Nikon D5500 - specs review, comparison with D5300 and D3300. Nikon D5500 update - entry-level camera review Nikon D 5500 review by the professionals

06.01.2015 22596 Tests and reviews 0

Nikon has shown its new vision for the entry-level DSLR lineup with the announcement of the Nikon D5500, which replaces the D5300. Fans of the brand, noting that the index "5400" is missing in the chronology, expect a qualitative change in the characteristics of the camera. Is it so? Are the hopes of amateur photographers justified?

Let's consider the key features of the new item and how the Nikon D5500 differs from the previous model, what is new in it.

At first, the sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 25.600: the upper limit has been increased, the predecessor offered this range as an extension;

Secondly, The LCD monitor remains the same: a diagonal of 8.1 cm with a high resolution (1037K dots), with a variable tilt angle, but (and this is perhaps the main feature of the D5500) it is now a touchscreen;

Thirdly, when using an EN-EL14a battery, the number of possible shots increased to 820;

Fourth Eye Sensor Control allows a captured image to be automatically displayed on the D5500's LCD monitor as soon as you move the viewfinder away from your face;

Fifth, the D5500 camera has become a little lighter and smaller: dimensions 124x97x70 mm versus 125x98.0x76.0 mm D5300 with a weight of 420 g versus 480 g, respectively.

At sixth- the GPS module that was in the D5300 is missing.

Well, the price- for all of the above, the consumer will have to pay $ 899.95 for a camera without a lens against the $ 696.95 price of the D5300 ...

The gray version has disappeared from the offered body color options, leaving only the black and red options. That's all. Although no, we have not yet reviewed the design of the new item, which we will continue to do.

Carbon fiber was used for the construction of the case, which made it possible to slightly reduce the weight of the camera. The set and arrangement of controls have slightly changed towards improving ergonomics. The front part has undergone the most insignificant changes. The size and shape of the grip handle and the camera control button on it have changed a bit, and the shutter release button has become matte black (the red version of the body has a red one). The rest is unchanged - the bayonet, the lens fixing button and the LED have remained in their usual places. The infrared port has shifted slightly down the handle.

The main changes can be noticed by looking closely at the top panel. The mode selector has lost its software functions, as if hinting at the "non-amateur" segment of the camera, which is very strange. The command wheel is now located simply at the top in the form of a disk, and not as a protruding sector from the body. A dubious decision, the camera is not weatherproof and this arrangement seems to be a losing one from this point of view. The grille of the stereo microphone has also changed slightly. Changes on the rear panel - in the location of the control buttons and of course - the rotary touch screen!

Otherwise, it is the same Nikon D5300 with a 39-point AF system with 9 cross-type sensors in the center area and a minimum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. The optical viewfinder with a pentamirror provides 95% frame coverage and 0.82x magnification. However, the manufacturer claims an improved contrast-detection AF system and that when shooting in Live View mode, the camera focuses 20% faster than the D5300.

conclusions

From all of the above, we can conclude that the segment of entry-level SLR cameras has come to a standstill and no further development is visible, and with the announcement of the Nikon D5500, the signs of degeneration have become more obvious ... However, the camera will find its buyer, and its characteristics can be called worthy for an amateur segment.

Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5300

	Nikon D5500	Nikon D5300
	SLR camera	SLR camera
	CMOS, 24.2 MP, APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)	CMOS, 24.2MP, APS-C (23.5x15.6mm)
Mount type
Picture format	JPEG, RAW, NEF (RAW) + JPEG	JPEG, RAW, NEF (RAW) + JPEG
Video format	Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps HD 1,280x720 / 60 fps HD 1,280x720 / 50 fps VGA 640x424 / 30 fps VGA 640x424 / 25 fps	Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps HD 1,280x720 / 60 fps HD 1,280x720 / 50 fps VGA 640x424 / 30 fps VGA 640x424 / 25 fps
Sensitivity range		ISO 100 - 12800 (expandable to 25600)
Exposure range
Viewfinder		optical (pentaprism), 95% frame coverage, magnification 0.82x
	touch, rotary TFT LCD display, diagonal 3.2 ", resolution 1037 thousand points	rotary TFT LCD display, diagonal 3.2 ", resolution 1037 thousand points
		built-in, guide number 12 m
	SD / SDHC / SDXC cards	SD / SDHC / SDXC cards
Interfaces
Battery, number of shots (CIPA)	Lithium-Ion, EN-EL14a, 1230 mAh, 820	Lithium-Ion, EN-EL14, 1030 mAh, 680
Dimensions and weight	124x97x70 mm, 420 g	125x98x76 mm, 480 g

