Should I upgrade from the Nikon D780 to the Nikon Z6 III?
Upgrading is likely worth it. Nikon's FTZ II adapter gives autofocus with AF-S and AF-P lenses; older screw-drive AF-D lenses focus manually.
What you gain
- faster bursts (20fps vs 7fps)
- better video (6K 60p RAW vs 4K 30p)
- in-body stabilisation
- a lighter body (760g vs 840g)
- a mirrorless electronic viewfinder showing the exposure before you shoot, and modern subject-detection autofocus
- 4 years of newer processing and autofocus (2020 → 2024)
What you give up
- Nothing significant on paper
What it costs
| Z6 III new | £1,899 |
| Z6 III used (MPB, typical) | £1,510 |
| Your D780 trade-in (rough estimate) | ≈ £520 |
| Net cost buying used | ≈ £990 |
Trade-in estimates assume about two-thirds of the typical MPB resale price; real offers vary with condition and shutter count.
Specs side by side
Nikon D780 specs · Nikon Z6 III specs · full comparison · best lenses for the Z6 III
Other upgrade paths
Frequently asked questions
Should I upgrade from the Nikon D780 to the Nikon Z6 III?
The upgrade is likely worth it. You gain faster bursts (20fps vs 7fps), better video (6K 60p RAW vs 4K 30p), in-body stabilisation, a lighter body (760g vs 840g).
How much does it cost to upgrade from the D780 to the Z6 III?
The Z6 III costs £1,899 new and about £1,510 used at MPB. Trading in a used D780 might bring roughly £520, so the net cost is around £990 buying used (a rough estimate: get quotes from MPB, Wex and Park Cameras).
Will my D780 lenses work on the Z6 III?
Nikon's FTZ II adapter gives autofocus with AF-S and AF-P lenses; older screw-drive AF-D lenses focus manually.