Both the D3400 and the D3200 are entry-level DSLR camera models from Nikon. The cheaper cameras in the D3000 series, such as the D3300, are meant for those without experience with photography. In contrast, the D5000-series cameras, such as the D5500, are intended for people still learning but ready to try more sophisticated methods.
It is updated pretty often, so each new camera version improves significantly without undergoing a significant redesign. The D5500 is the latest edition of Nikon’s popular top-end entry-level camera, the D5500.
Nikon D5500 Sensors
The D5500 uses the same APS-C sized (DX format) sensor as its predecessor, the D5300. This sensor boasts 24.2 million pixels. Because it lacks an anti-aliasing filter, this sensor can better resolve fine details than similar sensors with an optical low-pass filter. This does mean that there is a risk of more patterning showing in some photos; however, this has not been demonstrated to be a problem for the D5300.
The camera has the same EXPEED 4 CPU as its predecessor and a 3.2-inch LCD screen with 1,037,000 dots mounted on a vari-angle bracket. The fact that the screen may now be interacted with via touch is the most notable change that can be discovered here. In addition to the screen is an optical viewfinder with a coverage area of 95%.
Nikon D5500 Wi-Fi & GPS
Interestingly, the Nikon D5300 incorporates a GPS, but the Nikon D5500 does not. However, the Wi-Fi connectivity is still built in, so you can connect a smartphone to the camera if you want to add GPS data. This is an option if you want to use it. Another alternative is the Nikon GPS Unit GP-1A, which may be purchased as an additional accessory if desired.
In addition to the more common Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape Picture Control modes, the D5500 also has Nikon’s new “Flat” Picture Control mode, making it possible to customize the appearance of JPEG still images and video footage. This feature is also present in the Nikon D810 and the Nikon D750.
Along with the Saturation, Contrast, and Sharpness settings, it is possible to modify the ‘Clarity’ settings, often known as the micro-contrast settings, for each mode. Because it is frequently helpful to obtain flat footage with a broad dynamic range for post-capture correction, the Flat option has been designed with video recording in mind in particular.
A monocoque structure is used for the D5500, just like the D5300. This implies that the shell of the D5500 is formed from a single piece of material. Nevertheless, compared to the D5300, which measures 125x98x76mm and weighs just 480g, the new camera, which measures 124x97x70mm and weighs 420g (body only), is both lighter and more compact (body only).
You will see a significant difference if you compare the D5500 with the D5300 side by side. The D5500 has a noticeably more streamlined profile between the lens mount and the grip.
Because of this thinning, the internal arrangement of the camera had to be modified; nonetheless, it enabled Nikon to make the grip on the D5500 thicker while simultaneously lowering the overall depth. Consequently, the D5500 fits more naturally in your hand and is incredibly easy to grip.
Nikon D5500 Image Quality
During this evaluation, the Nikon D5500 generated photographs of exceptionally high quality. Photos captured with the D5500 at ISO 100-1600 are noise-free when saved as JPEGs, and images captured at ISO 3200 also appear pretty excellent.
ISO 6400 displays very little noise, whereas the fastest settings of ISO 12800 and 25600 display much more noise. These settings also cause a loss of saturation and a blurring of fine detail, but the images can still be used effectively for making small prints and resizing on the web. Again, ISO 6400 displays very little noise.
The photographs were a touch soft right out of the D5500 when the default sharpness option was used, and they should ideally require some further sharpening in an application like Adobe Photoshop. Alternatively, you may modify the setting for JPEG files in-camera to avoid this problem.
The nighttime shot turned out well since you could use the bulb mode and a maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds, which allowed you to catch a lot of light. When we did have red-eye with the built-in flash, it was extremely mild and could be readily remedied by turning the moment to red-eye reduction mode. Red-eye was not a regular occurrence with the built-in flash; when we did, it was fixed.
Active D-lighting was able to fit the majority of the dynamic range that the sensor could record into the JPEGs that the camera generated. At the same time, the HDR mode could significantly increase the dynamic range by mixing two photos taken with different exposures. Utilizing the Picture Controls and creative Effects might assist in extracting more value from your JPEG photographs.
Nikon D5500 Specs
| Body type | Compact SLR |
|---|---|
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 4496 x 3000, 2992 x 2000 |
| Image ratio w h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Expeed 4 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100 – 25600 |
| White balance presets | 12 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (1) |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal, Basic |
| File format | JPEG: Fine, Normal, BasicRAW: 12- or 14-bit, compressedDPOF compatibleDCF 2.0 compliant |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive view. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 39 |
| Lens mount | Nikon F |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3.2″ |
| Screen dots | 1,037,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD monitor |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.82× (0.55× 35mm equiv.) |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes | Programmed auto with flexible program (P)Shutter-priority (S)Aperture priority (A)Manual (M) |
| Scene modes | Autumn ColorsBeach / SnowBlossomCandlelightChildClose-upDusk / DawnFoodLandscapeNight LandscapeNight PortraitParty / IndoorPet PortraitPortraitSportsSunsetSpecial Effects Mode |
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| Flash Range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (Hot-shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear-curtain |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Drive modes | Single frame continuous (low, high)Self-timerDelayed remoteQuick-response remote, quiet shutter release interval timer |
| Continuous drive | 5.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2, 5, 10, or 20 sec) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes (3 frames in either blue/amber or magenta/green axis) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (mini-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | Remote control/photo retrieval via smartphone |
| Remote control | Yes (MC-DC2 (wired), WR-1/WR-R10 (wireless)) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | EN-EL14 / EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 820 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 420 g (0.93 lb / 14.82 oz) |
| Dimensions | 124 x 97 x 70 mm (4.88 x 3.82 x 2.76″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Nikon D5500 Verdict
The D5500 provides novice photographers with significant creative freedom, the touch-screen interface is a practical innovation, and the sensor can capture a high degree of information. But, although it’s aesthetically beautiful, this camera won’t revolutionize how things are done.