Nikon D5500 specifications

Frame
Width, mm: 124
Height, mm: 97
Thickness, mm: 70
Weight, g: 420
Colors: black, red
Tripod mount

Nikon F mount

Image sensor
Effective pixels, MPix: 24.2
Max Resolution: 6000 * 4000
Matrix type: CMOS (CMOS)
Matrix size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm

Color filter
Filter Features: sRGB / AdobeRGB

Exposure parameters
Exposure metering
Metering type: matrix, spot, center-weighted
Exposure compensation: -5 to +5 EV in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Aperture priority
Shutter Priority
Bulb / Aperture
Light sensitivity: ISO 100/200/400/800/1600/3200/6400/12800/25600

Viewfinder / Display
Viewfinder
Viewfinder type: SLR
Display
Display type: LCD
Size, d .: 3.3
Resolution, Pix: 1,040,000
Swivel screen
Touch screen

Flash
Built-in flash
Operating modes: Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, fill light, slow sync, off, red-eye removal
Flash guide number, m: 12
External flash mount

Photography

Maximum image resolution, Pix .: 6000 * 4000
Minimum picture resolution, Pix .: 2992 * 2000
Direct print
Multilingual menu

Equipment
DK-25 rubber eyecup, BF-1B body cap, EN-EL14a rechargeable Li-ion battery (with protective cap), MH-24 charger, AN-DC3 strap, UC-E23 USB cable, EG- audio / video cable CP16

Let's start with a quick introduction to the D5500, and then go directly to the comparison.

Nikon D5500

The D5500 is a relatively small interchangeable lens reflex camera. Its design is very similar to the D5300, which fits comfortably in the hands, is characterized by accessible button placement and ease of use. The new DSLR is slightly smaller and lighter.

The grip has changed from the D3300 and D5300. She took on more angular shapes and shrank. Probably, the developers have optimized it in response to the wishes of the photographers. Presumably the grip will now be more satisfying for people with smaller hands.

The control disk is on top. There is no GPS receiver, to use the automatic geotagging option for images, you will have to purchase an additional GPS device GP-1A, which costs about $ 280.

According to Nikon, the D5500 has a new carbon fiber composite monocoque body that increases its strength while keeping it lightweight. It's not built to the same standards as the Nikon D7100, but it is quite rugged for everyday use. At the same time, the body is not protected from moisture, so do not plan to shoot with it in the rain.

The D5500 is equipped with a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 processor to create high-resolution images even in low light and with very little noise. Some photographers prefer lower resolution and higher performance at high ISO sensitivities. But Nikon has proven that even with 24.2MP, high ISO image quality can be very good.

The sensor on the D5500 lacks an optical low pass filter to enhance the level of detail and sharpness in photos. If you love editing your images, you will love the high resolution, which gives you more freedom to crop without affecting image quality.

The rear panel houses a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD-screen with a variable angle and a resolution of 1,037,000 dots. This monitor will provide a clear view of the scene when shooting in Live View. The touch screen means that you can control the camera using the screen much like a cell phone camera.

The D5500 was equipped with a pent-mirror optical viewfinder. It is inferior to pentaprism on more advanced cameras, but still provides a clear and vivid representation of the scene.

Other features include the ability to easily send photos wirelessly to mobile devices using built-in Wi-Fi, a new function button (Fn), 39-point AF (9 cross-type) and 3D tracking for fast moving subjects, burst speed 5 frames per second. The D5500 can record 1080p50 video with AF and stereo sound, use 16 scene modes, Picture Control option, interval timer (4 and 30 seconds), built-in HDR, art filters, 3.5 mm microphone input for connecting an external stereo microphone.

