Marea Harris

Nikon is a Japanese multinational company specializing in making optics and imaging products. probably, this company is best known for the high-end cameras it makes for photography enthusiasts living in different parts of the world.

These cameras come in a variety of flavors and sizes. Many of it is designed for professional photographers, so it comes loaded with features and includes the latest cutting-edge technologies.

Some of it though is designed for entry-level camera amateurs who want to try out their skills at photography. Obviously, these cameras are much less expensive than the professional ones and at the same time, offer good features that justify their price tag.

Two such products that fit this description are Nikon D5500 and D5600.

Nikon D5500 vs D5600 – A  Detailed Comparison of Features

Nikon D5500 and D5600 are entry-level DSLR cameras that come loaded with many features. But if you have to pick one from the two, which will be your choice? A difficult question to answer, right?

Well, not after reading through this review because we will give you comprehensive and detailed information about each product. We will even compare both the products against a host of features, so you can decide which of these two is most ideal for you.

Nikon D5500 was announced in January 2015 and almost two years later, D5600 was announced in November 2016. This release is on par with the trend in entry-level DSLR cameras where a newer version in the same line is released once every 18 months.

There is no doubt that D5600 is the next version of D5500, and it incorporates the technological advancements that happened during these 22 months. That said, is it really better and does it offer good value for money?

Let’s get answers to all these questions right away.

1. Key Specifications

If you look at the specifications of both these models, you will realize that they are identical in every way.  The specifications that are present in both the models are:

24 megapixels

APS-C CMOS sensor

No anti-aliasing feature

ISO 100 – 25600

Nikon F mount

3.2 inch fully articulated screen

Optical viewfinder

5.0fps continuous shooting

1920 X 1080 video resolution

Built-in wireless capability

124 X 97 X 70 mm are the dimensions in both the cameras

The only area where there is a slight difference is in the weight. Nikon D5500 is 420 grams whereas D5600 is slightly heavier at 465 grams. This extra 45 grams could make a difference if you plan to carry your camera around for shooting images. Otherwise, this difference is insignificant.

Another aspect to keep in mind is the weight of the lens. The body weight is not the final weight of the camera because you will be adding lenses to it. That said, both the camera models use only APS-C format, which means, the lens weight and focus will be the same.

So, there will be no difference in weight in the case of both these models. But in general, it is important to keep in mind the weight and focus of lenses to calculate the overall weight of cameras.

2. Features

Both D5500 and D5600 come with similar features with minor variations.

First off, let us look at some of the common strengths present in both the models.

Common Strengths

Both the models come with some key features that give them an upper hand over other models in the same price range. Some such features include the following:

• Wireless connectivity – Both the models come with wireless connectivity feature, so you can connect to any Wi-Fi network to transfer photos to other devices.
• Articulating screen – These cameras come with an articulating screen, which means, it can be tilted for flexible shooting positions. This is most helpful when you fix them to a tripod and keep it upside down to take really low shots. The accuracy and result will be much better than you crouching down to take the pictures, not to mention the physical strain that comes with it.
• Built-in flash – This internal flash is most useful in low light conditions.
• External flash shoe – This feature is most ideal for flash photography because internal flashes do come with certain limitations. So, having an external flash shoe can go a long way in giving the necessary flash required for taking good quality images.
• Touchscreen – Nikon D5500 and D5600 come with the touchscreen, so you can easily control the different camera functions.
• Viewfinder – Both the models come with optical viewfinders, so you can better framing and control over your shots.
• RAW support – RAW image format is supported by both the models, and this means, you can edit them easily. Whether you want to adjust the white balance or make any other changes, this format makes it conducive.
• Face detection focus – When your camera has face detection focus, it helps to detect human faces so the camera can set the focus automatically and provide the necessary exposure to it. This option is most ideal for taking portraits.
• Maximum resolution – The maximum resolution is 24 megapixels, which is excellent. This value translates to more pixels within the short film, and this means, the images will be of the highest quality. The prints, in general, will be bigger and more detailed.
• LCD Screen size – The LCD screen size is 3.2 inches, and this is large enough to give you an idea of the overall environment.
• LCD screen resolution – The LCD screen resolution in both the models is 1.037k dots. This means the screen resolution will be higher and more detailed for you.
• Microphone port – Both the models come with a microphone port that ensures high-quality audio recording option. This gives you much better flexibility for recording videos, so you can speak into it clearly.
• Time-lapse recording – Time-lapse recording gives you greater flexibility and creativity for shooting images.

