Nikon 5500 lenses. Nikon D5500 SLR camera review: “pseudo mirrorless. Image Quality - Noise
When Nikon just announced D5500 we thought it would be a step in the right direction. After working with this camera for a while, we tend to agree with this opinion. From a commercial point of view, Nikon D5500- a fairly safe experiment that does not rock the boat of the prestige of its manufacturer. It offers a number of upgrades that users will love: 5 fps continuous burst shooting, a deep, comfortable grip, built-in Wi-Fi, and a very fast focusing system.
pros
- Excellent image quality
- fast focus
- Shooting at up to 5 frames per second
- Pretty quiet shutter
- small size
- The handle is deep and comfortable enough that we didn't even bother to use the neck strap.
Minuses
- The camera does not offer anything new for its market segment
Nikon D5500: Specifications
Main features of the camera:
- 24.2 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
- GPU EXPEED 4
- No optical low pass filter OLPF
- 3.2″ swivel LCD touch screen
- Full HD 1080p video recording at 60 fps (bitrate 38 mbit/s at Full HD 1080p)
- Built-in WiFi module
- Burst shooting up to 5 frames per second
- 39-point Multi-CAM 4800DX AF sensor
- ISO sensitivity up to ISO 25600
- Built-in intervalometer
Used equipment
For this review, we tested Nikon D5500 with lens Nikon 50mm f/1.8G and flash LumoPro LP-180.
Nikon D5500: Ergonomics
Nikon D5500 is the manufacturer's latest offering for photographers looking for something better than . And we have to admit that Nikon did a great job of separating these two series.
Front of the body Nikon D5500 practically devoid of controls and we are very sorry that we have no way to convey how much protruding handle the new camera has received!
On the back of the camera body is an LCD display that takes up a large area on the back of the camera. In addition, the viewfinder, buttons: Menu, Info, AE-Lock, playback, multi-position joystick for selecting the focus point, etc. are also located here. The design of the back of the camera is well thought out and goes well with the handle on the front, giving the overall feeling of solidity.
The LCD rotates freely and the touch screen is sensitive and responsive. Beyond that, we have nothing to add, since, for the most part, we have ignored the functionality of the touch screen, relying on the more familiar push-button control.
On the sides of the camera, you can find standard camera connectors, a slot for memory cards, buttons for controlling the shutter mode, ISO settings, and forced pop-up of the built-in flash, etc.
Nikon D5500: Build Quality
Generally, D5500 well made for the category of cameras to which it belongs. But when you hold it in your hands for a while, you might get the impression that the D5500 is somewhat reminiscent of a Barbie doll, except perhaps without her signature plastic smile.
This is a thin camera, and in some places it even seems too thin. For example, the handle is so deep that it only enhances the feel of the camera's thinness. In fact, it looks like Nikon engineers have taken a smartphone and added a mirror, a pentaprism, a pen, and an interchangeable lens module to it.
If you are skinny, then the Nikon D5500 is probably a great choice for you.
Nikon D5500: Ease of use
Over the years, Nikon has been more or less consistent in the placement and function of its camera buttons. Want to change your ISO settings? Press the Fn button and increase or decrease the ISO sensitivity. Decided to change the aperture in manual mode? Press the exposure button on the top of the camera and then turn the control dial. Many Nikon users are accustomed to this control, and many actions are performed automatically.
AT D5500 Nikon decided to try out a new control scheme and added a touch screen. Well, it works very well, but still, we think that users will not use the touch screen most of the time. And all because the buttons and control dials allow you to change the necessary settings much faster.
Nikon D5500: Autofocus
Having tried Nikon D5500, we found overall good performance. The best results were achieved when the focus point was selected manually, but in automatic mode the results were very good.
This is probably the fastest autofocus entry level DSLR we've tested. Focus system D5500 quite successfully copes even with the tracking of moving objects, but to be fair, we note that it worked best when using the central focus point.
Nikon D5500: Metering
Having tested the D5500 against the Sunny 16 Rule, we got the following picture. The new Nikon camera in manual mode correctly produces scenes at ISO 100, f/16, and a shutter speed of 1/100 of a second. But when switching to any of the automatic modes Nikon D5500 cannot boast of the same results: the camera overexposes the scene, sometimes up to 1 stop.
Nikon D5500: Image Quality
Unfortunately, at the time of this review, Adobe Lightroom 5 does not support working with RAW file Nikon D5500. So for now, we'll be content with the JPEG results.