The Nikon D5500 represents relatively minor improvements over its predecessor, the D5300. Slightly smaller body, touchscreen display, redesigned grip, eye sensor, but no built-in GPS. D5300 owners are unlikely to see an attractive upgrade option in the D5500. The main competitors for this camera will be mirrorless cameras, which look tempting not only in the entry-level segment, but even among the enthusiast models.

Overall, this is a great camera for beginner photographers, but we can't help but notice that the DSLR market is feeling more and more pressure from system cameras. The new mirrorless cameras are showing much more significant upgrades, so the D5500 will disappoint some photographers.

Nikon D5500 is priced at $ 900 (body only) and $ 1000 (with 18-55 lens). The D5300 sells for $ 700 (body only) and $ 750 with an 18-55 lens. Thus, the D5500 carcass is more expensive by $ 200, which is a lot, considering that there are not so many innovations. It is worth considering.

Nikon D5500 vs. D5300 vs. D3300 Specs Comparison

	Nikon D5500	Nikon D5300	Nikon D3300
Date of announcement	January 6, 2015	October 17, 2013	January 7, 2014
Body material		carbon fiber composite	carbon fiber composite
Sensor	24.2 megapixels (effective) 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C)	24.2 megapixels (effective) 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C) without anti-aliasing filter (OLPF) with extension - 25 600	24.2 megapixels (effective) 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C) without anti-aliasing filter (OLPF) with extension - 25 600
	All three cameras have the same resolution and sensor size, and they all lack an anti-aliasing filter, which increases the detail and sharpness of images. But in the D5500, the native maximum ISO is one stop higher. In the other two cameras, a similar sensitivity is available as an extension.
Image processor	Expeed 4	Expeed 4	Expeed 4
RAW format	yes (12 or 14 bits)	yes (12 or 14 bits)	yes (12 bits)
Autofocus system		39 AF points (9 cross type)	11 AF points (1 cross type)
	The D5500 and D5300 have the same fast-response 39-point AF system. In the D3300, the autofocus system is less advanced, with fewer points, of which only one is a cross type. Thus, the D5500 and D5300 have the advantage of capturing fast moving subjects such as sports or children.
	3.2 inch resolution 1,037,000 points variable angle touch screen Eye sensor control system	3.2 inch resolution 1,037,000 points variable angle 170 degree wide viewing angle	3-inch resolution 921,000 points fixed with 160 degree wide viewing angle
	The D5500 features the most advanced display. This is the only camera in our comparison with a touchscreen. People who often take pictures with their smartphones will immediately appreciate the convenience of this touchscreen. The monitor in the D3300 is the least impressive one. It is not touch-sensitive, it is fixed and has a slightly smaller viewing angle: 160 degrees versus 170.
Viewfinder	Penta mirror coverage - 95% magnification - 0.82x	Penta mirror coverage - 95% magnification - 0.82x	Penta mirror coverage - 95% magnification - 0.85x
	The viewfinder in the D3300 has a slightly higher magnification, but all three viewfinders are of the same type and each provides a clear and vivid representation of the scene.
Shutter speed	30 - 1/4000 sec	30 - 1/4000 sec	30 - 1/4000 sec
Pop-up flash	yes (12 m)	yes (12 m)	yes (12 m)
Connecting an external flash	through hot shoe	through hot shoe	through hot shoe
Synchronization speed X	1/200 sec	1/200 sec	1/200 sec
Burst speed	5 fps	5 fps	5 fps
White balance	there is	there is	No
Mode disk	there is	there is	there is
	The D5500 has a simplified mode dial without scene modes (they are available in the camera settings). But the new model has more built-in effects, for example, "Super Bright", "Pop", "Photo Illustration".
Control disk	up	built in the back	built in the back
Picture Control	there is	there is	there is
Quarter-step increments in Picture Control	there is	No	No
Video recording (maximum resolution)	1080p60 1080p30 1080p24 stereo sound 3.5mm mic input	1080p60 1080p30 1080p24 stereo sound 3.5mm mic input	1080p60 1080p30 1080p24 stereo sound 3.5mm mic input
Wireless connection	built in	built in	optional (via wireless mobile adapter WU-1a)
Timelapse recording	there is	there is	No
Gps	No	there is	No
Battery Life (CIPA)	820 shots	600 shots	700 shots
	The new D5500 has better battery life
Dimensions (edit)	124 x 97 x 70 mm	125 x 98 x 76 mm	124 x 98 x 76 mm
The weight	420 g	480 g	430 g

