SLR camera Nikon D5500. Nikon D5500 SLR test - modern technologies in a compact body Nikon d 5500 sample photos

  • 21.06.2020

Hello! With you the final part of the review of the new Nikon D5500 SLR camera, which we are conducting in the format of "A Week with an Expert". Today, using the example of a large photo walk, I will share my experience using the Nikon D5500, and also show pictures taken with it.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 800, F5.6, 1/2500s, 300.0mm equiv.

I decided to start my walk with a visit to Gorky Park, perhaps the most inspiring place in Moscow. For a photographer, this is a real expanse. The reason for this is the abundance of a wide variety of stories that are found at every turn.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 200, F8, 1/250s, 82.0mm equiv.

Even before I really reached the park, I already managed to take a few pictures. I like to notice architecture, and for these shots I use the black and white mode. This allows you to get rid of color and focus on lines and light and shade transitions. Activating monochrome mode in the Nikon D5500 is very simple. By pressing the i key, I call up the quick menu, in the Picture Control tab, select the "Monochrome" item.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II / EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM SETTINGS: ISO 100, F5, 1/13s, 200.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 640, F5, 1/4000s, 82.0mm equiv.

As a filming location, the park is also good because you can always meet people of various types and ages there. Many of them come to play sports, which can also serve as a great subject for your photos. When photographing people, I try to use long-focus optics. It allows me to be at a sufficient distance from the object and remain unnoticed. Although there are situations when I use wide-angle lenses as well. In such cases, I try to keep the camera at waist level, framing the frame according to the display.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 640, F5, 1/1000s, 187.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F5, 1/2500s, 27.0mm equiv.

When shooting this kind of scene, I use the Nikon D5500's touch screen to the maximum. In Live View mode, I simply click on the object of interest to me, and the camera instantly focuses on it and takes a picture.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 640, F5, 1/1000s, 174.0mm equiv.

Well, in really difficult cases, the “3D tracking” mode comes to the rescue. I used it where the agility of my fingers was no longer enough. And why artificially complicate your task? Automation modern cameras in many ways surpasses the photographer both in speed and in accuracy of work.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/500s, 102.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/640s, 82.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/500s, 105.0mm equiv.

Using 3D tracking, I chose the area in which the object of interest to me was located, the camera memorized it, and when it moved around the frame, it automatically chose the appropriate focus point.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/1600s, 153.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/1600s, 217.0mm equiv.

If you're new to photography and afraid to get lost in camera settings, the Nikon D5500 won't make you blush. By pressing the know-it-all button, you quickly get help on the menu item or mode that interests you. I confess that during the test I myself resorted to the services of such an electronic assistant.

Together with the tracking mode, the Nikon D5500's rate of fire also came in handy. Shooting such dynamic scenes is not an easy task for any camera. However, the novelty from Nikon showed itself only from the best side.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/800s, 27.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/1250s, 82.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/1250s, 82.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/1250s, 82.0mm equiv.

As I continued along my route, I saw the scenery for a potentially interesting shot. I liked the combination of columns and the staircase immured in them.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/500s, 217.0mm equiv.

The scene was very static, and I wanted to bring movement into it. Therefore, I began to wait for someone to fall into my trap, or rather, into the frame.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/500s, 225.0mm equiv.

This photo largely determined the mood of further shooting. I decided to focus on architectural sketches.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/800s, 33.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/2000s, 27.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/4000s, 82.0mm equiv.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/250s, 27.0mm equiv.

Having taken this picture, I studied it intently on the display of the camera for about a minute. It's all about how well the D5500 rendered the color of the yellow structure and golden railings. To get such a result directly from the camera, without any processing, is worth a lot.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/640s, 82.0mm equiv.

In general, I really like the color reproduction of the Nikon D5500. I took this shot at sunset, so it has a warm tint that comes from the setting sun.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/2500s, 27.0mm equiv.

Already on my way to the exit of the park, I took several photos with the same sunset light. Pay attention to the correctly set white balance. In all cases, the camera set its value on its own and, it seems to me, never made a mistake.

NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G SETTINGS: ISO 800, F6.3, 1/1000s, 27.0mm equiv.

In the subway on the way home, I'm in no hurry to turn off the camera. Even if it is in my backpack, I use Wi-Fi to view the pictures taken during the day. It's nice that even after a whole day of shooting, the battery life is enough for such things.

