Are you in the market for a new DSLR camera and considering Nikon as your brand of choice? If so, you might have come across the Nikon D5500 and D5600 models, two popular choices among photography enthusiasts. In this detailed comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Nikon D5500 vs D5600, highlighting their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Nikon D5500 vs D5600 Key specs
Sensor: Both the D5500 and D5600 feature a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which delivers high-resolution images with excellent detail and dynamic range.
ISO Range: Both cameras have a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to ISO 51200 for low-light shooting, allowing for excellent low-light performance and reduced noise levels in high ISO settings.
Autofocus System: The D5500 and D5600 boast a 39-point autofocus (AF) system with 9 cross-type sensors, providing quick and accurate focus acquisition. The D5600 also offers improved subject tracking capabilities with its Group-Area AF mode.
Continuous Shooting Speed: The D5500 has a continuous shooting speed of up to 5 frames per second (fps), while the D5600 offers a slightly faster rate of 5.6 fps, allowing for capturing fast action and sports photography.
LCD Screen: D5500 features a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with 1,037k dots, providing flexibility in composing shots from different angles. The D5600 retains the same LCD screen but offers improved touch functionality for smoother operation.
Connectivity: Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and SnapBridge technology, allowing for seamless image transfer and remote control via smartphones or tablets. Additionally, the D5600 also has Bluetooth connectivity for easy pairing and image sharing.
Video Recording: Both are capable of recording Full HD 1080p videos at up to 60 fps, with manual control over exposure and audio settings. However, the D5600 offers additional video features such as time-lapse recording and headphone jack for monitoring audio during video recording.
Battery Life: The D5600 has a slightly longer battery life compared to the D5500, with a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 820 shots per charge, while the D5500 offers around 820 shots per charge.
Nikon D5500 vs D5600 key differences
When it comes to comparing the Nikon D5500 and D5600, two popular DSLR cameras in Nikon’s lineup, there are several key differences that set them apart. Here are some of the main differentiating factors between these two camera models:
Body and Design:
The Nikon D5500 and D5600 are both mid-range DSLR cameras that offer a similar body design and build quality. They feature a compact and lightweight design, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go photography. The D5500 weighs approximately 14.8 ounces (420g), while the D5600 weighs slightly more at 16.4 ounces (465g) due to its larger battery. Both cameras have a durable polycarbonate body with a comfortable grip that provides a secure hold, allowing for extended shooting sessions without discomfort.
One notable difference in the design of these two cameras is the articulating LCD screen. The D5500 features a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD that can be tilted and swiveled to capture shots from different angles, making it useful for shooting in awkward positions or for vlogging. On the other hand, the D5600 retains the same 3.2-inch size and touchscreen functionality, but lacks the articulating feature, which may be a drawback for some users who require flexible shooting positions.
Both cameras also come with a built-in flash, as well as a hot shoe for attaching external flash units or other accessories. The D5500 and D5600 also have a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy transfer of photos and remote control of the camera through a mobile device. Overall, in terms of body and design, the D5500 and D5600 are quite similar, with the main difference being the articulating LCD screen on the D5500.
Image Sensor and Resolution:
When it comes to image quality, the image sensor and resolution of a camera play a crucial role. The Nikon D5500 and D5600 both come with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is capable of producing high-resolution images with excellent detail and dynamic range. The APS-C sensor size offers a good balance between image quality and camera size, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic applications.
In terms of resolution, both cameras offer the same 24.2-megapixel resolution, which allows for large prints and detailed cropping without significant loss of image quality. The image sensor on these cameras also has a low-pass filter, which helps to reduce moiré and aliasing artifacts in images, resulting in sharper and cleaner photos.
Autofocus System:
The autofocus system of a camera is a critical factor to consider, especially for those who shoot fast-moving subjects or need precise focusing in different shooting conditions. The Nikon D5500 and D5600 both come with a 39-point autofocus system with nine cross-type sensors, which provides fast and accurate autofocus performance.