Also Read: Nikon D7200 vs Canon 80D: Pros & Cons and Verdict

• AE Bracketing – AE bracketing is most useful for shooting in tough light conditions, especially when you have to move from a dark environment to a light one. It is difficult to manually change the settings as you move across different environments. A better option is to allow the camera to handle the settings for you, and this is exactly what AE bracketing will do for you. So, it is a handy feature to have, and it can enhance your creativity and end result in a big way.
• Selfie friendly – The LCD screen in both the models can be rotated easily, which makes it ideal for taking selfies at any time. All that you have to do is touch the selfie button, just like how you would do on smartphones, to get crystal clear images of yourself.
• Smartphone remote control – This is a fantastic feature that gives you a ton of flexibility when it comes to usage. You can control the camera and its settings through a smartphone app. So, you can leave the camera in a certain position and make the necessary changes to take pictures. The possibilities are endless with this feature.
• Support for memory cards – Both the models come with UHS-1 memory cards that can read or write at ultra-high speeds, so you can store images quickly.
• HDMI Out – Nikon D5500 and D5600 support HDMI Out, which means, you can view the images you click on a monitor or larger screen, so you can better appreciate the work that has gone into it. At the same time, it can also help with an understanding of what aspects you got right and where you went wrong. This helps to increase your ability as a photographer.
• Bulb shutter – This is another useful feature to have, as you can keep the shutter open manually for long periods of time. This feature helps with shooting far distance and moving objects well, as the shutter will not automatically close after a few minutes.

Thus, there are the strengths present in both the cameras, and they sure give you good quality output and enhance usability in a big way.

Common Weaknesses

These two camera models are not perfect either. They come with many weaknesses too, and some of the aspects that are missing in both the cameras are:

• Image stabilization – There is no image stabilization in both the cameras. As a result, there is a possibility for images to shake a bit here and there, and this minor flaw will be present in the final output too. So, the onus is on you to ensure that you do not shake the camera while taking pictures.
• Environmental protection – These cameras are not your all-weather cameras because they do not come with the necessary environmental sealing that will protect it against all weather conditions. So, it is not always the best choice for taking pictures in poor weather conditions like rain or snow.
• Optical viewfinder – The type of optical viewfinder present in both the cameras is pentamirror, which is not really as bright as pentaprism. Generally speaking, the images you see with a pentamirror is a little dark and this makes manual focusing much harder in low light conditions. Pentaprism, on the other hand, transmits images from the lens to viewfinder easily, so the images are brighter in all conditions. However, pentamirror is less expensive when compared with a pentaprism. So, this is a trade-off you make better image quality and cost. But these cameras come with pentamirror, with an idea to keep the costs down and be competitive with other brands selling in the same price range.
• AF micro adjustment – Another useful feature that is not present in both the cameras is AF micro adjustment. This means there is no option to fine-tune the autofocus and you have to go with whatever the camera offers by default. While this may not really impact the final result much, it sure will have an impact on the overall usability of the camera.
• Built-in GPS – A built-in GPS is something that is taken for granted in today’s digital world. Unfortunately, this feature is not present in both the models and this can make it difficult for you to geotag your photos. This can come as a bummer for those who are used to sharing their images on social media often with their geotags.
• Dual card slots – Many cameras come with dual card slots, that give you more storage flexibility. But these models do not have this option, so the storage capacity is somewhat limited when compared to other models in this price range.
• Headphone jack – There is no headphone jack in these models, so it is difficult to hear what is going on while recording videos. This is a useful feature that could have greatly enhanced the quality and precision of videos.

