Nikon D5500 Hands-On Field Test

While we've been producing TCSTV for nearly five years, we've never once looked at a Nikon 5000 series DSLR. It's time to rectify that, as the D5500 has an improved grip and new touch screen controls. With so many great options in this price range, can the Nikon D5500 set itself apart?
Shop online at: www.thecameras...
Music Provided By BeatSuite.com
www.beatsuite.com
Graded With SpeedLooks
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Shot by Levi Holwell
/ @leftsidepictures
Edited by Jordan Drake
Shot on the Sony FS700

[@Reflection_Wave]

In my life any of DSLR i have never owned but I do love taking pictures where ever I go with my smart phone. Last 2 months ago I bought this camera Nikon D5500 as a beginner and I learnt everywhere on the internet or You tube. it's really cool camera, battery life is impressive and I am still learning. Thanks for your review I feel safe for owning this camera and I'll never regret to paying for this, I love it.

[@Abgef]

+Mr-Stoneage-man You have shitty grammar.

[@Reflection_Wave]

nut every one spit englich on you tube, thank foor adbice,

[@krismagrg00]

+Mr-Stoneage-man 😂😂😂 love this

[@Reflection_Wave]

Abgef Ok ok you win, can you teach me how to spit English? I'll spit to you after I learnt from your proper English.

[@Reflection_Wave]

Abgef By the way you can't speak my language so shut the fuck up.

[@surajpandit6779]

D5500 is my first DSLR camera it's awesome sharp and crips photo i love this

[@clearevil]

Picked my 5500 last November, and OMG I am in love with it. I have owned more expensive full frame cameras, but the weight and size was always a problem. I needed one that I could take anywhere and still take professional quality pictures, and this is the camera i was looking for. It has benefits and drawbacks like any camera, but the quality of pictures and small light frame makes it a great backup camera. Thanks for the review

[@blurayffan66]

Your reviews are always so detailed and in depth- and balanced. I love how you give every camera a fair chance and don't just dismiss it outright like others.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

still relevant. thanks for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.

[@2dL]

I have a D5000 which I bought back in '09 and I love it, it's an excellent camera, but for compactness I will get a A6000 or OM-D E-M10 this year.

[@ruff1draft]

Great camera as a first DSLR for a beginner. Enjoying it since I bought it late 2015

[@tomscott4438]

I looked hard at this camera and several others before pulling the trigger on a Fuji X-E2. (The retro looks, IQ, and amazing lens set won me over) The touch screen and carbon fiber were nice touches but in the end the cost/benefit was just not there for me. If I had gone this route I would have opted for the D5300 and a bunch of lenses. Better value. As always, great job on the video.

[@ruff1draft]

Still own and use the Nikon D5500 till this day in 2021

[@atrisharma1184]

I never realised how cold Canada is until I started watching your videos. You're always in snow !

[@tungstenwhizard4361]

As a amateur photographer, I want a step-up from my current Sony HX400v (a bridge, superzoom point and shoot that does very well for photos requiring zoom, but quality diminishes in low light because of the miniscule sensor). I've been looking for a camera with good low-light performance (doesn't have to accommodate super low light, though), sharp and clear image quality and portability, as I love taking pictures anywhere and everywhere. I've notched down my list to several options: 1. Sony A6000/A3000 - Great specs + portability, with downsides being that the lenses are expensive, and the addition of slightly fine-tuned specs makes the A6300 nearly twice as expensive as it's predecessor. Seen many good reviews based on these cameras for both video and stills, and seeing as I'm familiar with Sony, I think it is a good choice. 2. Nikon D5500 (camera that is reviewed in this video) - I've never handled a DSLR, or an interchangeable lens camera for that matter...but I've read many websites that state that the Nikon D3k and D5k lines are good entry-level options. Because of it's size, it's slightly less portable than the A6k, but it has the potential advantages of being a DSLR with a better viewfinder and battery life (yes, I admit. The Sony cameras have sucky battery-life.) and I think Nikon has a better lens selection than Sony. 3. Canon 70D - this is more the camera my brother is hounding me to get (because for some reason, he _hates_ the A6K a lot). And I can definitely see the edge it poses: Huge Canon lens selection, touchscreen, better viewfinder, good film-making qualities etc. It's a great camera, and has a lot of features either the Nikon or the Sony's lack: Top view control panel and weather-sealing. Not thrilled with: Any of the Rebel cameras really GH4 (much smaller sensor, and I don't need 4K) A6500 (too expensive) A7Rii (actually a dream purchase, and by dream I mean impossible - it's literally $3k. No heck of a way I can pay that.) Sony Rx100 series or Canon GX series (would prefer a interchangeable lens camera). Of the three, the Sony is my top choice, but the Nikon is cheaper and also a seemingly good purchase. Canon is a last resort if either the aforementioned cameras don't succeed in convincing my (a-hole) brother. Your opinion (from anyone) would be great. Thank you!

