Nikon D5500 Camera Review – A Look at Its Features and Specifications

Entry-level DSLR cameras are usually the first experience with interchangeable lens cameras for most people. They are the type of camera that a budding hobbyist might enjoy, or professional photographers may use them as backup cameras. They are also the most affordable choice of the three grades.

A camera of this designation has a lightweight, compact body that is usually made from polycarbonate, which is a plastic, and it is easy to tote around on vacations or while hiking. Although some settings are adjustable, like the exposure, shutter speed, and aperture, many more are preset or automatic. Most entry-level DSLRs have a guide mode to teach beginners how to use each feature.

An intermediate DSLR is the most common type of DSLR on the market. More serious hobbyists usually upgrade their entry-level model for an intermediate because they don't want to invest in a professional grade camera. They typically have a heavier body, which is a polycarbonate/metal alloy blend for durability.

This type of DSLR offers users the choice between APS-C or full-frame sensors, it has more creative modes and manual settings, the exposure-metering system is more accurate, and the video recording feature is better as well. This camera is also a good choice for professionals who carry another one with them.

Professional DSLR cameras provide the best quality images by allowing the photographer to have more control over settings like focus, shooting speeds, and frame rates when shooting videos. They are a heavier camera because the body is a metal alloy, which makes them more durable.

Also, most professional DSLRs offer a full-frame size sensor, and they allow for more detail and clarity for both still images or videos. The owner can backup any files within the camera, and they generally have two memory card slots. Usually, the professional DSLR models are the flagship models for camera manufacturers.

Since a DSLR can be an investment with costs ranging from about $350 to $3,500, bloggers or social media influencers should keep using their camera phones until they can afford the best DSLR camera for their online needs.

When the Nikon D5500 first went on the market in early 2015, it had a list price of $700 with just the body or $800 with a collapsible 18-55mm VR II lens. However, since the camera has been on the market for three years, and there is a new version that’s come out, the Nikon D5600, so it’s available at a lower price.

While you can probably find a used one in a local camera store, you can buy it new from sites like Amazon or from websites that specialize in camera sales. On Amazon, this camera sales for $558.00 with free shipping but it is only the body. They also offer it with two lenses, the 18-55mm VR II and a 70-330mm for $748 or an 18-140mm VR lens for $828.

On other sites, the Nikon sales for $559 online at Park Avenue Photo or Walmart for $564.99 for the red and black body or $599 for the black Nikon. They also have kits available that include the lenses, such as the 18-140mm VR lens kit for $899.

The D5500 gets many favorable reviews from both online review sites and people who bought and use it. Consumer Reports’ website says this camera was one of their favorite finds at the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, in 2015. They like the features the camera has, especially for a small, lightweight mid-level camera.

The site Digital Camera HQ also found this camera suitable for beginning photographers and enthusiasts. For them, the D5500 is a solid model that gives users sharp pictures with good noise reduction. While they like the video capabilities of the Nikon, they don't recommend it if the user wants to shoot lots of videos.

The site breaks up the review into sections about the body and design of the camera, as well as its image quality before they give their overall impression. These sections are helpful for a user with more DSLR experience. A beginner can also get some insightful information before deciding to purchase this Nikon model.

Buyers like the D5500 because of the improvements that were made in the design of the body over its predecessor the D5300. The body is slightly smaller, and the new design moves some of the buttons for the features to make them easier to access. For instance, the “i” button, was relocated to making it easier to reach when taking photos.

The more compact design is also lighter than the previous model because the company made the camera from a carbon fiber composite instead of the traditional polycarbonate or magnesium alloy bodies. Along with making the camera lighter, it makes it more durable as well.

They also like the addition of the LCD touchscreen display. They found it to be user-friendly, especially when angling it to change settings before or after a shot. The only thing major complaint was the elimination of the GPS feature. Overall, they gave it an eight, which is four stars.

Of course, most people who own the camera and wrote reviews about it praise it, which can help sway people on the fence about which camera to buy. The camera rates a 4.6 on Amazon because of the customer reviews and testimonials.

Most of the users who gave this model five stars found it to be an excellent product for their photography needs. Even a two-star reviewer said the images were great, but they didn't like the videos from it.

Some customers were disappointed with it, but they mainly had issues with the company shipping it to them. Some said the model they received wasn’t new or it didn’t come with a manual or the shipping company’s customer service was terrible.