It is worth noting that even when using the Vivid mode, the images are somewhat lacking in saturation. When viewed on the camera's LCD screen, it's not noticeable - photos look great on it (which is not surprising). But as soon as you see these same images on your computer monitor, you immediately want to make the colors of the photographs a little more saturated.
Nikon D5500: the flexibility of RAW files
We'll update this section as soon as RAW work becomes available in Lightroom. D5500.
Nikon D5500: high ISO performance
If we talk about performance at high ISO values, then it can be noted that in this regard, Nikon D5500 everything is fine, in particular, due to the fact that it does not use an OLPF filter. Either way, this camera handles noise very well at high ISOs, trying to keep noise to a minimum.
Nikon D5500: Photo Samples
Nikon D5500: Conclusions
What did you like:
- Comfortable handle
- Compact
- Good image quality
What did not like:
- Too thin in several places - creates a feeling of fragility
So, Nikon D5500- a good camera. It can be a great gift for those who want to take their first steps in the world of photography. Compact size, built-in Wi-Fi, 5fps continuous shooting, fast autofocus. At first, a beginner is unlikely to feel the need for something more.
However, Nikon seems to be being too cautious and we would like to see a little more innovation in its entry-level cameras.
You can find out the latest and best price for the Nikon D5500, as well as purchase it here:
- Nikon D5500 body (black)
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 found its niche in an extensive line digital cameras Nikon between the D3300 and D7100 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 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 most talked about recent times engineering innovations of the company. 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.
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, with my own camera, which I bought about four years ago, I took a little over 50,000 pictures. The developers also turned out to be very successful with a new display. AT 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.
Let's start with brief introduction to the D5500, and then we will go directly to the comparison.
Nikon D5500
The D5500 is a relatively small SLR with an interchangeable lens. Its design is very reminiscent of the D5300, which fits comfortably in the hand, features accessible button placement and ease of use. The new DSLR is slightly smaller and lighter.
The handle has changed from the D3300 and D5300. She took on more angular forms and decreased. Probably, the developers have optimized it in response to the wishes of the photographers. Presumably the grip will now be more satisfying for people with smaller hands.
The control dial is on top. There is no GPS receiver, to use the automatic geotagging option for images, you will have to purchase an additional GP-1A GPS device, which costs about $ 280.
According to Nikon, the D5500 has a new carbon fiber composite monocoque body that increases its strength while keeping it light. It's not built to the same standards as the Nikon D7100, for example, but it's solid enough for everyday use. At the same time, the case is not protected from moisture, so do not plan to shoot with it in the rain.
The D5500 features a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 processor to produce high resolution images even in low light and with very little noise. Some photographers prefer lower resolution and higher performance at high ISO speeds. But Nikon has proven that even with 24.2 megapixels, high ISO image quality can be very good.
The sensor on the D5500 lacks an optical low-pass filter to increase the level of detail and sharpness in photos. If you're into editing your shots, you'll love the high resolution, which gives you more freedom to crop your shots without affecting image quality.
The rear panel houses a 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD touch screen with a resolution of 1,037,000 dots. This monitor will give you a clear view of the scene when shooting in Live View. The presence of a touch screen means that you can control the camera using the screen, much like a cell phone camera.
The D5500 was equipped with a penta-mirror optical viewfinder. It is inferior to the pentaprism on more advanced cameras, but still provides a clear and bright representation of the scene.
Other features include the ability to easily send photos wirelessly to mobile devices using built-in Wi-Fi, new function button (Fn), 39-point AF system (9 cross type) and 3D tracking for fast moving subjects, continuous shooting speed 5 frames per second. With the D5500, you can record 1080p50 video with AF and stereo sound, use 16 scene modes, Picture Control option, interval timer (4 and 30 seconds), built-in HDR, art filters, 3.5 mm microphone input for connecting an external stereo microphone.
The Nikon D5500 represents relatively minor improvements over its predecessor, the D5300. Slightly smaller body, touch screen, updated handle design, eye sensor, but no built-in GPS. It's unlikely that D5300 owners will see the D5500 as an attractive upgrade option. The main competitors for this camera will be mirrorless cameras, which look tempting not only in the entry-level segment, but even among enthusiast models.
Overall, this is a great camera for beginner amateur photographers, but we can't help but notice that the SLR market is feeling more and more pressure from system cameras. The new mirrorless cameras show much more significant upgrades, so the D5500 will disappoint some photographers.