conclusions

The D5500 SLR is more like a “revised” version of the D5300. It will be a good, worthy upgrade for D3300 owners who want a more advanced camera with an improved autofocus system, improved low light capabilities, an improved LCD monitor, touchscreen, built-in wireless connectivity, timelapse recording, more powerful battery and additional effects. The D5500 also features a simplified user interface and improved ergonomics. But all these advantages will cost a significant amount. The D5500 is about $ 400 higher than the D3300.

Nikon was far from the first to enter the promising mirrorless market, focusing on classic SLR cameras, where the company tightly occupies almost half of the market, actually dividing it in half with Canon. However, over time, "mirrorless" cameras nevertheless appeared in the Nikon lineup, but not with an APS-C sensor, but with a 1-inch one, which made it possible to reduce the size of devices and optics, and most importantly, to minimize competition with their own DSLRs. Over time, there was a tendency to "mirroring" the "mirrorless". They have acquired DSLR-specific controls, viewfinders, and the advanced solutions are more and more reminiscent of conventional DSLR cameras in shape. Are fond of "mirroring" mainly Panasonic and Olympus.

But the movement is not one-way: not so long ago, Pentax introduced a line of K-S cameras, which in appearance are closer to the "mirrorless". Now Nikon has joined this movement. The huge D5500 display is now touch-sensitive (by the way, Canon has already mastered this feature in its basic DSLRs). However, Nikon did not stop there: the dimensions and weight were significantly reduced relative to the D5300. Of course, a gradual decrease in weight and dimensions is characteristic of all lines from all manufacturers, but not only the “carcass” was reduced for our test subject, but also the complete lens, which folds into the transport position in the manner of “mirrorless” zoom lenses. Everything? No matter how it is. The manufacturer has significantly changed the design of the rear - and the only - control dial. Instead of a classic disc with large ribs, the novelty received a metal disc with small ribs. In general, external changes seem to be not too significant, but the vector of movement has already been outlined. Nikon finally realized that they were forced to enter an era of tough struggle for the novice amateur photographer, who increasingly prefers "mirrorless".

⇡ Specifications declared by the manufacturer

Nikon D5500
Image sensor	CMOS sensor 23.5 x 15.6 mm. Total Pixels: 24.78MP
Effective number of points, Mp	24,2
Image saving format	Photo frame: NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit compressed. JPEG: Base-format compliant JPEG with high (1: 4), medium (1: 8), or low (1:16) compression. NEF (RAW) + JPEG: One photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats Video: MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 (Advanced Video Coding)
Lens mount	Nikon F with AF contacts
Frame size in pixels	Photo frame: up to 6000 × 4000 Video: 1920 × 1080, 1280 × 720, 640 × 424
Sensitivity, units in ISO-equivalent	ISO 100 to 25,600 in steps of 1/3 EV
Exposure range	1/4000 to 30 seconds in 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps, hand exposure; long exposure
Exposure metering	TTL exposure metering with 2,016 pixel RGB sensor (3D color matrix metering, color matrix metering, center-weighted metering, spot metering)
Exposure compensation	-5 to +5 EV in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV in P, S, A and M modes
Built-in flash guide number	12
Self-timer, s	2, 5, 10, 20
Information storage device	SDHC and SDXC compatible with SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I
LCD display	3.2-inch 1037K-dot swivel display
Interfaces	HDMI, USB 2.0 / AV-out, remote control connector, microphone connector (mini-jack 3.5 mm)
Additionally	Wi-Fi module (IEEE 802.11b / g, up to 54 Mbps)
Nutrition	Li-ion battery LN-EL14a, 8.9 W * h
Dimensions (W × H × D), mm	124 × 97 × 70
Weight, g	470 (with battery and memory card, but without body cap); approx. 420 (camera body only)

⇡ Scope of delivery

The scope of delivery is quite standard: in addition to the camera itself, it includes a fastening strap, battery, charger, user manual, disc with additional software and a new AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6 GII lens, which, as already noted, is the transport position takes up significantly less space than its predecessor. By the way, we have already come across this lens when testing Nikon D3300. But this camera, like the D5500, is based on the Expeed 4 processor, so it is very interesting how it will behave AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6 GII on a camera with a more advanced focusing module.