Thus, these are some of the features that are missing in both the camera models. So, you are particular about having these features, you are better off going with other camera models from Nikon or any other company.

So far, we have seen the features that are common to both the cameras, and the ones that are not present in them either.

But for comparison sake, we should be able to identify which of the two cameras is better in terms of the features they offer.

One prominent area where D5600 scores over D5500 is connectivity. This latter model comes with both NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily connect with all devices that are NFC or Bluetooth enabled. Obviously, this connectivity gives more choices to transfer your images and videos and to even share the same on social media.

Other than this major aspect, there is nothing else that differentiates D5600 from D5500.

On the other hand, there are a couple of features in D5500 that are not present in D5600. One such feature is low light ISO. This value is 1436 in D5500 and only 1306 in D5600. This means the ISO performance is better in D5500 than D5600. ISO, in general, is the speed or light sensitivity of a digital camera’s sensor. These numbers are expressed in ISO. When the number is lower, it represents a slower response to light as opposed to a higher number that represents a quicker response to light.

So, in the above case, D5500 needs less time in exposing a picture than D5600 and this could have a bearing when you want to shoot moving images. For example, sports photography requires high ISO because you want to capture images within a fraction of a second. For such purposes, D5500 is a better choice than D5600.

Another aspect is the weight. As we saw earlier, the difference is about 45 grams, which is not really so significant, but still, it is good to know that D5500 is lighter than D5600.

Suggested Read: Sony A6300 vs A6500: Pros & Cons and Verdict

Overall, when you compare the features, D5500 seems to be the better choice. This is a surprise because later versions tend to be better than earlier versions simply because they will incorporate the technological advancements that have happened during the period between the two releases.

But in this case, D5600 does not have any such advancement in it, and this makes us wonder why Nikon released D5600 at all in the first place because it is not much different from D5500. In fact, D5500 seems to score over D5600 in some aspects, so we are not exactly sure about the purpose of this release.

For comparison sake, D5500 is the winner in terms of features.

3. Cost

Cost is an important aspect as it helps you to make adjustments to find a product within your budget. Most people who shop for a DSLR camera have a budget in mind, and they want to find the best product that would give the maximum value for their investment.

Both the products from Nikon are well-priced and they are bang on for the price. This means you get the maximum out of your investment, regardless of which of the two you buy. But, if you have to choose between the two, we think D5500 is the better choice (if the price of D5600 is lower due to a sale, then go for the D5600).

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Nikon D5500 is priced lower whereas D5600 is a little more expensive. Though the difference between the two models is small, D5500 is a better choice because the price difference does not justify the offering of D5600. In other words, D5600 is more expensive and there is nothing much different it offers for this higher price tag.

Nikon D5500 vs D5600- The Final Verdict

Now that we have analyzed both the cameras in detail, it is time to decide which of the two is better.

Based on our expert’s opinions and testing, we conclude that D5500 is the better model. Before we go on, let us clarify that there is not much difference between the two models, so your output should be more or less similar, regardless of which model you pick.

One area where D5600 scores over D5500 is NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, but it is not so significant since both the models have wireless connectivity embedded in them. On the other hand, D5500 has a higher ISO level when compared to D5600 and this makes it more ideal for shooting in low light conditions and for capturing moving objects such as sports photography.

Other than this one difference, the cameras are the same otherwise. But D5500 is priced lesser than D5600 and this is why we prefer the former. While cost is an important aspect, it is not the only thing that should be considered. But in this case, D5600 does not justify the increase, so this is why D5500 is better.

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To conclude, D5500 and D5600 are similar in most aspects, but since D5500 is cheaper than D5600, we conclude that D5500 is better.

But if the D5600 is on sale is the price is lower, then you should get the D5600.

