Nikon D5300 and D5500 cameras are both compact SLRs but there exists some difference between Nikon D5300 and D5500 in image quality and some other features. Nikon D5500 that was launched in January 2015 is newer than the Nikon D5300, which was launched in February 2014. The Nikon D5300 has better image quality whereas the Nikon D5500 offers better value for money with additional features. However, it should be noted that both of these cameras carry their own advantages. So, in order to understand what more these cameras have to offer, let us examine each camera separately.
How to select a digital camera? What are the important features of a digital camera?
Nikon D5300 Review – Features of Nikon D5300
The Nikon D5300 was introduced in February 2014. The Nikon D5300 consists of an APS-C CMOS Sensor. The size of the sensor is (23.5 x 15.6 mm). It features the Expeed 4 Processor. The maximum resolution that can be shot with this camera is 6000 x 4000 pixels with an aspect ratio of 3:2. It does not contain an anti-aliasing filter in order to preserve the sharpness and details of the photo. The camera’s ISO range is 100 – 25600. The low light ISO is a good value of 1338. The files can be saved in RAW format for later processing. The Nikon 5300 consists of Nikon F mount. This mount can support 236 lenses. The Nikon D5300 does not have a sensor-based image stabilization, but 75 of these lenses have image stabilization. There are 34 lenses with weather sealing. The camera does not support weather sealing. The screen of this camera is articulated and 3.2 inches LCD and has a resolution of 1,037k dots. The Nikon D5300 also has an Optical (Ppentamirror) viewfinder which is built-in. It has a coverage of 95%. The magnification ratio is 0.82X. The continuous shooting that the camera supports is 5fps and the maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 sec. The Nikon D5300 is capable of supporting an external flash but also has a flash that is built in. The supported highest video resolution is 1920 × 1080 pixels. The savable formats are MP4 and H.264. There is no optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter.
The special feature of this camera is its ability to support Contrast Detection and Phase Detection AF systems. The autofocus has 39 focus points. The cross-type sensors of them are 9. Built-in features include a stereo microphone and a mono speaker. There is also an external microphone port to record high-quality sound. With the use of wireless technology, photo transfers can be done to compatible devices. HDMI and USB 2.0 ports can connect external devices at a data speed of 480 Mbit/sec. Built in GPS is also available with this model. The additional features include Face-Detection focusing for portraits and Time-lapse Recording for creative shooting.
The weight of the Nikon D5300 camera is 480 g, which is lower than the average weight of a DSLR camera that is 774g. The dimensions of the camera are equal to 125 x 98 x 76 mm. The battery life of the camera is 600 shots. The camera also has good ergonomics and handling.
Nikon D5500 Review – Features of Nikon D5500
The Nikon D5500 was introduced in January 2015. The Nikon D5500 consists of an APS-C CMOS Sensor. The size of the sensor is (23.5 x 15.6 mm). It features the Expeed 4 processor. The maximum resolution that can be shot with this camera is 6000 x 4000 pixels with an aspect ratio of 3:2. It does not contain an anti-aliasing filter so that it outputs a sharper crisp detail filled image. The camera’s ISO range is 100 – 25600. The low light ISO is a good value of 1438. The files can be saved in RAW format for later processing. The Nikon 5500 consists of Nikon F mount. There are 236 lenses that support this mount. The Nikon D5500 does not have a sensor-based image stabilization, but 75 of these lenses have image stabilization. There are 34 lenses with weather sealing. The camera does not support weather sealing. The screen of this camera is articulated and 3.2 inches LCD and has a resolution of 1,037k dots. The LCD is a touch screen with which the focus point can be controlled with fingertips. The Nikon D5500 also has an Optical (Pentamirror) viewfinder which is built-in. It has a coverage of 95%. The magnification ratio is 0.82X. The continuous shooting that the camera supports is 5fps and the maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 sec. The Nikon D5500 is capable of supporting an external flash but also has a flash that is built in. The supported highest video resolution is 1920 × 1080 pixels. The savable formats are MP4 and H.264. There is no optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter for quality imaging.