⇡ Appearance and usability

Convenience of the body is a purely subjective concept, and it really depends very much on the size of the hands, the length and thickness of the fingers, so only the user can make a final conclusion regarding the convenience, holding the camera in his hands. Nevertheless, I immediately want to note that in a medium-sized hand the novelty is worse than its predecessor. The protrusion in the front part has become smaller and narrower, so when using the camera with heavy lenses, difficulties can arise. However, this drawback is not particularly noticeable with a complete lens. But the lower weight of both the "carcass" and the complete lens, on the contrary, greatly facilitates the work; This is especially noticeable when you wait a long time for the moment to take a shot - the brush gets tired much less.

The Nikon D5500 body, of course, is made of plastic panels, which is quite standard for a relatively inexpensive DSLR. However, the quality of the plastic is high, and its texture distantly resembles a metal surface. The build quality is high, and there were no flaws in the test sample. The assembly was carried out at the company's Thai plant. When you try to twist and squeeze, the case does not give in at all and does not emit any sounds, which has long been a good tradition for most modern DSLRs.

Above is a lifting flash, at the base of which there is a "hot shoe" and a pair of microphones. To the left of the flash is only the system speaker, and to the right is the operating mode dial, supplemented by a lever for switching to Live View mode, video recording keys, introducing exposure compensation, a shutter button with a power lever and the already mentioned modified command dial. It should be noted right away that the new disc has become less convenient due to the small edges, and this is especially noticeable when working with the camera in the heat, when the disc simply slips under a wet finger. In general, here either the edges need to be made larger, which slightly breaks the concept of capturing market share from mirrorless cameras, or the protrusion of the disk above the surface should be slightly larger, and its travel a little softer. However, in the case of the D5500, you already have to use the way it is.

At the bottom of the case there is only a tripod mount and a battery compartment.

On the left side there is a flash raising button (it also calls the menu for selecting the mode of its operation), a programmable button and a button for selecting a drive mode, and under a rubber plug are hidden connectors for connecting a wired remote control, a microphone and a USB / AV cable. But the HDMI connector has crawled to the right side surface, where it acquired a separate rubber plug. Also on the right, behind a plastic spring-loaded door, there is a slot for installing an SD memory card.

Capture the beauty of the world around you in stunning photos taken with the D5500. This lightweight and compact yet very powerful DSLR with easy-to-use touch controls allows you to perfect your photography.

The D5500 delivers excellent results for both fast moving subjects and low light conditions. Even if photos and videos are printed in large format or displayed on a large screen, they will accurately and in the smallest detail reflect your vision of the world.

The high-sensitivity, variable-angle touchscreen and intuitive interface make it easy to operate the camera, while built-in Wi-Fi allows you to quickly transfer high-quality photos to your smart device. An extremely handy and compact DSLR that will help you achieve excellence in the art of photography.

Inspirational image quality

Forget blurry photos and create vibrant, detailed images that will always be the center of attention. Achieve stunning results even when shooting fast moving subjects or in low light conditions.

Variable angle touchscreen

Control your camera with the same ease as with your smartphone. Feel free to flip, tilt, and twist the touchscreen for unusual angles, then simply tap the screen to focus and snap.

Built-in Wi-Fi module

It is very convenient to use a smart device with this camera. Take advantage of the built-in Wi-Fi function to easily transfer high-resolution photos to compatible smartphones and tablets.

Comfortable grip

The protruding grip is so comfortable and secure that you won't want to let go of the camera. Thanks to this feature, as well as its compact size and light weight, the D5500 offers unrivaled shooting comfort.

High light sensitivity

Capture excellent quality photos and videos even in low light. With a wide ISO range of 100-25,600, images are brighter and more detailed than ever.

D-video

Capture smooth, detailed Full HD video clips (frame rates up to 50p / 60p) that your viewers will love. Continuous AF with Live View keeps your subject sharp even when moving quickly.

