Nikon D5500 vs Canon EOS 550D
- APS-C
- 18 megapixels
- Canon EF/EF-S
-
45
Overall -
19
Imaging -
28
Features -
74
Size -
1
Price
Nikon D5500 vs Canon EOS 550D: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to provide a detailed evaluation and comparison of two different camera models that fall into the same category - Entry-Level DSLR. Although these cameras are from the same category, they were introduced by different brands - Nikon and Canon. Although Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D are both equipped with the same CMOS sensor, they boast of different resolution. Thus, Nikon D5500 has a sensor with a resolution of 24.0 MP, while Canon EOS 550D has a different resolution of 18.0 MP.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D5500 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 25600
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Fully Articulated Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 124 x 97 x 70 mm
- Weight: 420 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D5300. Compare
- Replaced by Nikon D5600. Compare
Canon EOS 550D Key Features:
- 18.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Expands to 12800)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 129 x 98 x 62 mm
- Weight: 530 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: No
- Replaced Canon 500D.
- Replaced by Canon 600D.
- Also known as Canon EOS Rebel T2i / EOS Kiss X4
Nikon D5500 was substituted by Nikon D5600.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D5500 vs. D5600
Nikon D5600 vs. Canon EOS 550D
Nikon D5500 substituted Nikon D5300.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D5500 vs. D5300
Nikon D5300 vs. Canon EOS 550D
Why is Nikon D5500 a better choice than Canon EOS 550D
| Timelapse Recording | Yes vs No | Creative shooting |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 18.0 MP | 25% more pixels |
| Sensor Area | 366.6 mm2 vs 332.27 mm2 | 9.4% larger pixel area |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps vs 4 fps | 1 fps faster |
| Number Of Focus Points | 39 vs 9 | 30 more focus points |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type | Flexible shooting positions |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Battery Life | 820 shots vs 470 shots | 350 more frames with a single charge |
| Weight | 420 g vs 530 g | 110 g lighter |
| Dxo Color Depth | 24.1 vs 22 | Better color depth |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 14 vs 11.6 | Better dynamic range |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 1438 vs 807 | Better High ISO performance |
What are the key reasons to pick Canon EOS 550D over Nikon D5500
| Flash Range | 13 vs 12 | 1 better flash range |
| Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 1,037k dots | 0.3% higher resolution screen |
Key PROs of Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ | Large display |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots | 1,040k dots | High resolution screen |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Key CONs of Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D
| Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 4.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
| Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Nikon D5500 vs Canon EOS 550D: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D5500 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 110g less than the Canon EOS 550D. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D5500 features a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor . Canon EOS 550D, in its turn, comes with a 18.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D5500 | Canon EOS 550D |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D5500 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Canon EOS 550D for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
- Canon is famous with its skintones
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D5500 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Fully Articulated Screen
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (820 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (124 x 97 x 70 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Canon EOS 550D for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large APS-C(22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (129 x 98 x 62 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
- Small Number of autofocus Points (9)
Nikon D5500 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
No Significant Advantages
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (39)
- Small Number of CrossFocus Points (9)
- Small battery life (820 shots)
Canon EOS 550D for Sports Photography
Advantages:
No Significant Advantages
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (4.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (9)
- Bad Low Light ISO (807)
- Small battery life (470 shots)
Nikon D5500 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (420 g)
- Big size (124 x 97 x 70 mm)
Canon EOS 550D for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (530 g)
- Big size (129 x 98 x 62 mm)
Nikon D5500 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (14.0)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- No Environmental Sealing
Canon EOS 550D for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (11.6)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (18 MP)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Low Light ISO (807)
Comparison of Nikon D5500 vs Canon EOS 550D: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D5500 or Canon EOS 550D, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 550D here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon D5500 deserves a higher Total Score than the Canon EOS 550D. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D5500 vs Canon EOS 550D Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D5500 | Canon EOS 550D | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Canon |
| Model | D5500 | EOS 550D |
| Announced | Jan 06, 2015 | Apr 01, 2010 |
| Body Type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 22.3 x 14.9 mm |
| Sensor Area | 366.60 mm2 | 332.27 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 18.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 5184 x 3456 |
| Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 12,800 |
| Max Boosted ISO | n/a | 12,800 |
| Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF/EF-S |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 304 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.6x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch | |
 |
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 39 | 9 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | 9 | n/a |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots | 1,040k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.55 | 0.55 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 4.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 12 | 13 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, Red-eye |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 84 | 66 |
| DxO Color Depth | 24.1 | 22.0 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 14.0 | 11.6 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 1438 | 807 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 420 g | 530 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 124 x 97 x 70 mm | 129 x 98 x 62 mm |
| Battery Life | 820 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL14,EN-EL14a | LP-E8 |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | |
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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