Conclusions:

During the week of testing the Nikon D5500, I shot a lot of scenes on it. I caught a variety of shots in the lens, and in all situations the camera worked perfectly. Whether shooting genre scenes or street scenes in low light, I could rely on her confident performance. I boldly raised the ISO to values ​​​​of the order of 1600 units, without thinking about the loss of detail or noise. It turned out to use the Nikon D5500 as a reportage camera. Here, its autofocus, along with the speed of continuous shooting, showed decent speed and accuracy.

Separately, I will mention the high shutter resource, which the manufacturer indicates in the specifications. The Nikon D5500 has 100,000 guaranteed operations, which, believe me, is quite a lot. For comparison: on my own camera, which I purchased about four years ago, I took a little over 50,000 shots.

The developers also turned out to be very successful with a new display. In Nikon DSLRs, the touch screen was used for the first time, and I can say for sure that the pancake did not come out lumpy. The camera responds very quickly to touch, and menu navigation has become faster and easier. The only thing that upset me a little is the lack of a GPS module in the new model. Let me remind you that he was in the Nikon D5300. On the other hand, advanced amateur photographers can always purchase an external module. For those who do not need it, the camera will cost a little less in the end.

Pros:

  • precise operation of the auto mode;
  • rotary touch display;
  • fast autofocus;
  • decent burst shooting speed;
  • low noise level up to ISO 3200 inclusive;
  • good color rendering;
  • high image detail;
  • the presence of a built-in Wi-Fi module;
  • parameter hint function;
  • Capabilities

    Convenience

    Justification for the price

The Nikon D5500 is a new 24.2 megapixel DX format digital camera without an optical low pass filter. D5500 has the function of recording Full HD video with a frequency of up to 60 fps and stereo sound. In addition, the novelty is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter and a 3.2-inch swivel touch screen for more convenient frame composition from non-standard shooting angles. It is worth noting that this is the first Nikon camera with a touch screen, interacting with which you can manually select the focus area and even release the shutter with one touch. Also on the screen there is quick access to the main settings: autofocus modes, aperture, etc. By the way, the ISO range here is in the range of 100-25600 units, and the autofocus system is 39-point, including 9 cross sensors. The EXPEED 4 processor is responsible for image processing, maximum speed burst shooting - 5 fps. In addition, this camera has a 2016-pixel RGB metering sensor and supports shooting modes such as HDR, Active D-Lighting, and additionally has 10 different special effects for photos and videos. The camera is sold in two colors: black and red. The price for the body kit is $899.95. Also available with 2 lenses: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II for $999.95 and DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR for $1199.95.

Ease of use Nikon D5500

The camera replaces the D5300 released in 2013. This camera has carved its niche in an extensive line of digital Nikon cameras between the D3300 and D7100 models in terms of not only its functionality, but also the ratio of size and weight. At the same time, the novelty, thanks to the new design, is smaller and lighter than the previous D5300. The hand holder is made much deeper, which will be convenient for users with larger than average hands or long fingers. Also on the back is a rubberized place for the thumb. In general, the camera is not only comfortable in the hand, but also confidently held when moving.

The back of the camera

The Nikon D5500 uses the same 24.2-megapixel sensor without an optical low-pass filter as its predecessor. There is a self-cleaning function of the matrix by high-frequency vibrations, which, theoretically, should shake off all third-party particles from it. This feature can be configured to automatically execute when the camera is turned on, turned off, or both (default). It can also be completely disabled in the settings menu. The sensor cleaning process does not affect the camera startup time in any way. The matrix is ​​complemented by an EXPEED 4 image processor, as well as a large buffer for temporary data storage.

Nikon D5500 supports Wi-Fi wireless data transmission technology, but the developers decided to refuse GPS support. Geopositioning is proposed to be carried out using a separately connected external module or smartphone. For example, using Wi-Fi, you can connect the camera and a smartphone running iOS or Android, which, in turn, will allow you to edit images and share them in in social networks. In addition, with the Wireless Mobile Utility, a free utility for smartphones, you can remotely control the camera, up to selecting the focus area on the smartphone screen.

The Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II lens, offered as standard with this camera, is one of the company's most talked about engineering innovations in recent times. This lens has a special lens position mode L, in which its physical parameters are much smaller, which is very convenient for storing and transporting optics. But, of course, before shooting, it will have to be moved apart to its usual size.

