Nikon D5500 DX-format Digital SLR Body (Red)

A superb camera. While I could go on and on about how good the new 24MP imager is; how light but strong the body is; how fast the camera handles big files; and the great overall quality of the images if you lens and technique are good -- it's the touch screen that really makes it stand apart. Once you realize virtually everything can be done via iPhone-like gestures on the big rear articulating LCD, it becomes the fastest DSLR camera I've ever used. This camera is also lighter than ANY DSLR I've ever used, and I've used many Nikon's and Canon's. Since it's largely made from a single piece of polycarbonate, it's exceptionally strong too. I've dropped it on the sidewalk, I know. Although it's still 24MP, Nikon says it's a new sensor, not a carry-over from the D5300. That said, 24MP can make mural-sized photos. This camera is more capable than most lens' ability to resolve. The kit lens (18mm-55mm) while decent, cannot do the imager justice. Try the f1.8 35mm DX, or any older Nikkor 50mm "normal" lens on a tripod. You will be amazed at the resolution. I tested the D5500 with a 50 yr-old f4 200mm Nikkor Q lens, and the results were spectacular. While this camera will only auto-focus with DX lenses, you can manually focus with confidence with almost any Nikon lens because a little dot appears in the viewfinder when you have focused accurately. Exposure can be gauged by looking at the LCD screen. Another strong suit with the D5500 is it's low-light capability. It is nothing short of amazing! Nite photography with fast lenses is easy, hand-held! It is so good, taking pictures of the Milky Way on a clear night is relatively easy. Photos taken at ISO's of 12,500 are ridiculously good. Sure, there's some noise, but it isn't too noticeable depending on the circumstances. Astronomers of the world unite, here is your camera! Make no mistake, the D5500 in capable hands, with solid technique and good lenses, can match ANY camera under $3000. Oh, and it weighs almost nothing and has a touch screen, did I mention that? :D

This is an upgrade from my D5000. I'm very happy with it so far. I love the red color, which looks more true red than the image that appears on my screen. The color aides in being able to tell my camera bodies apart at a glance as well, which is actually why I chose the red. It's both smaller and lighter than my D5000, which is very nice as every ounce counts when you're predominantly an outdoor and nature photographer like I am. The grip is deeper and more comfortable. Changing lenses feels much smoother on this model. The LCD screen is noticeably larger, easier to see, and display of higher quality visually. The touch screen works well and makes quick operation easier. The touch screen has some fun and interesting capabilities too, namely touch focus and shutter release when in live view. However, I found that while the first couple of times taking photos using the screen as a shutter release is fun, it quickly becomes a nuisance when every accidental touch of the screen becomes a photo you didn't mean to take. So, I disabled that feature early on. But, I did keep the touch screen's spot focus feature on. Though I'm predominantly a viewfinder shooter, being able to focus right where I want just by touching the screen when I am using live view is great. You can also get pinpoint focus accuracy by zooming in while in live view. I'll still rely on my viewfinder and spot focusing manually for the majority of my shooting though just because that's what I'm more comfortable with. But I suspect that LCD spot focusing capability will be a well used feature among many. My favorite upgrade is the expanded ISO. It goes to 25,600 whereas my old camera only went to 3,200. This gives me MUCH more capability and flexibility in lower lighting. I ran some high ISO tests the first day I got it and was happy to see that I can easily go to several thousand ISO and still have an acceptable image, especially after applying a noise reduction filter in post processing. The built in flash is not quite as powerful as my old one, but still enough to do the trick when you're not using a speed light, but need something more than the available light. I'm pleased with the results of my flash and exposure compensation tests. They've moved some buttons around, but, I'm finding operation pretty much the same as the D5000, or at least an intuitive jump from the older model. There's been nothing that I haven't been able to quickly and easily discern after using the D5000 for years. I think anyone familiar with any of Nikon's models in this series will find switching to this one an easy transition. One negative I noticed in my initial tests is that settings change and a noticeable reduction in image quality is visible if using the continuous shooting mode compared to single shot mode in low light, high ISO tests. Focus seemed far more challenging for hand held shots in continuous shooting mode even though the camera automatically increased the shutter speed while shooting in aperture priority mode. I suspect this is due to mirror movement, but am disappointed since continuous is my preferred mode. I'll be running more tests in better lighting outside once we're out of this cold snap and will try to remember to update this review with my results. Nonetheless, this is my only disappointment thus far. I'm very pleased with everything else. In summary, I'd highly recommend this camera body to anyone on somewhat of a budget who wants a good quality DSLR that accommodates everyone from the point and shoot hobby photographer to the fully manual serious photographer. Due to its size and weight, it's particularly great for anyone who does a lot of outdoor work and/or has to lug their gear around a lot. It's the kind of good quality you'd expect from Nikon.