Nikon is a company that has incrementally increased the sophistication of its cameras to ensure that its models not only incorporate the latest advancements that have happened in the world of DSLR cameras but also at the same time, give users greater flexibility and creativity to make the most of their investment.

As photography enthusiasts, we have seen a progressive increase in features with every new release. This is why we want to compare two popular products in this line, namely, D3200 and D3300.

We will compare them against each in terms of their features and will present the advantages and disadvantages that come with each product, so you can make an informed buying decision.

Nikon D3200 vs D3300 – A  Detailed Comparison of Features

Nikon D3200 and D3300 are more than just entry-level DSLR cameras as they come with some handy features. But it is quite some time since both the products were released, which means, they will not have some of the advanced features that are present in the later models of Nikon in the same series.

The release date for D3200 is July 2012 whereas D3300 was released in April 2014. Also, out of the two, D3300 has slightly more advanced features because it was released almost two years after that of D3200. It is important to keep these aspects in mind while making your choice.

Now, let us compare the two cameras side-by-side based on a host of aspects.

1. Design and Size

The design is more or less the same for both the products, and there is nothing significant enough on this front. But there are slight variations in size. The width of D3200 is 125mm, height is 96mm, depth is 77mm and weight is 505 grams, whereas the width of D3300 is 124mm, the height is 98mm, depth is 76 mm and the overall weight is 430 grams.

There is about a 75 grams difference in the weight of two models, though the other dimensions are not significantly different. This is however just the body weight, When you add lenses to the camera, it will get heavier.

But both the cameras use the same APS-C format, so the lens size and weight should be the same on both the cameras. For this reason, you can take 75 grams as the difference in weight. Again, this difference is not large enough to impact portability in any way.

2. Features

One major aspect where the two camera models will differ is in the feature set. Since D3300 was released after about 18 months, it will have the advancements made in the world of photography during this period.

Let us look at the common strengths and weaknesses present in both the models, before moving on to which model is better in which aspect.

Common Strengths

These features are some of the salient aspects available in both the camera models.

• Built-in flash – Both the cameras have an internal flash that is built into it, and this means, you can take good images even in low light conditions.
• External flash shoe – There are many limitations that come with a built-in flash, and many times, it may not be enough in dark environments. This is why both the cameras have an external flash as well to ensure that your images are well-captured even when the light conditions are not so favorable.
• Optical viewfinder – The optical viewfinder that comes with both the models provide for better framing and control, so you can decide the ideal focus for your photo.
• RAW support – D3200 and D3300 support RAW image format, which means the photos you take can be easily edited and shared.
• Face detection focus – This feature detects human faces, so you can rest assured that the camera will autofocus itself when you are taking images of people. This feature is particularly handy for portrait images.
• Resolution – Both the cameras have a resolution of 24 megapixels, and this means, more pixels are present in a small area. Remember, these cameras use the APS-C format, which is about half of a full-width frame of 35mm. So, more pixels in a smaller area means the images will tend to have big prints and more details.
• LCD screen resolution – The LCD screen resolution in both the cameras is 921k dots, which is reasonably good and can give you a good view of the images you want to capture.
• Microphone port – Another handy feature present in both the cameras is a microphone port. This feature helps you to talk into a mic while recording and that in turn, can greatly enhance the final quality of the video.

These are some of the handy features that are present in both the models.

Now, let us move on to the weaknesses of both the models. These lack of features makes these models more entry level when compared to some of the other models that have emerged after them.