The new lens looks more balanced. It also has a built-in optical image stabilizer, which is very important in the case of optics for Nikon cameras, since the cameras of this company do not have the corresponding function, unlike some Sony, Pentax and Olympus models.

The Nikon D5500 shutter is noisier than the previous model. But in the camera settings there is a silent shutter mode, in which the mirror rises much more slowly to reduce the sounds emitted during this. However, in this mode, the shutter releases with a slight delay, which may be undesirable in some situations.

Artem Kashkanov, 2015

On January 5, 2015, the new advanced amateur SLR Nikon D5500 was released. Until recently, Nikon equipment was undeservedly deprived of attention on this site, and therefore I hasten to eliminate this unfortunate misunderstanding.

What was wrong with the D5300 that they decided to improve it?

The predecessor of the novelty was the quite successful Nikon D5300 model, and the language will not turn out to be bad even in a nightmare. Since this model has not been mentioned on the site before, I will tell you a little about it here, since the new D5500 is based on the D5300. Within a year, the D5300 was Nikon's flagship in the amateur segment. The main "trick" of this camera is a 24 megapixel matrix without a LowPass filter, which he inherited from his older brother Nikon 7100 (semi-professional).

LowPass-filter (anti-aliasing filter) is designed to "smooth" the pixels of the image to prevent the appearance of moiré - the effect of the appearance of dark streaks on small "rhythmic" textures, for example, on fabric. AT real life moire can be seen by looking at the light through the tulle folded in 2 layers.

Moire on a uniform tulle

Programmatic removal of moire is a rather laborious task and most often this problem is solved at the hardware level, just with the help of an anti-aliasing filter on the matrix. The price of the issue is a slight decrease in the sharpness of the image, but (there is such a bad word "but"), moire, if it occurs, then to a much lesser extent.

The Nikon D5300 does not have an anti-aliasing filter, the moiré problem is solved by software. The advantage of this approach is the improvement in the detailing of photographs, which was presented by marketers as a "miracle that came down from heaven." But for some reason they kept silent that this advantage is really revealed on high-quality expensive optics. No I don't mind whale lens Nikkor 18-55mm, but personally it seems to me that 24 megapixels is still too much to see the difference with the naked eye compared to younger models with an "ordinary" matrix of the same resolution. At least I didn't succeed...

But the absence of an anti-aliasing filter is not the only advantage of the D5300. By and large, this is a camera that is quite balanced in its characteristics, shoots well at high ISOs, has FullHD video, a 3.2-inch swivel screen, WiFi, GPS - in a word, what the doctor ordered for an enthusiastic amateur photographer. The main thing is to explore the possibilities, get used to the controls and go ahead! For all this happiness, the price is $ 800. But, as it turned out, there is no limit to perfection, and Nikon decided to make additional improvements to an already successful model.

The main advantages of the Nikon D5500 compared to its predecessor

Touch screen

Back view

First and foremost, the D5500 is Nikon's first DSLR with touch screen. I used to be quite skeptical about this option, but when I tried it on my mirrorless, I had to change my mind. Firstly, the touch screen is extremely convenient when shooting from a tripod - first you compose the frame as it should, and then, instead of fooling around with choosing a focus point, you simply touch the object that should be sharp. The camera itself focuses on the selected object and immediately takes a picture. The approach - "pointing to the central point, reframing, shooting" at the same time goes to the dustbin of history. This is especially useful for macro photography of flowers that sway in the wind.

Secondly, the touch screen helps to quickly and accurately, without jerking, shift the focus from one object to another when shooting video. Surely you have seen this technique more than once - first, some object is shown on the screen close-up on a blurred background, and then the sharpness is quickly transferred to the background. It turns out the combination of two stories into one passage. Focusing by touch will do a good job.

Full HD video, 60 frames per second

Also a nice innovation that videographers will appreciate. The ability to shoot at a 2x higher frame rate makes it possible to make a high-quality 2x slow-motion video (without jerks and blurry "comb" edges of objects). It is in this form that clinking champagne glasses, fireworks, various elements staged shooting look much better than in reality. Naturally, you will have to pay for this in 2 large volume of video files and increased requirements for the speed of the flash drive.

The camera lost its built-in GPS module

This can hardly be called a serious drawback, since it does not affect the quality of photos and videos in any way. If you have no idea how you can take pictures without a GPS sensor, you can install it separately (it says that with the help of an adapter) - to be honest, I have no idea what it is and how much it costs. To be honest, I'm just too lazy to find out and search :)

The camera has become noticeably lighter!

