Nikon
Nikon D780
full-frame DSLR · 2020
84
/ 100
From $2,299
VS
Sony Alpha 1 II wins by 12
Sony
Sony Alpha 1 II
50 MP · 30 fps · AI subject recognition
96
/ 100
From $6,498
Specdex verdict
Sony Alpha 1 II takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D780 lands at 84 and Sony Alpha 1 II at 96. That puts Sony Alpha 1 II ahead by 12 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon D780 if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Sony Alpha 1 II if…
- ✓30 fps blackout-free
- ✓AI subject AF with recognition
- ✓No read-out rolling shutter concerns
Nikon D780 84
vs 96 Sony Alpha 1 II
Score breakdown
Nikon D780
84 photo 84
video 76
autofocus 80
ergonomics 86
Sony Alpha 1 II
96 photo 98
video 94
autofocus 100
ergonomics 92
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon D780 | Sony Alpha 1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame DSLR | — |
| Release year | 2020 | — |
| Sensor | — | 50 MP BSI stacked |
| Mount | — | Sony E |
| Video | — | 8K30, 4K120 |
| Stabilization | — | 5-axis IBIS |
Nikon D780
Pros
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
Cons
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Sony Alpha 1 II
Pros
- +30 fps blackout-free
- +AI subject AF with recognition
- +No read-out rolling shutter concerns
Cons
- −Eye-watering price
- −Incremental upgrade over A1
- −Huge file sizes
FAQ: Nikon D780 vs Sony Alpha 1 II
Which is better, Nikon D780 or Sony Alpha 1 II? +
Sony Alpha 1 II scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 12. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon D780 worth the price? +
At $2,299, Nikon D780 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in ergonomics.
Is Sony Alpha 1 II worth the price? +
At $6,498, Sony Alpha 1 II delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in autofocus.
Does Nikon D780 or Sony Alpha 1 II last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.