Many reviews have shown that the Nikon D5500 is a modest upgrade compared to the Nikon D5300 launched in 2013, just different in design and touch screen. Another significant difference between the D5300 and the D5500 is the lens. The D5300 features a lens with a f3.5-5.6 aperture, a 18-140 mm kit – much larger than the D5500 (f3.5-5.6 II and 18-55mm).
Image quality
Through a series of image tests, the D5500 gives you almost the same picture quality as the D5300. Users can edit the image by creating highlights, creating shiny details or making the image sharper.
In general, the video quality of the camera is very good compared to other mid-range cameras and is suitable for holiday use, especially for physical activity. Recently, Nikon has added to its lineup of Flat Picture Profile technology, which is useful for filmmaking and provides maximum flexibility for post-consumer users. .
Efficiency
One of the exceptions to the performance of the D5500 is that the lens only reaches 18-55mm focal length, which results in the auto focus of the kit lens slow. However, this camera has the ability to shoot fairly quickly, in about 0.3 seconds – much faster than the K-S2 Pentax. Time to focus and focus falls in about 0.6 seconds. In fact, this time can be up to 1.3 seconds.
Experimentally, shooting two images takes about 0.2 seconds on both JPEG or raw formats and uses flash to increase by about 1.3 seconds. Unlike many other cameras that have the ability to focus and capture as soon as the flash is turned on, the D5500 can only capture when the flash is ready.
In addition, the device’s continuous shooting ability is rated as good, reaching 5.1 fps. The continuous autofocus capability of the camera is quite stable, but the lack of this device line is that there is no panning mode for optical image stabilization.
In addition, the ability to automatically focus during video recording is quite difficult because the system works pretty bad, the lens also cause a lot of noise. The LCD screen provides a nice, bright image, with the ability to flip and rotate easily and support direct sunlight viewing. The battery serves up to 820 shots / full charge.
Nikon D5500 DX-format Digital SLR Dual Lens Kit w/ – Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR & Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens: Buy it now
Nikon D5500 DX-format Digital SLR w/ 18-55mm VR II Kit (Black): Buy it now
Nikon D5500 24.2 MP DSLR Camera With 3.2-Inch LCD 18-55 mm VR DX Lens (Black)(Certified Refurbished): Buy it now
Nikon D5500 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 70-300mm Kit + Nikon Case + 64GB + Kit: Buy it now
Nikon D5500 Wi-Fi Digital SLR Camera Body (Black) (Certified Refurbished): Buy it now
Design and features
Although Nikon just shrinks the size of the machine is not much, but for those with large hands, this is clearly an inconvenience, like the super Canon EOS SL1 earlier. On the back, the right side of the optical viewfinder is the autofocus button, exposure lock and exposure buttons. The right side of the LCD screen is arranged view, zoom and delete button in the classic style.
The menu button is located to the left of the optical viewfinder. Nikon’s menu system is relatively straightforward, but for beginners it may be a bit of a hassle finding the settings.
The SD card slot is located on the grip side of the camera, to the right of the mic jack, USB connector and AV cable. Although the D5500 has the advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity very easily with mobile devices, other Nikon applications are still pretty simple, including: Live View; It has the ability to activate the shutter and set the self-timer, capture and auto-upload photos to your phone or tablet.
In general, compared to the predecessor D5300, D5500 does not have many technological improvements, but still worthy of good and affordable camera for many people.
User Experience
Using it daily
The D5500 is fairly easy to use. The menu type is easy to read. You can switch settings quickly with the touch screen. The screen also flips out. That helps when you shoot from above, from near the ground, or when you record yourself. If you are new, you can start right away. Even after some time, the body still feels solid.
Battery
The EN-EL14a gives you around 820 shots per charge. For many outings, that is enough for a full day. If you plan lots of long live view, or you fire off many quick bursts, take a spare battery.
Lenses
This camera works with NIKKOR lenses for DX and FX. So you can stick with the same lens line even if your shooting changes. You can begin with wide scenes, then move to subjects farther away.
Compared with other models
The main competitor is the Canon EOS Rebel T6i, also known as the EOS 750D. Both use a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor. The Canon adds Wi-Fi and NFC. It also uses a 19-point autofocus setup and a vari-angle touch screen. Some tests and user comments say the Canon follows moving people a bit better. Others feel Canon colors look better and that it has more lens options. Still, the gap is not that large.
The Pentax K-S2 has a 20.2 MP APS-C sensor and a vari-angle LCD. It also has Wi-Fi and many creative modes. It is weather sealed, unlike the D5500. That can matter if you shoot outdoors when weather is not stable. In exchange, the D5500 locks focus better. It also has a small edge in image quality.
Sony Alpha a6000 is a mirrorless camera. It has an APS-C sensor with 24.3 megapixels. Autofocus uses a hybrid setup with 179 phase-detect areas. In burst shooting, it can reach about 11 frames per second. Some users say the focus locks in well and stays steady. The camera body is compact too, so carrying it is less of a hassle.
Nikon D5500 uses an optical viewfinder. It also has a screen that tilts and can be adjusted at different angles. The touchscreen lets you interact with settings in a simple way. Like the Sony, it offers Wi-Fi. Both cameras record video in 1080p.
Pros and cons
Pros:
– 24.2 MP APS-C sensor gives sharp results and solid color
– 3.2-inch vari-angle touch screen
– Wi-Fi is built in for file sharing and remote shots using the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility app
– Menus and buttons are easy to learn
– 5 fps burst is good for casual action
Cons:
– The autofocus can fall behind when the subject moves fast. It does not keep up like some pricier DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. – There is no built in GPS. You will not get automatic location tags on your photos. – Video tops out at 1080p. There is no 4K capture. – In dim light, high ISO settings work well enough. Still, the results are not as strong as what newer cameras with bigger sensors can do. – The body has no weather sealing.
Final thoughts:
The D5500 is a DSLR aimed at people new to photography, though more experienced shooters can get plenty out of it. It has a 24.2 MP sensor, a flip-out screen and built-in Wi-Fi, a good mix for the price. The controls and menus are easy to learn, so it works as a first camera, and it could earn a place as a backup later on. Autofocus copes with most everyday scenes but isn’t class-leading, and the burst rate suits casual movement better than fast sports. It also has no GPS and no 4K video. If you want a DSLR with a flip-out screen and don’t want to spend much, it fits. For faster focus, look at the a6000. For weather sealing, look at the K-S2.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.