Nikon D5500 "lost weight" compared to its predecessor by 12% or 65 grams and at the same time began to weigh 470 grams (with battery and flash drive). Personally, I think light weight is a big plus for a camera. this class. I have fresh memories of walking around Turkey, Egypt and Bulgaria with a full-frame carcass and a set of optics. Carrying kilograms around your neck in the heat is not for everyone. On the other hand, weight reduction gives reason to wonder why it was done. Most likely, partially metal elements of the body were replaced with plastic ones. Fortunately, this did not affect the mount, it is metal.

By the way, since we are talking about the mount, like its predecessors, the D5500 is designed for "screwless" lenses with a built-in motor, they have the AF-S index. Lenses "for a screwdriver" will also fit on this carcass, but you will have to focus manually.

And how compared to competitors?

Nikon D5500's closest competitor is Canon EOS 750D. Looking at the total set of parameters, Nikon outperforms this Canon model in several ways:

  • Nikon D5500 has a sensor without an anti-aliasing filter (theoretically higher image detail)
  • Nikon D5500 has the best video capabilities. The Canon 750D can't shoot FullHD video at 60 fps, the Nikon D5500 can.
  • The Nikon D5500 has 39 (9 cross) focus sensors versus 19 for the Canon EOS 750D. But the Canon EOS 750D has all 19 cruciform sensors - that is, we are seeing some parity.
  • Nikon D5500 has a slightly larger swivel LCD screen (3.2" vs. 3")
  • Nikon D5500 has almost 2 times more capacious battery (820 vs. 440 photos)
  • Nikon D5500 weighs less (420 grams without battery and flash drive versus 510 grams)

That is, it turns out that the Nikon D5500 has quite a few advantages over its closest competitor, however, the declared price for it is about $ 100 more expensive and comparable to the more advanced Canon EOS 760D. The latter has significant improvements in terms of ergonomics, but is identical in technical specifications to the cheaper 750D.

The strong point of Canon DSLRs is silent tracking focus when shooting video using STM lenses, as well as the ability to change aperture during recording. At Nikon, the sound of the autofocus motor is clearly distinguishable on video recording, the aperture is set before recording starts, it cannot be changed during the recording process. Even if the indicator shows that the aperture is changing when the dial is rotated, this does not actually happen. The camera will apply the new aperture value when recording the next video.

Is it worth buying now?

Nikon D5500 is another successful model from Nikon. But like all new products, the cost of the new Nikon D5500 can be initially overpriced, despite the fact that there was no noticeable breakthrough in image quality compared to older models - only a relatively small increase in functionality. Whether it is worth overpaying money to brag about a novelty to friends or waiting six months or a year, when the hype subsides and the price becomes adequate - everyone decides for himself.

Personally, I think that all you need to get quality photos, in DSLRs already implemented 5 years ago. Now the race of "bells and whistles" is in full swing, thanks to which the cameras of the amateur segment surpass the more advanced models of 2-3 years ago in terms of functionality. You should not think that without exception all "chips and bows" are exclusively marketing. Many of them really increase the convenience of the camera when working. Nevertheless, many amateur photographers are in no hurry to chase progress and fashion and shoot with old D3000, D90, 450D, 5D and other "rarities". They are accustomed to their cameras and do not have complexes at all because of their considerable age, but simply take pictures, enjoying it.

24 megapixel APS-C (DX) sensor DSLR for hobby use. Swivel touch screen, built-in Wi-Fi module.

In fact, the Nikon D5500 is a slightly updated D5300 with a touch screen and no GPS. The new camera is 60g lighter than its predecessor. I have no idea why Nikon skipped the D5400. The differences from the D5300 are so insignificant that the model should not be called the D5500, but the D5300s.

Release year: 2015.

Price (March, 2018): $600 (includes Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX II lens).

Compatibility

Nikon F mount.

Fully compatible with AF-S and AF-I lenses only.

Autofocus will not work with AF lenses. With AI-P lenses, exposure detection is only possible in A and M modes. Exposure metering will not work with A, AI and AI-s lenses.

Matrix

Model: Sony IMX-193-AQK.

Type: CMOS, Bayer filter, no anti-aliasing filter.

Size: 23.5 x 15.6mm, DX, ~1.53 crop factor.

Resolution: 24.1 MP.