The D5500 and D5600 also have Nikon’s advanced 3D Tracking autofocus, which uses color information and subject distance data to accurately track moving subjects across the frame. This feature is particularly useful for sports, wildlife, and action photography, where quick and accurate autofocus is essential.
Another noteworthy feature of the autofocus system in these cameras is the ability to focus in low-light conditions. Both the D5500 and D5600 have a -1EVlow-light autofocus capability, which means they can focus accurately in challenging lighting conditions, such as dimly lit environments or during sunset and sunrise shoots. This makes them ideal for capturing low-light scenes or shooting in challenging lighting situations without compromising on focus accuracy.
In addition to the autofocus performance, the D5500 and D5600 also come with face detection autofocus, which can detect and focus on human faces in the frame, making them suitable for portrait photography. The autofocus system also offers multiple autofocus modes, including single-point, dynamic-area, and auto-area AF, providing flexibility in choosing the focus point and area depending on the shooting scenario.
ISO Performance:
ISO performance is another crucial factor to consider when evaluating a camera’s low-light performance. The ISO sensitivity determines how well the camera can handle low-light situations without introducing noise or losing detail in the images. Both the Nikon D5500 and D5600 have a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded up to ISO 51200 in the extended mode.
The high ISO performance of these cameras is commendable, allowing for excellent image quality in low-light conditions. The images captured at higher ISOs exhibit low noise levels and retain good detail, making them suitable for low-light photography, such as nightscapes, indoor shooting, or capturing events in dimly lit venues.
Image Processing and Shooting Speed:
The image processing engine of a camera plays a vital role in determining the overall image quality, color accuracy, and dynamic range. The Nikon D5500 and D5600 both come with Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processing engine, which delivers fast and efficient image processing capabilities.
The EXPEED 4 image processor allows for faster shooting speeds and continuous shooting capabilities. The D5500 and D5600 both offer a continuous shooting speed of up to 5 frames per second (fps), which is suitable for capturing fast-action scenes or sports photography. This shooting speed combined with the 39-point autofocus system makes these cameras well-equipped for capturing fast-moving subjects with precision.
Both cameras also offer a buffer depth of approximately 100 JPEG or 12 RAW images, allowing for extended bursts of continuous shooting without the need to wait for the buffer to clear. This is particularly useful when shooting fast-paced action or capturing fleeting moments where continuous shooting is crucial.
Video Features:
In addition to their still photography capabilities, the D5500 and D5600 also offer impressive video recording features. Both cameras are capable of recording Full HD 1080p videos at up to 60 frames per second (fps), providing smooth and high-quality video footage. They also come with built-in stereo microphones for recording audio, and a 3.5mm microphone jack for external microphone attachment, allowing for enhanced audio recording capabilities.
One notable difference in the video features between these two cameras is the presence of a headphone jack. The D5600 comes with a built-in headphone jack, which allows for real-time audio monitoring during video recording, ensuring better audio quality control. On the other hand, the D5500 lacks a headphone jack, which may be a drawback for users who require precise audio monitoring during video recording.
Both cameras also offer manual control over video settings, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing for creative control over the video recording process. They also come with Nikon’s Picture Control settings, which allow for customization of the video’s color and tonal characteristics to achieve the desired look.
Connectivity and Wireless Features:
The Nikon D5500 and D5600 both come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which offers convenient wireless communication and sharing options. The Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy transfer of photos and videos to a mobile device or a computer, as well as remote control of the camera using a mobile device.
The Bluetooth connectivity allows for quick and seamless connection between the camera and a mobile device for easy sharing of images and videos. It also enables remote control of the camera through Nikon’s SnapBridge app, allowing for remote triggering of the shutter and adjusting camera settings from a mobile device.
Additionally, the D5600 comes with an added advantage of having built-in time-lapse recording capability, which allows for creating stunning time-lapse videos directly from the camera without the need for external intervalometers or complicated post-processing.
Battery Life:
Battery life is an essential aspect to consider when comparing cameras, as it determines how long you can shoot without having to change or recharge the battery. The Nikon D5500 and D5600 both come with a similar EN-EL14a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is capable of delivering a decent battery life.
