Nikon D5500 General Discussion

Photobug

Initial impressions of the D5500. I got my hands on the D5500 the next day after it hit the local dealers shelf. My assessment was this looked like a good replacement for the wife's D90 and met her expectations/requirements. The day after we returned from our winter vacation I took her to the local dealer to see if it met her requirements.

Well it did meet her requirements and I bought one for her with the 18-140mm lens. I have too much going on right now to write a "First Impressions Review" for the main blog (like I did on the D750) but I will get something written tomorrow.

Teaser: This looks like a good camera for those moving up from point and shoot and from the D3XXX series DSLR's. The 2 ounce reduction and smaller size feels good ergonomically.

Photobug

Three days ago we purchased the Nikon D5500 with the AF-S 18-140mm G ED VR zoom lens to replace my wife’s six year old Nikon D90 with the 18-105mm zoom lens. Here are our initial impressions with this compact DSLR.

The mid-range D5500 DX format DSLR replaced the D5300 which was released in 2013 and is slotted between the D3300 and the D7100 DSLR. It’s a minor update to the D5300 and the key changes are a touch-sensitive rear LCD screen, Nikon’s first ever DSLR with touch operation, and improvements in ergonomics. The touch screen allows the user to choose the focus point via Touch AF, pinch in to check focus and even activate the shutter with the touch of a fingertip. It also works nicely to navigate the menu system and to scroll between captured images. When in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, or Manual Modes you get up/down scroll indicators to change aperture or shutter or both in Manual Mode.

The Video specification is almost identical to the D5300, comprising full 1080/60p resolution with the addition of the new 'flat' Picture Control mode, which we've seen in the D750 and D810. It has a built-in flash which cannot be used as a trigger for groups of off-camera flashes - you'll have to upgrade to the D7100 for that feature. The D5500 uses the same 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter like its predecessor so we anticipate image quality to be as good as the D5300. The Wi-Fi function essentially pairs the D5500 with an iOS or Android Smartphone or other smart device, and allows you to edit and share images directly to social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. It also makes it possible to control the D5500 remotely via a smart device using the free Wireless Mobile Utility app, and has the ability to set the focus point using the smart device's touch screen. My Wi-Fi experience with the D5500, D7100, and D750 is that the built in Wi-Fi connection is more reliable with the D5500 and D750 than the Wi-Fi dongle you have to attach to the D7100. The built in Wi-Fi is clearly superior to the D7100 with a dongle. Finally, Nikon has eliminated the GPS feature from the D5500 which was not important to us.

I really like the new Function button which provides one-touch access to important settings like AF point selection, aperture, ISO sensitivity, AF area mode and more. Ergonomically it’s similar but not identical to the D5300. The rear command dial was redesigned and the unusual “Lv” live view toggle switch sits on the outside of the exposure mode dial. It has only one control dial, and lacks an in-body focus motor, meaning you must use AF-S lenses if you want the camera to autofocus for you; just like the entry level D3300.

Most of the camera's rear controls are randomly scattered to the right of the 3.0” LCD folding screen. The positioning of the Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons in particular is not very intuitive, being operated with your right-hand thumb, and they are right next to the Delete button. The D5500 isn't a very complex camera so it should not take long to get use to the layout of the external control buttons. I prefer the button layout of the D300, D7100, D750, and D810 but I also understand that Nikon was trying to keep this camera compact. My personal opinion, the typical D3XXX and D5XXX user will quickly adapt to the new layout of the buttons.

Its 2-ounces lighter and slightly smaller a than the D5300 and more compact but neither is it as bulky and heavy as the D7100. The new monocoque design makes it Nikon’s lightest DSLRs. With the 18-55mm lens mounted on the body it is nicely balanced and with the larger and heavier 18-140mm lens the camera is front end heavy.

After three days of use we both are delighted with the D5500. The ease of handling, the compact body, light weight, and excellent image quality are an excellent mix for this mid-range DSLR. I was also surprised how well the AF system works in dim light; not as good as my new D750 but still acceptable for many applications and the casual and intermediate photographer.

See next message for the conclusion of the review.

Photobug

Lens Comments
The wife has always preferred the 18-105mm lens over the 18-55mm lens. With the new more compact 18-55mm lens with a button to shorten up the lens, I thought she would go for the smaller lens. Wrong - she did not like the limited range. When she tried the 18-140mm lens with the longer reach over the 18-105mm the decision was easy. It’s a nice universal all-around lens.

Summary
The Nikon mid-range DSLR continues to evolve with the introduction of the D5500. In terms of features, the D5500 is a rather modest upgrade of the previous D5300 model, with the touch screen, a smaller/lighter body, the new Flat Picture Mode, a few more Effects and Scene Modes and a slightly reconfigured control layout. This may not be enough to entice D5300 owners to upgrade, but it offers a compelling mix of image quality, ease of operation, compact body, and lightweight.

We are both very happy with the image quality and she is extremely happy with the size and handling of the new D5500.

As another reviewer said, the D5500 is lighter, smaller and easier to use - those are the three main improvements that the new D5500 DSLR offers over the D5300. We recommend the D5500 to those wanting to upgrade from point & shoot models or from the D3XXX series. For the first time DSLR owner it’s a great camera. Nikon has done an excellent job with this update to their proven mid-range DSLR.

kyoshinikon

Just by question is the D5500 the same size as a D3200?

Photobug

I was wrong in my original reply @kyoshinikon. The D5500 is smaller than the D3300. I have dimensions at home and will double check when I get home this afternoon. As I recall very close.