[@ruff1draft]

Great walk around camera for black and white urban photography

[@ejbernal2]

I do find it funny that The Camera Store TV really goes out of its way to pump up mirrorless, while DigitalRev TV does the exact opposite by championing DSLR. Not a knock, but just pretty funny...."You know, this Nikon is an excellent camera, but you know, with mirrorless......"

[@tekhiun]

They certainly don't the same thing as DRTV. He had nothing but positive things to say about the camera, the only thing he said about mirrorless was that there already is a camera that is dominating that market and it is a mirrorless. Meanwhile the guys overthere are actually trying to ridicule MILC users for some reason or another.

[@oBCHANo]

tekhiun DRTV makes fun of mirrorless camera users because there is many that say the most retarded shit imaginable in order to try and defend their decision to buy camera's that are clearly much worse than DSLR equivalents. They will say shit like "well, my micro 4/3 camera performs way better than full frame despite physics and it's lighter and smaller which is a huge deal despite me using a DSLR for 10 years before this with no problems".

[@sjs2657g]

I have had cameras from medium format to mirrorless and enjoy the benefits of each, and dislike the cons of each. What it comes down to is what sacrifices you are willing to have for the photo outcome that you wish to receive. If I could have the best of everything, without the cons, I would gladly buy that, but it is nonexistent.

[@agoniavr]

The points is interesting but it's not well put. TCS is saying this is an AWESOME camera and if you're not a pro you should really look no further because it has everything BUT if size matters for you then you should check the Sony A6000. DRTV on the other hand is simply a show, not as informative nor anything, where Kai keeps ridiculizing a lot of stuff(mirrorless included) just because. If I had to trust one of the two it'd sure be TCS, if I wanted to have some entertainment while still keeping the topic on camers that'd be DRTV's stuff.

[@tungstenwhizard4361]

Nah - DRTV are good photographers, but they don't take their reviews seriously, and are mostly too biased to actually give a good opinion about the camera choices.

[@magner247]

Ahh this is so hard. I'm so close to buying the D7200 but the touchscreen interphase on this camera is sooo tempting. I'd love to get some opinions.

[@growinspirit5361]

I have exactly the same struggle.. have you made up your mind yet?

[@Clevelandflexin]

2017 I still might get one

[@Chqnces]

I'm in the same issue right now, not sure which one.

[@MonteOlsen]

Really appreciate your sacrifices to get this done. Honestly, it doesn't look like a big enough step up, even from a D5100, to make the jump. Photo quality is not that different from what I can see, thanks again for another honest video.

[@HDvideoproductionz]

Still using the Nikon D5100 and I can't wait to get my hands on that camera.

[@Dombowerphoto]

Great review guys.

[@NoxNoctisUmbra]

Am I the only person to love the built in GPS on my D5300? I use it 80% of the time. Does not drain the battery that fast. Wish my grip was as big as 5500 and as well touch screen. But I'm planning to keep it for another 3 years before an upgrade.

[@ilanhoward]

I like it is on mine as well, though it looses the reception from time to time, which is annoying.

[@ilanhoward]

Didn't quite understand why improving battery life is noted as a reason to remove GPS, as GPS can be disabled in D5300.

[@stevieh2780]

Great review guys. Recently got this camera and I'm very impressed, canon will find it hard to beat at this level. The hand grip and touch screen interface are great as well as its compact size

[@theranova99]

Camera makers were way behind the curve adopting touch screen. I decided several years ago to wait until it Nikon had one before I would buy their product again. So I just kept on with my sturdy D200. But the D5500 has one, with a flip screen and wi-fi to boot, and I'm hooked. Now I can imagine my camera is a phone, LOL

[@pauldhoff]

I have it on order as a backup for my D7200. Now I can have two lens always ready to go. Mirror-less, battery eaters.

[@pauldhoff]

I got it, and haven't got to play with it yet because IT IS COLD AND I"M NOT YOUNG. :P

[@Beatsuite]

Looks rather cold! Great review; as you say, strange that there's no headphone facility!

[@MrChrisr34]

I'm stuck between getting the 700D with the twin lense kit 75-300m , 750D with standard lense or the Nikon D5500 with 18-140mm lense , be doing alot of landscape photography

[@TheDemocraticNationalCommittee]

Thank you for another great video. Chris, I know your good looking hair is part of the video, but may I suggest a head gear next time? 40%body heat will escape through head and neck area.

[@MaxwellStarr]

Are you guys, at some point, ever going to review the Sony A77ii? It would be interesting to your take on another recent DSLR-style camera.

[@deasttn]

I got a steal of a deal on a used D5500. Provided I did not scammed and buy a broken one, my decision was easy (I figure I saved over $200 by buying it used). I was on the fence about which one to go with and then I found this deal. I can't wait for it to arrive.

[@mrCOLEtheKING]

how much did you get it for?

[@eahughey]

I shoot canon but am considering the Sony a6000 just because of it's size. I am sometimes embarrassed to pull out my hefty 60D at my kids events.

