Nikon D780 vs Fujifilm X-E2

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D780 and the Fujifilm X-E2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D780 was introduced in January 2020 and Fujifilm X-E2 was introduced in March 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D780 Highlights

      • 24.5 MP Full Frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 2,359k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 12.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Fujifilm X-E2 Highlights

      • 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS X-TRANS II Sensor
      • 200 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 49 Focus Points (49 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 1,040k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2,360k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D780 and Fujifilm X-E2.

      PROS

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No crop on 4K Videos
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2260 shots
      •   USB Charging
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 350 g (0.77 lb / 12.35 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.5 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Weight - 840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.3 Megapixel
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,360k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Advantage of Nikon D780

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D780 over Fujifilm X-E2.

      Nikon D780 vs Fujifilm X-E2
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.5 Megapixel vs 16.3 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 51,200 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 6048 x 4024 vs 4896 x 3264
      More Focus Points 51 vs 49
      More Cross-type Focus Points 15 vs 0
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Touch Screen vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 2,359k dot vs 1,040k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.70x vs 0.62x
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 900 sec vs 30 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 12.0 fps vs 7.0 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/200 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Higher Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-In Bluetooth vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 2260 shots vs 350 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D780.

      Advantage of Fujifilm X-E2

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Fujifilm X-E2 over Nikon D780.

      Nikon D780 vs Fujifilm X-E2
      Cheaper $2299 (body only), $2799 (w/24-120mm lens) vs $999 / £799 body only, $1399 / £1199 with 18-55mm lens
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz) vs 350 g (0.77 lb / 12.35 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Fujifilm X-E2.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D780 Fujifilm X-E2
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Mini Mini
        Built-In Wi-Fi
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D780 Fujifilm X-E2
        No Image Stabilization
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min - 60 fps or less
      3 min - 120/100 fps
      30 min
        No Built-in GPS

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D780 has a 3.2" Tilting screen with 2,359k dot resolution and Fujifilm X-E2 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 1,040k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Nikon D780 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Nikon D780 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Nikon D780 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D780 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderFujifilm X-E2 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Nikon D780 features a 24.5 megapixel Full Frame BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 858 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. Fujifilm X-E2 features a 16.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS X-TRANS II sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 6,400.

      Nikon D780 has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Fujifilm X-E2 has CMOS X-TRANS II sensor

      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D780 is equipped with EXPEED 6 processor and can take pictures up to 6048 x 4024 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3936 x 2624 (DX crop) with 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Fujifilm X-E2 is equipped with EXR Processor II processor and can take pictures up to 4896 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4896 x 2760,3264 x 3264, 3456 x 2304, 3456 x 1944, 2304 x 230, 2496 x 1664, 2496 x 1408 , 1664 x 1664 with 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D780 has Nikon F lens mount and Fujifilm X-E2 has Fujifilm X lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D780 its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Fujifilm X-E2 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D780 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Fujifilm X-E2 nothing can be done. On Fujifilm X-E2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D780 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi

      Cameras have built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz on Nikon D780) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      Bluetooth on Nikon D780

      Nikon D780 has a built-in Bluetooth (version 4.1) which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. Nikon D780 has a Mini HDMI and Fujifilm X-E2 has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D780 comes with EN-EL15b battery pack with battery life of 2260 shots and Fujifilm X-E2 comes with W126 battery pack with battery life of 350 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D780 has Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) card slots. Fujifilm X-E2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D780 has Electronic shutter and Mechanical Focal Plane shutter. Fujifilm X-E2 has Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D780, and up to 1/4000 sec on Fujifilm X-E2. Nikon D780 can shoot continuously up to 12.0 fps. Fujifilm X-E2 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D780 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Fujifilm X-E2 has 49 focusing points. Nikon D780 has detection range from -3 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D780 ranges from -3 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D780 and ±3 EV range on Fujifilm X-E2. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D780 and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Fujifilm X-E2.


      Flash

      Fujifilm X-E2 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m (@ ISO 200) and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or Wireless connection. Nikon D780 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Nikon D780 and 1/180 sec on Fujifilm X-E2.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D780 body has dimensions of 144 x 116 x 76 mm (5.67 x 4.57 x 2.99") and Fujifilm X-E2 body has dimensions of 129 x 75 x 37 mm (5.08 x 2.95 x 1.46"). Nikon D780 weighs 840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz) and Fujifilm X-E2 weighs 350 g (0.77 lb / 12.35 oz).

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      144 mm

      116 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      129 mm

      75 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      116 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      75 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      37 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon D780 and Fujifilm X-E2

      Nikon D780 and Fujifilm X-E2 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      GOOD
      78
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 2260 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,360k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      GOOD
      74
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2260 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,360k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      76
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      GOOD
      83
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 350 g (0.77 lb / 12.35 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      GOOD
      82
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No crop on 4K Videos
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2260 shots
      GOOD
      81
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 350 g (0.77 lb / 12.35 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D780 and Fujifilm X-E2 and give them scores of 81 and 67 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      OVERALL
      81
      OVERALL
      67

      Sensor

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      GOOD
      76
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.5 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      GOOD
      72
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      POOR
      54
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No crop on 4K Videos
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      80
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,360k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      EXCELLENT
      95
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D780

      Fujifilm X-E2

      GOOD
      82
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2260 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 350 g (0.77 lb / 12.35 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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