Photobug

Here are the dimensions and weights:

D3300 4.9"x3.9"x3.0 at 14.5 oz
D5300 4.92"x3.9"x3.0" at 16.9 oz
D5500 4.9"x3.9"x2.8" at 14.9 oz

So in one dimension the D5500 is smaller than the D3300. In two dimensions, it's smaller than the D5500.

Ironheart

Damn close though, good job Nikon!

kyoshinikon

Thanks. With those sizes I'm surprised that they don't interchange certain parts on the bodies

Photobug

For the record, as of March 13, 2015 RRS Customer Service confirmed that they WILL NOT make a plate for the D5500. I can understand why they would not make an "L" plate but no flat plate!

Ironheart

Shouldn't this one work?
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/D5200/BP-CS-Multi-camera-conventional-plate.html


Looks like the last D5xxx they made a specific plate for was the D5100, since then the generic flat plate looks like it will do the job...

KnockKnock

Not sure if this was posted yet:



I like that the touchscreen can control focus points, even while the eye is to the viewfinder. Or White Balance or ISO etc.

Chris explains stuff around the 3:30 mark on. Nikon's promotional video shows it being done with a swipe of the thumb. Apparently when raising it to the eye, the left side of the screen's touch interface is disabled along with illumination so that noses don't fight fingers for control. Might not help for left-eyed shooters, but it addresses that problem for the majority of users.

I'll be curious to see how this works in-use. @PHOTOBUG ?

Photobug

Shouldn't this one work?
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/D5200/BP-CS-Multi-camera-conventional-plate.html

Looks like the last D5xxx they made a specific plate for was the D5100, since then the generic flat plate looks like it will do the job...

Thank you @Ironheart. I had not started to look for a solution. I will check this generic plate out.

Photobug

@ironheart - again thanks for the RRS plate recommendation. I sent an email to RRS Customer Service and they did not recommend this plate...here is their response.

Thank you for your email. The anti-twist flange on the BP-CS will most likely interfere with the articulating screen on the D5500. To prevent any interference I would recommend either our MPR-73 or Wimberley's P5 plate.

MPR-73: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Multi-Purpose-Rails-Packages_2/MPR-73-73mm-rail.html

I am posting this for other D5500 owners.

Photobug

Checkout the main Blog for the DxO Mark scores on the D5500. Very nice and it continues to be a standout for the middle model in the DX format for Nikon. Be sure to check out the comparison of the D5500, D5300, and D5200 and how the D5500 compares to the D7100. Well done Nikon.

Photobug

We just returned from vacation and the wife shot lots of pictures with her new D5500. Her comments based upon 100 pictures:
1. Loves the smaller body (D500 replaced D90)
2. Picture quality is excellent
3. AF gave her a reasonable number of keepers from shooting butterflies.
4. Focusing in dim light was not an issue.
6. Very happy with the performance.

When we got back there was the May issue of Popular Photography. Excellent review and the lab test results were excellent. Up to an ISO of 12,800, image quality was excellent with no noise. They compared image quality to the Canon T5i and it kicked but. Sure looks like a winner for the middle of the DX line.

Forgot to comment on the Wi-Fi use. I did some image movement to her cell phone. No issues and it was quick moving a JPEG Large file. Very slick and more reliable than the Dongle on the D7100.

donaldejose

I just purchased a refurbished D5500 to replace my D5100 to serve as a light weight carry around camera when I am not out for "serious" photography and don't want to carry any weight. I wanted to test the touch screen, the high ISO and the ability of the current generation DX sensor to print poster size at base ISO. In other words I wanted to see just how much I could get out of such a lightweight body if I accidentally happened to run across something serious I would want to print poster size. I would say D5500 is rather amazing. I don't find the touch controls particularly revolutionary. I can work fine with the old control interface. But I do think the sensor easily produces images which can be printed poster size and will be indistinguishable from an FX sensor image as long as you have good light and a quality lens. I used Nikon's 40mm DX macro lens at f4 because I figured that would be about the sharpest "normal" focal length DX lens Nikon makes. In my opinion high ISO ability is amazing for a DX sensor. JPEG shot ISO 12,800 images can be printed to 8x10 with no issues (maybe a slight lack of color saturation). I did not think DX could do so well in low light. I am assuming this is the same sensor in the D7200, the same JPEG image processing software as in the D7200 and that the sensor in the D500 will be a bit better.
Questions: Has anyone with a D5500 or D7200 actually printed poster size (20x30 or 24x36 inch)?
If so, at what ISO are such size prints acceptable?
Has anyone printed D5500 or D7200 8x10 or 11x14 sized prints at high ISO (such as 6400, 12,800 or 25,600)?
If so, are they acceptable?

FreezeAction

@donaldejose Yes I've printed 8x10 from the D7200 even at 25,600 with a lot of post work. in the real world I shoot in some very low nasty light and the D810 rated at only 12,800 delivers much better images at 25,600 than the D7200 does at ISO 8000. Both bodies shooting side by side. I've lost all confidence in Nikon's ISO specifications for crop sensors. ISO 12,800 is pushing the D7200 with a 70-200 2.8 lens (latest version). If shot in a controlled environment the D7200 shots taken with flash or natural day light might be another story but that is not real world where high ISO is needed. My 2¢for the day.

donaldejose

Sounds like full size sensors still rule.

Ironheart

It sounds to me like 36mp can reduce about half a stop of noise vs 24mp when both are reduced to an 8x10 printout. Exactly as the math would predict. The other stop comes from being a crop sensor vs full frame, exactly as the math predicts.
And this is low light performance. If you get into normal light, it's more like 2/3rds of a stop. High ISO isn't just for low light.
I'll agree that the marketing department probably had some influence on the 25,600 ISO rating but like I said, it ain't just for low light.