Common Weaknesses

The weaknesses common to both the models are as follows:

• Image stabilization – There is no image stabilization feature in both D3200 and D3300, and this means, image shakes will be an inevitable part your images when you have a handshake. This means you will have to ensure that you never shake the camera while taking photos.
• Articulating screen – Another feature that we have come to expect from DSLR cameras is articulating screens that give flexible viewing angles. Since this feature is not present in both these camera models, you will not have the flexibility to take pictures from difficult angles.
• Environmental sealing – Both the models do not have any kind of environmental sealing and this makes it difficult to use them in adverse weather conditions. So, you cannot take pictures in rain, snow or in any other such conditions, and this makes outdoor photography difficult.
• AE bracketing – Another aspect that is not available in both the models is AE bracketing, and this greatly limits the possibilities of multi-exposure. You can move easily from indoors to outdoors for taking pictures as you will have to change the manual settings often.
• Pentamirror optical viewfinder – The type of optical viewfinder present in these models is pentamirror, whereas you can find pentaprism type in later models. This pentamirror is not as bright or as clear as pentaprism.
• AF micro adjustment – Again, there is no autofocus option in these models and this limits their usability.

Now that we have seen the strengths and weaknesses of both the models, let us see which model scores over the other.

Nikon D3300

Nikon D3300 scores over D3200 in the following aspects. Remember, D3300 was released more than 18 months after D3200, and this impacts the feature set that it offers.

• Max ISO – The max ISO in D3300 is 12.800 when compared to 6.400 in D3200. Generally speaking, ISO lightens or darkens a photo. When you increase the ISO value, it correspondingly makes the images brighter. When you compare the two models, the ISO value of D3300 is 100% higher than D3200, and this means, you have more flexibility in D3200 to capture images in darker environments. However, one aspect to keep in mind is that the images taken with very high ISO levels tend to be grainy, so you will have to strike the right balance between high-value ISO and clarity of images.
• Continuous shooting – You can shoot images continuously with both the models, but there is a difference in the rate of frames per second. With D3300, the Frames per second (FPS) is 5.0 whereas, in D3200, this value is 4.0. So, there is a difference of one FPS between the two models. While this is not too impactful, there is still a decent amount of impact with this difference, especially when you want to shoot moving images. This one FPS could have a reasonable impact on sports photography.
• Battery life – This is one area where D3300 scores way over D3200. With a single charge, you can click 700 shots in D3300 and only 540 shots in D3200. This difference of 160 shots is significant and can make a big difference when you take the camera outdoors for shooting images.
• Color depth – The color depth of  D330 is marginally higher at 24.3 when compared to D3200’s color depth, which is 24.1. This is not a significant difference, but it is still something to keep in mind.
• Low light ISO – The ISO value impacts how well you can take images in low light conditions. Generally speaking, the higher the value of ISO, the clearer images you can take. In D3300, the low light ISO value is 1385 as opposed to 1131 in D3200. This means you can take clearer images in D3300 in low light conditions when compared to that of D3200.
• Sensor pixel area – The pixel area is important for image clarity and depth. A larger pixel area means more pixels can be fitted into it, and this translates to better clarity in images. On the other hand, the lower pixel area will impact the clarity. When it comes to these two models, D3300’s pixel area 15.28αm² whereas in D3200, the pixel area is 14.85αm². Nikon D3300 has a two percent higher pixel area when compared to D3200. While this is not so significant, it can still make a difference in the final image quality.

From the above discussion, you may think that D3300 is the better choice because it has more extra features when compared to D3200.

But then, D3200 also scores over D3300 in some aspects.

Nikon D3200

Though you might think the later version will be superior in all aspects, it doesn’t necessarily have to be true,. Nikon D3200 is better than D3300 in three areas.