Like most people here, this is my first DSLR. But unlike most people, I am starting to get semi-pro usage out of it only after a year of owning it. And it doesn't disappoint. When paired with better glass, the camera really does shine. The light weight body comes in handy when trekking up a mountain or shooting an all day festival and the deep grip is reassuring as you make your way around the world. I can't attest for the auto setting because I am forcing myself to learn by always staying in manual. Kind of a "baptism by fire" approach. Didn't take tack long to get the feel of where all the buttons are located and I really appreciate that it has a programmable back focus button. The touch screen is responsive and the tilt comes in handy when either shooting low down and especially when on a monopod shooting high up. Autofocus is decent and doesn't hunt too much. Photos are usually tack sharp even at 1:1. I'm impressed with how clear photos are when pushing the iso way up for concerts and the DX sensor with 24.2 megapixels allows you to crop way down and still keep crisp shots for wildlife and the like. All and all, I am pleased with my purchase and would recommend this to anyone who is interested in moving up from a point and shoot without breaking the bank. Provided some shots but here is a Flickr link of more shots all from the d5500. [...]

This is a great beginner camera! for the price i think you get a great image quality and many features that will help you grow as a photographer. I love the functionality of the flip out screen which is larger and more sleek than the canon models. when I was searching for a camera, I was debating between the canon and nikon and ended up with the nikon d5500. in my price range, this camera had so many more options and I love the build. this camera is a great deal as it even comes with built in wifi (which would cost $40+ extra to get on any other camera that lacked this feature). with in camera wifi, you can download the nikon wireless mobile utility app and use your phone as a shutter remote! you can get great quality photos with this camera without breaking the bank. it is a great body and you can invest in good glass to enhance your photos. perhaps the only downside I can think of is that it is a crop sensor, but at the time when I was a beginner and I was looking at cameras I had no idea what that meant. if you're looking for a full frame sensor then skip on this camera, but if you are not sure what those terms mean this camera will get the job done. I do recommend to upgrade your lenses as soon as possible, do not stick with the kit lens forever. personally, I love the 50mm f1.8. don't be afraid to get our of your comfort zone and get our there and start shooting! :)

Great camera! Really. ISO performance is awesome. Got the 35 mm prime lens and it really produces superb pics at low light which had always been my achiles heel. Why 4 stars?? My viewfinder came dirty with a very annoying small spec just below the focus spot section. I bought the 798 bucks amazon original new body only base so i was really surprised this happened. Checked the mirror and prism and they are spotless. Pics are spotless. It looks like it's internal to the body inside the viewfinder. Amazon is amazing though. Immediate replacement free of charge. I am sure glad i didn't buy the international grey market version. I am very impressed with my camera. Very impressed with Amazon's service. I am sure the viewfinder issue may be something coming lose on shipping. I can't see nikon passing qc on this. I am confident i will have an amazing camera for a while.

Arrived well-packaged and on time. Camera had been reset to factory defaults. Did need a firmware update, which is simple and free. Camera is clean and looks / works like new. EXIF shows about 12,000 shutter trips, as advertised. A significant DSLR body upgrade for a reasonable price, if you don't mind a used and discontinued camera model. Long list of features not offered in my previous amateur-level Nikon DSLR. And all of my Nikon lenses carry over. Update: The camera body was functionally as described, initially. Great features, great photos. But... I discovered within a few days that the camera had a significant battery depletion problem even if OFF. Fresh battery, fully charged left in OFF camera - would be completely discharged overnight. Tried multiple batteries and multiple changes to camera settings. Returning but will be shopping for the same or related DSLR body. Update: Returned first body for refund no problem. Purchased a second used body from another seller - that order was canceled by seller- said it was an inventory issue. Shrug. Third try- yet another seller- I just received used camera body and initial impression is it’s in great condition and seems to work well. Let’s hope so.

1st the flash would pop out but wouldn’t flash any light at all. 2nd the diopter can’t be adjusted at all. Don’t get me wrong it still works as it should it still takes amazing photos but would’ve been great if it didn’t came with problems i know it’s a use camera but i would think those 2 problem would’ve been at fix at least before selling.

Holly Molly do I love this camera! Is so light and so small. Takes amazing pictures, auto focus is dead on with my 35mm f1.8 lens. I use high ISO and images look amazing... I want to say better than my D7000 at the same ISO. The touch screen is very responsive, like my Samsung phone and my wife's Iphone. This makes doing changes to the camera super fast, almost as fast as the D7000. I'm in love again, I will be taking with me the D5500 everywhere I go now. The D7000 is too heavy and sometimes I would just leave it home. Not the D5500, is so light that I will take it to park with my kids, the fair, backyard bar-b-ques with friends and 2 weddings we'll be attending this summer. Please get one! And leave your D7000 or D7200 for the studio or when you are shooting a wedding or for landscape. I just read someone else review and he says you can only change Aperture and Shutter speed from the touchscreen. Well this is false! Withing an hour of having the camera ON, I was (from the touchscreen) changing my ISO, Shutter speed, Aperture and going from AF Single to Auto to Continuous- 3D, 39 points, 11 points, etc. I can change from RAW to Jpeg Fine, Normal, Basic. I can turn on: Bracketing , Active D-Lighting, change my White Balance, change my Flash Compensation, my Exposure Compensation. I can go from Matrix Metering to Center Weighted to Spot. I can change Picture Control to Neutral, Standard, Vivid, etc. Did I say all from the touchscreen? Yes I did.