Perfect focus

Nikon's innovative 39-point AF system ensures precise targeting in any situation. Advanced 3D subject tracking keeps even the smallest objects in focus, no matter how unpredictable their movements may be.

NIKKOR

The quality of photos and videos is directly dependent on the capabilities of the lens. Use a fast fixed focal length lens for beautiful shots with blurred backgrounds, a telephoto lens for distant subjects, and a wide-angle lens for more dramatic effects.

Large, high-resolution monitor

allows you to see the smallest details of photos or videos when choosing the most unexpected angles. The large 8.1cm Vari-Angle LCD monitor will delight you with its wide viewing angle and high resolution (1,037k-dot). Whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors, you can easily compose and review your shots, and apply special effects.

Effects mode

designed to create unique photos and videos using special effects. Use the Pop filter to make colors more vivid and saturated, or the Toy Camera Effect filter to create a retro look. You can view the selected effect, as well as adjust its intensity, right during shooting.

Nikon D5500: Share Your Creative Secrets

With a powerful 24.2 megapixel sensor you will amaze your friends with pictures of high level of detail. The D5500 has a 24.2-megapixel sensor that does not use an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF). You will get sharp and detailed images even when shooting textures with the smallest details.

Continuous shooting at 5fps will help to capture the whole gamut of emotions on the face or an expressive gesture, even if they were elusively fast. Capture every movement with the D5500, capturing action at five frames per second.

EXPEED 4 system Provides high-speed, crisp, true-to-life images in any light. Nikon's fast and powerful image processing system effectively reduces noise and enhances the smoothness of movies.

Compact design significantly expands the scope of use of the portable model D5500. This digital SLR camera is housed in a lightweight, durable and compact monoblock body and guarantees excellent results in all conditions.

Touch control contributes to more convenient work with the camera. The highly responsive touchscreen maintains the same intuitive interface as popular smart devices. With one touch, you can focus the camera and take a picture or adjust settings such as shutter speed, aperture and ISO sensitivity. Swipe your finger across the screen to quickly browse through the collection of images. In addition, pinching or spreading your fingers will reduce or enlarge the image while viewing.

Fn sensor function allows you to quickly adjust the basic parameters while shooting through the viewfinder with a simple swipe of your finger across the display. Fn sensor functions can be assigned up to eight settings, such as focus point selection, AF-area modes, aperture values, and ISO sensitivity.

Picture Control 2.0 will allow you to realize the most daring creative ideas. With the Picture Control system, you can quickly and accurately adjust the sharpness, tint, contrast, brightness, clarity, and saturation of images when shooting photos or videos. The photographer has seven modes available: "Standard", "Neutral", "Vivid", "Monochrome", "Portrait" and "Landscape", as well as the "Uniform" mode, which stores all information about the shades (it is worth choosing if you plan further processing of images after shooting).

Optical viewfinder allows you to better evaluate the composition and capture the desired frames with high accuracy. Use the viewfinder to focus on your photography and never lose sight of your subject. As soon as you move it away from your face, the captured image is automatically displayed on the D5500's LCD monitor. This feature makes shooting even easier.

System expandability with Nikon DSLR accessories. Nikon's portable Speedlight makes flash photography a breeze, while the optional ME-1 Stereo Microphone delivers high-quality sound recording. Nikon will provide you with the tools you need to embody your wildest ideas and excellence in any genre of photography.

¹ To use the built-in Wi-Fi function, simply download Nikon's Wireless Mobile Utility to your smart device. The Wireless Mobile Utility is compatible with iOS ™ and Android ™ smart devices. You can download it to your smart device from Google Play ™ and Apple App Store ™. Android, Google, Google Play, YouTube, and other marks are trademarks of Google Corporation.

As of early 2015, the 24.2-megapixel Nikon D5500 was Nikon's latest DSLR available. It is made specifically for beginners, therefore it should not have the features and high build quality of the Nikon D7200 or the favorite D750, but this does not mean that it cannot produce stunning quality images.

Nikon D5500 Camera - Reviews

If you are familiar with at least one Nikon camera, you have an idea of all the others. This is what Nikon's DSLR looks like.