The Nikon D5500 is priced at $900 (body only) and $1,000 (with 18-55 lens). The D5300 sells for $700 (body only) and $750 with 18-55 lens. Thus, the D5500 carcass is $200 more expensive, which is a lot, considering that there are not so many innovations. Worth thinking about.
Comparison of characteristics Nikon D5500, D5300 and D3300
| Nikon D5500 | Nikon D5300 | Nikon D3300 | |
| Announcement date | January 6, 2015 | October 17, 2013 | January 7, 2014 |
| Housing material | carbon fiber composite | carbon fiber composite | |
| Sensor |
24.2 MP (effective) 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C) |
24.2 MP (effective) 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C) without anti-aliasing filter (OLPF) with extension - 25 600 |
24.2 MP (effective) 23.5x15.6mm (APS-C) without anti-aliasing filter (OLPF) with extension - 25 600 |
|
All three cameras have the same resolution and sensor size, and all lack an anti-aliasing filter, which increases the detail and sharpness of images. But in the D5500, the maximum native ISO is one stop higher. In the other two cameras, a similar light sensitivity is available as an option. |
|||
| Image Processor | Expeed 4 | Expeed 4 | Expeed 4 |
| RAW format | yes (12 or 14 bits) | yes (12 or 14 bits) | yes (12 bit) |
| Autofocus system |
39 AF points (9 cross type) |
11 AF points (1 cross type) |
|
| The D5500 and D5300 have the same fast-acting 39-point autofocus system. In the D3300, the autofocus system is less advanced, with fewer points, among which only one is of the cross type. Thus, the D5500 and D5300 have an advantage when shooting fast-moving subjects, such as when photographing sports events or children. |
|||
| 3.2 inch resolution 1,037,000 dots with variable angle touch screen Eye sensor control system |
3.2 inch resolution 1,037,000 dots with variable angle 170-degree wide viewing angle |
3 inch resolution 921,000 dots fixed with 160-degree wide viewing angle |
|
| The D5500 features the most advanced display ever. This is the only camera in our comparison with a touch screen. People who often take pictures with their smartphone will immediately appreciate the convenience of this touch screen. The monitor in the D3300 is the least impressive. It is non-touch, fixed and has a slightly smaller viewing angle: 160 degrees versus 170. |
|||
|
Viewfinder |
pentamirror coverage - 95% magnification - 0.82x |
pentamirror coverage - 95% magnification - 0.82x |
pentamirror coverage - 95% magnification - 0.85x |
| The viewfinder on the D3300 has a slightly higher magnification, but all three viewfinders are the same type and each provide a clear and bright view of the scene. | |||
| Shutter speed | 30 - 1/4000 sec | 30 - 1/4000 sec | 30 - 1/4000 sec |
| Retractable flash | yes (12 m) | yes (12 m) | yes (12 m) |
| Connecting an external flash | through the hot shoe | through the hot shoe | through the hot shoe |
| Sync Speed X | 1/200 sec | 1/200 sec | 1/200 sec |
| Continuous shooting speed | 5 fps | 5 fps | 5 fps |
| white balance | there is | there is | No |
| Mode disk | there is | there is | there is |
| The D5500 has a more simplified mode dial without scene modes (they are in the camera settings). But the new model has more built-in effects, such as "Super Vivid", "Pop", "Photo Illustration". | |||
| Control disk | up | integrated at the back | integrated at the back |
| Picture Control | there is | there is | there is |
| Quarter step increment in Picture Control | there is | No | No |
| Video recording (maximum resolution) |
1080p60 stereo sound 3.5 mm microphone input |
1080p60 stereo sound 3.5 mm microphone input |
1080p60 stereo sound 3.5 mm microphone input |
| Wireless connection | built in | built in | optional (via wireless mobile adapter WU-1a) |
| Timelapse Recording | there is | there is | No |
| GPS | No | there is | No |
| Battery life (CIPA) | 820 shots | 600 shots | 700 shots |
| New D5500 has better battery life | |||
| Dimensions | 124 x 97 x 70 mm | 125 x 98 x 76 mm | 124 x 98 x 76mm |
| The weight | 420 g | 480 g | 430 g |
findings
The D5500 DSLR looks more like an "edited" version of the D5300. It's a good, worthwhile upgrade for D3300 owners who want a more advanced camera with an improved autofocus system, improved low-light capabilities, better LCD monitor, touch screen, built-in wireless, timelapse recording, stronger battery, and more effects. The D5500 also features a simplified user interface and improved ergonomics. But all these advantages will cost a significant amount. The D5500 costs about $400 more than the D3300.