Image size: 6000 x 4000 (NEF Large JPEG), 4496 x 3000 (Medium JPEG), 2992 x 2000 (Small JPEG).

ISO sensitivity: 100 - 12800 (in 1/3-stop increments), 25600 (HI1), auto.

Matrix cleaning: yes.

File Format

NEF (RAW): 14-bit, compressed.

JPEG: High, medium, or low quality.

Color space: sRGB, Adobe RGB.

Automatic image rotation: yes.

Video

Resolution: 1920x1080, 60/50/30/25/24p; 1280 x 720, 60/50p; 640 x 424, 30/25 p.

File format: MOV (high or normal quality).

Compression: H.264/MPEG-4.

Built-in microphone: stereo.

Memory cards

One nest.

SD, SDHC or SDXC.

Viewfinder

Type: mirror with pentamirror.

Frame coverage: 95%.

Magnification: 0.82 (for 50mm lens).

Diopter adjustment: -1.7 to +0.7 diopters.

Viewfinder focus point: 17mm.

Focusing Screen: BriteView Mark VII Type B.

Live View: yes.

Diaphragm repeater: no.

Screen

Type: rotary, touch TFT LCD monitor.

Diagonal: 3.2 inches.

Resolution: ~1040k pixels (VGA).

Brightness adjustment: manual.

Additional display: no.

Gate

Shutter speed range: 1/4000 - 30 s (in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments), bulb.

Flash sync speed: 1/200 sec.

Continuous shooting: 5 fps.

Release modes: single, serial low speed, serial high speed, timer, remote with timer, remote, silent, release delay.

Timer: 2s, 5s, 10s, 20s.

Preliminary mirror up: descent delay.

Remote trigger: ML-L3 IR remote.

Shutter life: 100,000 shots.

exposure meter

Type: TTL, RGB sensor, 2016 pixels.

Exposure metering methods: matrix, center-weighted, spot.

Exposure modes: program (P), shutter priority (S), aperture priority (A), manual (M), auto, auto without flash, 16 scene modes, 7 special effects modes.

Exposure compensation: -5 to +5 EV (in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments).

Exposure bracketing: 3 frames (in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments).

autofocus

Phase detection autofocus module: Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX.

Number of focus sensors: 39, of which 9 are cross type.

Autofocus modes: single (AF-S), tracking (AF-C), automatic (AF-A).

Focus point selection modes: single point, dynamic, automatic, 3D.

Autofocus light: LED.

Focus Motor: No.

Fine-tuning autofocus: no.

Autofocus in Live View: Contrast.

white balance

White balance modes: automatic, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, manual.

Fine-tuning white balance: yes.

Flash

Built-in flash: yes.

Built-in flash guide number: 12m (at ISO 100).

Flash Compensation: -3 to +1 EV (in 1/3-stop increments).

Flash modes: Fill flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain sync with slow sync, rear-curtain sync.

External flash control with built-in flash: No, optional SU-800 is required.

Sync Contact Connector: No, AS-15 adapter required.

Food

Battery: EN-EL14a (Li-ion; 7.4 V; 1230 mAh).

Battery life (CIPA standard): ~820 shots.

Charger: MH-24.

Mains Powered: Requires optional EH-5b AC adapter.

Interface

Video output: NTSC, PAL.

HDMI output: Type C mini-HDMI connector.

Audio input: 3.5mm TRS.

Connector for accessories.

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 129 x 98 x 78 mm.

Weight: 470 g (with battery and memory card), 420 g (body only).

Contents of delivery

Camera: D5500.

Lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II.

Battery: EN-EL14a.

Charger: MH-24.

Viewfinder eyecup: DK-25.

Viewfinder cap: DK-5.

USB cable: UC-E23.

Audio/Video cable: EG-CP16.

Belt: AN-DC3.

Bayonet cover: BF-1B.

Hot shoe cover: BS-1.

Software: Nikon ViewNX 2.