According to Nikon’s specifications, both cameras can capture approximately 820 shots per charge, which is quite impressive and suitable for a day of shooting without having to worry about battery life. However, it’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on various factors, such as shooting conditions, usage of the LCD screen, and continuous shooting.
Lens Compatibility:
Another important factor to consider when comparing cameras is lens compatibility. Both the Nikon D5500 and D5600 come with a Nikon F-mount, which allows for compatibility with a wide range of Nikon lenses, including DX and FX lenses.
DX lenses are designed specifically for Nikon’s APS-C sensor cameras, such as the D5500 and D5600, providing a focal length multiplier of 1.5x. FX lenses, on the other hand, are designed for Nikon’s full-frame cameras and provide a focal length multiplier of 1x.
This means that both cameras are compatible with a wide range of lenses, offering versatility and flexibility in lens choices for different shooting scenarios, including landscape, portrait, sports, macro, and more.
As with any camera comparison, there are pros and cons to consider when comparing the Nikon D5500 and D5600. Let’s take a look at some of the key advantages and disadvantages of each camera:
Nikon D5500 Pros:
- Lower Price: The D5500 is generally priced lower than the D5600, making it a more budget-friendly option for those on a tighter budget.
- Lighter Weight: The D5500 is slightly lighter than the D5600, which may be preferred by those who prioritize portability and ease of handling.
- Similar Image Quality: Both cameras have the same 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, so the image quality is comparable in terms of resolution and dynamic range.
- Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD: it features a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD with 1,037k dots, allowing for flexible and convenient composition from different angles.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: It has built-in Wi-Fi for easy image transfer and remote control via smartphones or tablets.
Nikon D5500 Cons:
- Slower Continuous Shooting Speed: D5500 has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second (fps), which may not be ideal for fast-action or sports photography.
- Limited Video Features: it lacks some of the advanced video features that the D5600 offers, such as time-lapse recording and a headphone jack for audio monitoring.
- No Bluetooth Connectivity: does not have Bluetooth connectivity, which means it may not offer the same level of seamless and continuous image transfer as the D5600.
Nikon D5600 Pros:
- Improved Continuous Shooting Speed: The D5600 has a slightly faster continuous shooting speed of 5.6 frames per second (fps), which can be beneficial for capturing fast-action moments.
- Enhanced Touch Functionality: D5600 offers improved touch functionality on the LCD screen, making it easier and more intuitive to navigate menus, adjust settings, and review images.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: D5600 has built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy and continuous image transfer and remote control with compatible devices.
Additional Video Features: The camera has additional video features such as time-lapse recording, which can add creative options to video shooting.
Longer Battery Life: Nikon D5600 has a slightly longer CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 820 shots per charge, which may be advantageous for extended shooting sessions.
Nikon D5600 Cons:
- Higher Price: The D5600 is generally priced higher than the D5500, which may be a factor to consider for those on a budget.
- Slightly Heavier: D5600 is slightly heavier than the D5500, which may be a consideration for those who prioritize portability and lightweight gear.
- Similar Image Quality: Both cameras have the same 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, so the image quality is comparable in terms of resolution and dynamic range.
Verdict:
In conclusion, both the Nikon D5500 and D5600 are excellent DSLR cameras that offer advanced features and capabilities for enthusiasts and aspiring photographers. They both come with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, high-performance EXPEED 4 image processor, and an advanced autofocus system for fast and accurate focusing.
The D5500 and D5600 also share similar shooting speeds, with a continuous shooting rate of up to 5 frames per second, making them suitable for capturing fast-action subjects. They also come with a vari-angle LCD touchscreen for easy framing from different angles and touch-based menu navigation.
However, the D5600 offers some additional advantages over the D5500, such as built-in Bluetooth for seamless wireless connectivity, built-in time-lapse recording capability, and a customizable function (Fn) button for quick access to specific settings. These features can be particularly beneficial for users who value convenience and versatility in their photography.
