 Panasonic GH2
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D780 Panasonic GH2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Nikon D780 Panasonic GH2
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15b Panasonic DMW-BLC12
    Battery Life (CIPA)2260 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 144 x 116 x 76 mm
    (5.7 x 4.6 x 3.0 in)
    124 x 90 x 76 mm
    (4.9 x 3.5 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 840 g (29.6 oz) 442 g (15.6 oz)
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