Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5200
Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5200: 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!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Entry-Level DSLR category, introduced by Nikon. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are D5500 and D5200. The first common feature of Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5200 that is worth mentioning is sensor. Both cameras feature CMOS sensors with a resolution of 24.0 MP.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5200.
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
Nikon D5200 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Expands to 25600)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ 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 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 129 x 98 x 78 mm
- Weight: 555 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D5100. Compare
- Replaced by Nikon D5300. Compare
Since Nikon D5500 has been around for some time, it was substituted by
Nikon D5600.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D5500 vs. D5600
Nikon D5600 vs. Nikon D5200
Being a newer model, Nikon D5500 substituted
Nikon D5300.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D5500 vs. D5300
Nikon D5300 vs. Nikon D5200
Why is Nikon D5500 a better choice than Nikon D5200
| Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots vs 921k dots | 11.2% higher resolution screen |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Battery Life | 820 shots vs 500 shots | 320 more frames with a single charge |
| Weight | 420 g vs 555 g | 135 g lighter |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 14 vs 13.9 | Better dynamic range |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 1438 vs 1284 | Better High ISO performance |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.55 vs 0.52 | 0.03 better magnification |
What are the key reasons to pick Nikon D5200 over Nikon D5500
| Dxo Color Depth | 24.2 vs 24.1 | Better color depth |
Key PROs of Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5200
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ | Large display |
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 24.0 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
| 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 |
| Battery Life | 820 shots | 500 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Key CONs of Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5200
| Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 5.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
| Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5200: 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 Nikon D5200 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 135g less than the Nikon D5200. 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 Nikon D5200 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 Nikon D5200 any different in terms of sensor type?
In terms of sensor type and resolution, these models are identical. Both Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5200 come equipped with the same CMOS that has a resolution of 24.0 MP. Thus, if you are wondering, which option to choose, this is not a factor you should be looking at.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5200 by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5200 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 Nikon D5200 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 Nikon D5200 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 | Nikon D5200 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Nikon D5200 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
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
Nikon D5200 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Fully Articulated Screen
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (129 x 98 x 78 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
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)
Nikon D5200 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Big size (129 x 98 x 78 mm)
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)
- Bad Low Light ISO (1284)
- Small battery life (500 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)
Nikon D5200 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 (555 g)
- Big size (129 x 98 x 78 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
Nikon D5200 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (13.9)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Max Native ISO (6400)
Comparison of Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5200: 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 Nikon D5200, 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 Nikon D5200 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 Nikon D5200. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5200 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D5500 | Nikon D5200 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D5500 | D5200 |
| Announced | Jan 06, 2015 | May 16, 2013 |
| 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 | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Sensor Area | 366.60 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 6,400 |
| Max Boosted ISO | n/a | 25,600 |
| Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 287 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| 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 | 39 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | 9 | 9 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots | 921k 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 | 0.52 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 5.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 12 | 12 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 84 | 84 |
| DxO Color Depth | 24.1 | 24.2 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 14.0 | 13.9 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 1438 | 1284 |
| 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 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, 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 | 555 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 124 x 97 x 70 mm | 129 x 98 x 78 mm |
| Battery Life | 820 shots | 500 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL14,EN-EL14a | EN-EL14 |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | Optional |
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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