Nikon D5500 - the mighty small

Nikon’s 24.2mp d5500 is one of the smallest, lightest and slimmest DSLRs ever produced, yet it boasts some advanced features you wouldn’t find on a lower entry-level model. And what better way to push a camera to its limits than live music, especially when it’s photographing one of the UK’s most energetic rock bands, Enter Shikari. Just figured it out if it could cope with strobes, smoke and spinning band members, it could handle just about anything!

The D5500 sits above the D3300 in the Nikon line-up, and below the enthusiast level D7100, replacing the highly successful D5300. Sporting the same EXPEED 4 processor and 24.2MP sensor as its predecessor, including the omission of an optical low-pass filter, the biggest changes include the addition of a touchscreen (the first on a Nikon DSLR), and a redesign.

Handling

Perhaps the defining characteristic of the D5500 is its slimmed-down body. Measuring just 124mm in width by 97mm in height, and weighing only 470g, it’s the perfect size for carrying about on a day out, though it does feel slightly unbalanced with a larger lens attached. The camera’s tiny size is in part due to the lack of an internal focusing motor, which means that it won’t autofocus with Nikon’s older screw-type lenses, which don’t have their own AF motors built in.

The D5500’s new grip is deeper and slimmer than its predecessor, so there’s plenty of space for the fingers. Alongside these improved ergonomics is a redesigned thumb dial on the top-plate that makes the D5500’s main setting control more accessible. On the back of the camera is the new 1037k-dot 3.2in fl ip-out touchscreen, the first time this has ever been fitted to a Nikon DSLR. For many users this will be a very welcome addition, allowing intuitive setting selection at the swipe of a fi nger, and comfortable shooting at testing angles. Fingertip focusing and shooting are also available when the camera is in Live View.

The touchscreen can be set to change one of eight settings including ISO and focus point with a simple thumb swipe, which was very useful when shooting in a low light venue. This basically means that while the camera only has one thumb dial, two settings are easily adjustable without moving the camera from your eye. When shooting band members as they tear about the stage, being able to make these fast setting selections without being forced to go into the menu was a real plus. This is something that would be of benefit to any photographer who needs to respond quickly to moving subjects or changing light. The touchscreen feature works well around 90% of the time, though occasionally it’s necessary to tap or swipe the screen twice.

Main features

The D5500’s autofocus is the same Multicam 4800DX system that was found on the D5300 and D7000. This features 39 phase detection points, of which 19 are the most accurate cross-type. While all AF systems suff er in low light conditions, I was able to capture far more shots with this camera than I missed. This should reassure users that in virtually all normal shooting conditions, this camera will find focus quickly and accurately. In fact, when I switched to a Nikon D610 later in the evening, which uses a similar but non-DX autofocus system, there was no noticeable improvement to either speed or accuracy. The D5500 also has face detection and subject tracking AF modes, and an AF illuminator is present.

Image quality is very good, and the camera benefits from a 24.2MP resolution and the lack of a low-pass filter for ultra-sharp shots. While the D5500 doesn’t have quite as large a dynamic range as some of its rivals, it does boast some solid, though not astounding, noise handling, which can produce relatively clean images up to ISO 3200. Beyond this, noise does become noticeable, though images may still be useable with noise reduction in post-processing. The native ISO range now reaches an impressive 25,600, a level that was previously only available as an expanded option on the D5300. The sensor also features a cleaning system to help keep images free of dust and dirt.

Continuous shooting has a maximum rate of 4fps for 14-bit RAW files or 5fps for 12-bit RAWs. While this isn’t the fastest offering on the market, it was still quick enough for me to capture a good burst of shots at the show’s most crucial moments.

The D5500 is available as part of two different kits. The first, priced at £719, comes with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G standard zoom lens with Vibration Reduction, which is perfect for day-to-day shooting. The second kit is priced at £899 and features a longer 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 VR zoom for those looking for more extensive reach.

Other features

The in-built GPS on the D5300 has been removed from the D5500, which might be missed by those that spend a lot of time on location, but is unlikely to concern others. In any case, thanks to the camera’s Wi-Fi and Nikon’s free Wireless Mobile Utility app, this location information can still be added via a smartphone. The app also allows remote shutter release and touch-focus, alongside fast fi le transfer for speedy image sharing. The camera can record 1080p video at 60fps, with touch-focus possible via Live View. The camera has an in-built stereo microphone and an input for an external mic. Unfortunately, no headphone port is available for audio monitoring, limiting this camera’s suitability for videographers.

Battery life has been improved, now enabling 820 shots to be taken from one full charge, which is impressive for an entry-level model. A pop-up fl ash is also present.

The verdict

Internally, this camera is no great deviation from the D5300, which is currently available body only for just over £500. But externally, there have been some important changes, including the addition of a touchscreen, a big step forward for Nikon. In an age where people are accustomed to controlling their gadgets by touch, it’s only natural that this should become a key feature on entry-level models. Other improvements to ergonomics and extended battery life make this camera an attractive option, though whether they justify the price difference between this and the D5300 is up for discussion. The strongest competition comes in the shape of Canon’s 750D available for £690, which also has a touchscreen, and Pentax’s K50 with its faster continuous shooting at £629.

While unlikely to inspire lots of D5300 owners to upgrade, the D5500 makes an excellent first DSLR. Image quality is solid, autofocus reliable, and handling intuitive – that’s three big ticks for the most important attributes any new user should be looking for.

Specs

Camera: Nikon D5500 Kit lenses: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II or Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Effective resolution: 24.2MP Sensor: 23.5x15.6mm APS-C CMOS Processor: EXPEED 4 LCD: 3.2in 1037k-dot vari-angle touchscreen Autofocus: 39-point phase-detect (9 cross-type) ISO: 100-25,600 Shooting speed: 5fps Minimum focus distance: 25cm Video: Full HD (1080p) at 60fps Pop-up flash: Yes Other features: Wi-Fi, 10 special effects modes, 16 scene control modes Battery life: 820 shots Card type: SD, SDHC, SDXC Size (WxHxD): 124x97x70mm Weight: 470g