• Dynamic range – In photography, dynamic range is the difference between the lightest and darkest tones in an image. It is often compared to the difference between pure black and pure white. In a camera, the higher the value of the dynamic range, the greater is its ability to cover the darkest to lightest tones. In other words, the range is the extent on both sides of a scale, where one end of the scale is pure black and the other is pure white.  The dynamic range of D3300 is 13.2 whereas the dynamic range of D3200 is 12.8. Though it may seem that the difference is only 0.4 between the two models, it is still significant enough to have a profound impact on the final output.
• Flash sync port – Flash sync port does two jobs.  If it is on a camera, it is used to fire the flash. On the other hand, if it is on a flash or a strobe, this port is used as an input port to fire a device. This feature is present in D3200 and is mostly used to connect off-camera flash. But it is not available in D3300.
• UHS memory cards – The presence of UHS memory cards give you more flexibility to store some additional images. D3200 supports one UHS memory card that can read or write content in ultra high speed, whereas D3300 does not have this capability.
• Anti-aliasing filter – D3200 comes with an anti-aliasing filter whereas D3300 doesn’t come with one. These filters help to blur the lines between frequently repeating patterns in order to avoid the wavy lines. it is a useful feature to have in cameras but is missing in D3300.

Thus, these are the areas where D3200 scores over D3300.

From the above discussion, which of the two cameras do you think is better? Well, D3300 seems to be the obvious winner, but D3200 is a close second.

Remember, the older model comes with a few features that are not available in the later models and this is a surprise. It is not known why Nikon exactly decided not to support these features in subsequent models, but then they are definitely useful to have.

So, if a large dynamic range, flash sync port, and support for UHS memory cards are important features for you, go for D3200 by all means. It is a great model considering that it is about 18 months older than D3300.

3. Cost

Cost is probably the most important aspect of buying because it can guide your decisions in many ways. While buying DSLR cameras, it is always a good idea to start with a budget and stick to your budget without compromising too much on the features.

In other words, you have to look for the best value for your money while shopping for DSLR cameras. Though this rule applies to all products in general, it is super specific for DSLR camera because of the plentiful choices available for you today.

When it comes to cost, D3300 costs a little more while the D3200 is cheaper. You can even get these at much lower prices on sites like Amazon because you’ll find great deals on them, and there are always some discount campaign or the other going on in Amazon.

So, comparing the two, there is a small difference in the price of both the models. Does the higher price of D3300 justify the features is offers?

First off, this is not a significant amount but still for comparison sake, this difference definitely justifies the features offered by D3300. Nikon D3200 is also a great value for your money considering the rich set of features it offers.

Both these cameras are entry-level DSLR cameras that are great for those who are trying out their hand in photography. It is a good investment to learn the ropes and to get a feel for photography before jumping into it full time. Considering this aspect, both the cameras are well-priced, so you can go ahead and try any of them.

But remember, these cameras are quite old in digital photography parlance. So, if you are looking for more features or want a camera that incorporates the latest advancements made in this technology, you are better off going for the newer models.

Though they may cost a little bit more than D3300 and D3200, they are also likely to be a good deal for the money.

We would recommend you do a good deal of research before going ahead to buy any other camera model. Typically reviews and comparisons will help to identify which model will best suit your preferences.

4. Nikon D3200 vs D3300 – Advantages and Disadvantages

As with every product, Nikon D3200 and D3300 also come with their own share of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages is essential to decide which of the two products is right for you.

Advantages and Disadvantages of D3300

Though being a more advanced camera, D3300 is not really perfect. The pros and cons of D3200 are as follows:

Comes with in-camera panoramas	No built-in WI-FI, so your connectivity options are greatly limited
ISO tolerance is higher, so you can capture moving images better	No tilt-swivel screen and this also limits the usability of the camera
Faster JPEG and RAW shooting	High levels of image noise that could have an impact on the overall picture quality
Sharp image quality	Manual focusing can get a little awkward with the kit lens, and this something to keep in mind

Nikon D3200 vs D3300- The Final Verdict

Now is the time for the final verdict. Which of the two models is better and which one should you buy?

As far as the key specifications are concerned, Both the models are fairly the same. But if you go in depth into the features, you will realize that some features are present in D3200 while others in D3300. So, the final choice depends on which is more suited for your needs and style of photography.

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In terms of cost, there is a small difference, but D3300 justify this in terms of its superior features. On the other hand, if you go for D3200 too, it will still be a good choice.

So, which of the two is the winner? It’s a close call but we’ll stick with the D3300 model.