The special feature of this camera is its ability to support Contrast Detection and Phase Detection AF systems. The AF has 39 focus points. Built-in features include a stereo microphone and a mono speaker. There is also an external microphone port to record high-quality sound. Wireless connectivity is another highlight of this camera where photo transfer can be done. HDMI and USB 2.0 ports can connect external devices at a data speed of 480 Mbit/sec. The additional features include Face-Detection Focusing for portraits and Time-lapse Recording for creative shooting.
The weight of the D5500 camera is 420 g that is lower than the average weight of a DSLR camera, which is at 774 g. The dimensions are 124 x 97 x 70 mm. The battery life of the camera is 820 shots. The camera also has good ergonomics and handling.
What is the difference between Nikon D5300 and Nikon D5500?
GPS:
Nikon D5300: Nikon D5300 has a built-in GPS.
Nikon D5500: GPS is not available in Nikon D5500.
A special feature of Nikon D5300 is the capability of tracking your location.
Touch Screen:
Nikon D5300: The screen of this camera is 3.2 inches LCD.
Nikon D5500: The screen of D5500 too is 3.2 inches LCD, but it is a touch screen
The touch screen feature gives better control of all the functions of the camera. This is one of the sought after features of photographers of this time.
Battery Life:
Nikon D5300: With a single charge, D5300 can take 600 shots.
Nikon D5500: With a single charge, D5500 can take 820 shots.
The Nikon D5500 can support 220 shots more for a single charge. This means that the battery will last longer for a single charge and we don’t need to change or charge the battery in the middle of an event. But both values are below average of 863.
Weight:
Nikon D5300: The weight of D5300 is 480 g.
Nikon D5500: The weight of D5500 is 420 g.
The Nikon D5500 is lighter by 60 g than the Nikon D5300. Both the cameras are light weight. So the difference of 60g would not make much of a difference.
Low-light ISO:
Nikon D5300: The low light ISO of D5300 is 1338.
Nikon D5500: The low light ISO of D5500 is 1438.
In sports photography, higher low light ISO is advantageous. A higher low ISO is best suited to obtain faster shutter speeds . When there is low light, a higher ISO number will help to get a better exposed image.
Color Depth:
Nikon D5300: The colour depth of D5300 is 24.0.
Nikon D5500: The colour depth of D5500 is 24.1.
The Nikon D5500 has a slightly better color depth. The color depth is an indicator of the various colors the camera can capture. The higher the value, the richer the color of the photo.
Dynamic Range:
Nikon D5300: The dynamic range of D5300 is 13.9.
Nikon D5500: The dynamic range of D5500 is 14.0.
The Nikon D5500 has a higher dynamic range comparatively. This number represents how well it sees the range of light. In other words, it is the maximum and minimum light intensities that are measurable.
Summary:
Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5300
The Nikon D5500 is 60 g lighter than the Nikon D5300 but, as the weight difference is not that significant, it may not be a deciding factor. The Nikon 5500 has more features too. The Nikon D5300, on the other hand, has better image quality and value for money. If the need is for better imaging, the choice should be the Nikon D5300.
If we are to compare the sizes of the camera, the Nikon D5500 is smaller according to the dimensions. Both cameras do not support image stabilization. Also, they do not have weather sealing. The Nikon D5500’s price is higher than that of the Nikon D5300.
The ultimate conclusion would be, for image quality, go for the Nikon D5300 and, for value for money, the choice should be Nikon D5500.
| Nikon D5300 | Nikon D5500 | |
| Auto Focus Touch | Yes | No |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in | None |
| Low light ISO | 1338 | 1438 |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 5.0 fps |
| Weight | 480 g | 420 g |
| Dimensions | 125 x 98 x 76 mm | 124 x 97 x 70 mm |
| Battery Life | 600 shots | 820 shots |
| Color Depth | 24.0 | 24.1 |
| Dynamic Range | 13.9 | 14.0 |
Images Courtesy:
- Nikon D5300 via Nikon
- Nikon D5500 via Nikon