The photography market has changed a lot in recent years. There was a redistribution of forces, forcing even major manufacturers to reconsider its conservative approach to manufactured products. The wind of change has not bypassed one of the two largest players in the photographic equipment market - Nikon, which has always responded promptly to requests from amateur photographers, taking into account all the comments and wishes in new models of its cameras. Today we will talk about the most technological novelty of this brand in the class of amateur DSLRs - Nikon D5500.
In general, Nikon has recently released quite a few new SLR cameras against the background of competitors, among which are mainly professional models or cameras for advanced photographers: Nikon D810, Nikon D750, Nikon D7200. However, the hero of our today's review is Nikon D5500, the ideological successor of the D5300 model, which appeared on the shelves more than a year and a half ago and has become a reliable companion of many novice amateur photographers.
NIKON D5500 / Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II Nikkor SETTINGS: ISO 1000, F5.6, 1/125s, 165.0mm equiv.
If earlier almost annual update model range of amateur DSLRs was largely fashionable, this new product clearly feels the transition to new traditions. The changes affected not only the filling, they are also visible in the appearance of this model. Externally, the D5500 is noticeably different from its predecessor cameras.
The camera has become lighter by almost 100 grams: together with the battery, its weight is only 470 grams. To reduce the size of the novelty, Nikon engineers designed a completely new body, adding more smooth lines. Appearance the D5500 is more modern and technologically advanced.
Let's talk about government. It should be noted here that we now have a more convenient steering wheel located under the thumb. Its design was modified, making the disk itself open, and its course more accurate and convenient. Rotating it is easy enough, but requires effort, which helps to avoid accidental rotation. This disk looks more solid.
Those familiar with the previous model, the D5300, may notice that the number of icons on the mode dial has been reduced. Icons "Portrait", "Landscape", "Children", "Sport" and "Macro" disappeared from it. But do not rush to take on the pitchfork to raise developers on them. The above modes are still available. In order to select them, you need to turn the control dial to the SCENE position, where they are now located.
List of story programs
The list of story scenes in the new camera is more than extensive. There are presets for all occasions. There are 16 of them in total: portrait, landscape, child, sports, macro, night portrait, night landscape, holiday/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, pet portrait, candlelight, blossom, fall colors, food. We will talk more about them in one of the following parts of our review.
From the top panel, the info button (responsible for displaying data on the display) has moved to the place of the i key, which, in turn, is now located on the back of the case, just below and to the right of the view key.
The display of shooting parameters, which has become traditional for Nikon amateur cameras, remained unchanged. In my opinion, for beginners in photography, it is the most simple and informative.
Using the i key, you can call up the quick menu and access additional shooting options. Separately, I note the ability to navigate through all the parameters by touching the screen. I think this is the fastest and most convenient way.
At first glance, the camera screen remained unchanged. It has all the same swivel design, beloved by many. But now its resolution is 720x480 pixels with a diagonal of 3.2”. For modern cameras, this display size is still quite large, allowing you to comfortably view the pictures taken.
The Nikon D5500 allows you to select the focus point, as well as release the shutter with a simple touch of the display
Moreover, touch support is implemented by no means for show. With the new feature, you can scroll through images in playback mode and change settings in shooting mode. And in the case of sighting on the display, you can assign a shooting point with automatic release in one touch. In my opinion, this function is perhaps the most important and convenient of all the features of the touch display in the camera.
AT technical specifications Nikon D5500 there is a fair amount of continuity. The camera uses a 23.5mm x 15.6mm CMOS sensor like the previous model. For amateur cameras, to which the D5500 certainly belongs, it has one of the highest resolutions, allowing you to get 24-megapixel images of 6000 x 4000 dots. The absence of a built-in anti-moir filter also has a positive effect on the final image sharpness, making it truly uncompromising.
Like most modern cameras, the new Nikon D5500 has a built-in Wi-Fi module. With it, you can shoot remotely by controlling the camera from your smartphone. You can also transfer your favorite photos to your gadget - smartphone or tablet without any wires.
After the first acquaintance, the new D5500 left a purely positive impression of itself. Updated design, reduced dimensions and touch screen, which is used in a Nikon DSLR for the first time! The more interesting it will be to check how the camera behaves in real shooting conditions. More on that in the second part of our "Week with an Expert"!