Nikon D5500 features and design

While cameras vary in size, all Nikon DSLRs share similar features. However, the D5500 also comes in red for those looking for variety.

The camera is slightly smaller than the D5300 at 12.5 x 9.7 x 5.8 centimeters and weighs 420 grams (body only). If we add a battery and a set of lenses, we get 680 grams.

Nikon has a wide selection of lenses available, not to mention many third-party options, however the camera uses an APS-C (DX) sensor so you need to choose the best options for it. The $ 1000 tested kit comes with an AF-S DX Nikkor VR II zoom, which has an 18-55mm (f / 3.5-5.6) range. It folds well when not in use, but hardly a high-end lens. It only adds $ 100 to the cost of the body, so it's clear this isn't the best lens available.

There are stereo microphones on the top deck, a built-in flash in the front of the shoe, a mode dial with a Live View lever nearby. The switch allows you to display the image on the LCD display, and not in the viewfinder, as on pocket cameras.

There is a wheel for changing modes, an exposure compensation button, and video recording. The shutter button and power on are located at the top of the grip. Unlike more expensive DSLRs like the D7200, there is no LCD on the top.

Key features visible on the rear are a diopter-controlled optical viewfinder and tilt-and-turn LCD (1,037K dots). As in the D5300 version, here the display is touch-sensitive, which allows you to quickly make adjustments to the settings, which is a big plus.

The viewfinder is small but comfortable. There is also a sensor that turns off the screen when using the viewfinder. Other controls include standard buttons: Menu, Info, AE-L / AF-L, Playback, “i” (to access the most commonly used shooting options), 4-way controller with OK button in the center, zoom in, zoom out and delete.

On the right side there is a compartment with an SD card slot and an HDMI port. Left - Flash compensation, functions and flash / timer together, microphone. On the bottom there is a tripod mount and a battery compartment.

The D5500 also has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to transfer images to your smartphone, but you need to download the Wireless Mobile Utility (IOS / Android) app. Unlike its predecessor, the D5500 does not have built-in GPS.

Equipment

If you choose a camera kit with an 18-55mm lens, you will find various hoods, a rubber eyecup, a strap, batteries and a charger in the box.

The Nikon camera also comes with USB and A / V cables, a 132-page instruction manual. Software not included, ViewNX2 will need to be downloaded, it is required for file management and RAW file processing. If you can afford it, you should give up the kit lens and get something better.

Nikon D5500 specifications, performance and use

The D5500 uses a 24.2 megapixel (6000 x 4000) APS-C chip with no optical low pass filter (anti-aliasing), its absence increases sharpness, many new cameras use this technology. The Expeed 4 image processor delivers the same performance as the previous D5300. The new version makes it easier to reach the maximum ISO 25600, the sensitivity range is 100-25600.

The D5500 has been tested for several weeks while taking photos and videos. This model is good, a smart choice for beginners and hobbyists alike.

The whale lens is good for newbies, but if you really want to get the most out of the sensor's capabilities, it's better to buy something like the Nikon Nikkor 18-140mm lens ($ 499). Of course it is much more expensive, but worth it.

Like any entry-level DSLR camera, the D5500 offers a wide range of shooting modes. Smart Auto, PASM, Flash Off, Scene and Effects. There are 16 scene options including Sports and Candlelight, as well as 10 special effects to add a little creativity to your shots.

The camera uses Nikon's excellent 39-point autofocus system. Overall image quality is very good and will be even better with more expensive lenses. With built-in noise reduction technology, even images captured at ISO 10,000 looked good, although the edges are a little fuzzy. Using a good wide angle lens will make your photo look much better.

The D5500 captures 1080 / 60p Full HD video quality with stereo sound. A good lens with the correct zoom was also lacking during the shooting of the videos, so the approximations in the video occur with noticeable jerks. But the stabilization built into the lens worked well.

The D5500 has built-in Wi-Fi, but no NFC, although that's not critical. Synchronizing with the Nikon Wireless Mobility Utility (WMU) app is very easy. We turn on Wi-Fi in the camera menu system, press the icon on the phone and get access to photos and videos via a smartphone, if desired, you can share them. The app is rather limited, but it performs its functions without problems.

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