• 0.98 inch 285.7mm2
  • 4.6 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Sigma DP1 advantages over Nikon D780

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.84 vs 5.94 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    50 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    278g vs 840g
    Lighter weight

Nikon D780 advantages over Sigma DP1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 0.98 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    5 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    2359k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 4.6 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 3.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sigma DP1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D780
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens
All D780 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K-1

Sigma DP1
Pentax K-1
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma DP1 vs Pentax K-1

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Sigma DP1
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma DP1 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Sony A99 II

Sigma DP1
Sony A99 II
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma DP1 vs Sony A99 II

Nikon D780
Sony A99 II
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Sony A99 II

Compared to Nikon D850

Sigma DP1
Nikon D850
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma DP1 vs Nikon D850

Nikon D780
Nikon D850
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon D850

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Sigma DP1
Pentax K-1 II
  • $999
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma DP1 vs Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1 II

Compare Other Cameras?