Comparison

D3300 D5500 D7100
Release year 2014 2015 2013
Continuous shooting speed, frames / s 5 5 6
Minimum shutter speed, s 1/4000 1/4000 1/8000
Synchronization time, s 1/200 1/200 1/250
ISO, WB and AF buttons No No there is
Optional control dial No No there is
Saving user settings No No U1, U2
Screen 3",
921,000 pixels
swivel, touch, 3.2",
1,040,000 pixels
3,2",
1 229 000
pixels
Frame coverage in the viewfinder, % 95 95 100
Number of focus points 11 39 51
Pre-raise mirror No descent delay there is
WiFi No there is No
Memory cards SD SD SD, SD
Battery EN-EL14a
(1030 mAh)
EN-EL14a
(1230 mAh)
EN-EL15
(1900 mAh)
Weight, g 480 470 765

Nikon is 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" in model range Nikon nevertheless appeared, but not with an APS-C sensor, but with a 1-inch one, which made it possible to reduce the dimensions of devices and optics, and most importantly, to minimize competition with their own DSLRs. Over time, the trend of "mirroring" "mirrorless" began to be observed. They acquired controls characteristic of DSLRs, viewfinders, and the shape of advanced solutions is increasingly reminiscent of conventional DSLR cameras. They are fond of “mirroring” mainly Panasonic and Olympus.

But the movement is not one-way: not so long ago, Pentax introduced a line K-S cameras, which in appearance are closer to "mirrorless". Now Nikon has joined this movement. The huge D5500 display is now touch-sensitive (by the way, Canon has long mastered this feature in its basic DSLRs). However, Nikon did not stop there: the dimensions and weight relative to the D5300 were significantly reduced. Of course, a gradual decrease in weight and size is typical of all lines from all manufacturers, but our test subject had not only a “carcass” reduced, but also a complete lens that folds into a transport position in the manner of “mirrorless” zoom lenses. Everything? No matter how. The manufacturer has significantly changed the design of the rear - and the only - control disk. Instead of the classic disk with large ribs, the novelty received a metal disk 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 age of tough struggle for a novice amateur photographer, who increasingly prefers “mirrorless”.

⇡ Specifications declared by the manufacturer

Nikon D5500
Image sensor CMOS sensor 23.5 × 15.6 mm.
Total Pixels: 24.78MP
Effective number of points, MP 24,2
Image save format photo frame: NEF (RAW): 12-bit or 14-bit compressed. JPEG: Baseline compatible JPEG with high (1:4), medium (1:8), or low (1:16) compression. NEF (RAW) + JPEG: One photo 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 From 100 to 25,600 ISO units in steps of 1/3 EV
Shutter speed range 1/4000 to 30 seconds in 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments,
hand-drawn; long exposure
metering TTL exposure metering with 2016-pixel RGB sensor
(3D color matrix metering,
color matrix metering,
center-weighted metering, spot metering)
exposure compensation -5 to +5 EV in 1/3 steps or
1/2 EV in P, S, A and M modes
Built-in flash guide number 12
Self-timer, with 2, 5, 10, 20
Information storage device SDHC and SDXC compatible with SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I
LCD display Rotatable 3.2-inch 1037k-dot display
Interfaces HDMI, USB 2.0/AV output,
connector remote control,
microphone connector (mini-jack 3.5 mm)
Additionally Wi-Fi module (IEEE 802.11b/g, up to 54 Mbps)
Food Li-ion battery LN-EL14a, 8.9 Wh
Dimensions (W×H×D), mm 124×97×70
Weight, g 470 (with battery and memory card, but without protective cover);
approx. 420 (camera body only)

⇡ Delivery set

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

⇡ Appearance and usability

The convenience of the body is a purely subjective concept, and it 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 would immediately like to note that in a medium-sized hand, the novelty lies worse than its predecessor. The protrusion in the front part has become smaller and narrower, so when using a camera with heavy lenses, it can be difficult. However, with a complete lens, this drawback is not particularly noticeable. 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 picture - the brush gets tired much less.

Body Nikon D5500, 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 vaguely 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 Thai plant of the company. When you try to twist and squeeze, the body does not give in at all and does not make any sounds, which has long been a good tradition for most modern DSLRs.

A pop-up flash is installed on top, at the base of which a “hot shoe” and a pair of microphones fit. To the left of the flash is only the system speaker, and to the right is the mode dial, supplemented by a lever for switching to Live View mode, video recording keys, exposure compensation, a shutter release key with a power lever and the already mentioned modified control dial. It should be noted right away that the new disk has become less comfortable due to small ribs, and this is especially noticeable when working with the camera in the heat, when the disk simply slips under a wet finger. In general, here either the ribs need to be made larger, which breaks the concept of capturing market share from mirrorless cameras a little, or the protrusion of the disk above the surface should be a little larger, and its course a little softer. However, in the case of the D5500, you will already have to use it as it is.

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

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