[@rzero21]

The audio seems to be lower compared to other videos. The video quality on the other hand is great! Good job new guy that I can't remember his name but that does a good job!

[@orange42]

Same with last one. Quiet and a bit muffled. Otherwise wonderful as per usual, great info.

[@ruff1draft]

Great for Black and White street photographs recently bought the Nikon D5500

[@mike_dunno]

what would be the next step from this camera for like avanced photographing but not pro-level? does it have to be the 7000-series?

[@TheHikeChoseMe]

I'm a noob. I went back and forth between this and mirrorless..I ultimately chose the dlsr. most mirrorless at the time, all seemed dodgy and had issues. Still not writing them off just yet though. But I love my d5500.

[@george-robinson]

Please do a video of the Samsung NX500, Thanks.

[@legacyreels]

question. what do you recommend for really low light situating like clubs and lounges. i have the d5500 and the sb500 speed light. im currently using a 18-55mm 3.5

[@rayensalt5298]

Can't wait for you guys review Samsung NX500. Great work!

[@GetOutsideYourself]

I really, really love the GPS in my Sony a99. For people who sort their pictures by location it's really a perfect feature. I can live without it, but makes me sad that manufacturers are going away from it.

[@fayedeleon513]

Can you see the difference between the changes of aperture and shutter speed on the lives screen ?

[@aqibb999]

the d5500 is my first DSLR i love the camera alot and it is very user friendly. very easy to learn and get used to. note: if you buy the d5500 don't buy the kits lens because the autofocus motor is loud. trust me when i say loud bcuz that thing gets loud.

[@justjames1759]

Very infomative and captivating review, lots of attention to detail to inform the consumer of the prodcuct, great video :D

[@nuaveb]

Which would be a better option the D7100 or the 5500?

[@beslemeto]

Must be very cold there mate.I can almost feel it :D

[@anbudan_arun]

Hi... Mistakenly i took the photos in "effect" mode.. how to change the photo effects in the normal mode.?

[@christianortega87]

Me podria ayudar? Es que estoy muy indeciso no se que camara comprar o la D5500 o 7200. Podria darme una ayuda?

[@Lofote]

Can you also turn off the right part of the touchscreen and enable the left one if you want to use your left eye on the viewfinder?

[@Digmen1]

Hello, I always enjoy your videos I have a D5500 Do you know how to reduce the power of the built-in flash for fill in flash?

[@travelunboxreviewfamily780]

request please: nikon D5500+28-300mm nikon lens...???

[@saintsfisherman]

Thanks a ton for this video! this is exactly what I am thinking of buying. I want to take photos, and this will be my first camera, and your video I believe has showed me this is the correct one for me. Is there a easy to understand lens to camera chart out there? I just want to make sure I can get a few more lenses down the road, once I am ready to do a little bit of landscape and wildlife photography.

[@angli2794]

Compares to the mirror less cameras, you'll have way more lens choices when using a DSLR and some of the lenses will be much cheaper if say you want to by lenses like 50 1.8

[@Antenox]

Is there a reason for a prosumer to buy a midrange DSLR over the huge variety of mirrorless options?

[@JerryNeutron]

Hm, I wonder what settings are being used for that flat profile? I'd like to setup my D5300 the same.

[@michaelrobbins1758]

nice shots, like the scenery, cameraman did a nice job too with the wider angles. worth mentioning the lack of AF tuning or do you thk it is not a big issue? looking at the Nikon as a second camera, in large part, for lens range and affordability.

[@firzansaleh4118]

Do you recommend nikon D5500 for newbie ?

[@sanketss84]

Chris i have always been a fan of your video review as they touch all the topics which i want to hear and a review of what i feel is one of the best mid level camera out there in the market the D5XXX series from Nikon. I have been in love with the D5200 as is still my only camera its a great camera for beginners has tons of options to play with and wont overwhelm someone who is just getting into photo/videography.

[@MylesJP]

Nice review. I'm hoping all these improvements and new features can be brought over to a D7200. Not sure I care about the touchscreen or the fact that it swivels and you lose that whole column of buttons though.

[@jimfrancis]

I already own the D5500, no need to sell me on that, What I do like are your mitten/gloves!!! What brand are they? Hey, maybe a good review vid?

[@calmkenny4175]

Shot on a cold day but all touch screen shots done without gloves. Did the touchscreen work with the gloves worn in the video?

[@petrolbokehlicious]

Thanks Chris for finally reviewing a Nikon D5x00. I last bought a D3300 based on your review on that camera but has always wanted a D5300 for its additional features. It's great to know that you found a nice improvement on high ISO performance on the D5500 compared to the D5300 and I have some questions about this which I'll love if you could answer: Do you see the high ISO noise improvement only on JPEGs out of the camera or is this improvement also apparent on its RAW files? How does this high ISO noise improvement compare to the D3300 files, which themselves were seemingly a tad better than those out of the D5300? Is there also a proportional High ISO noise improvement in video files, especially at 1080p60 which is really the D3300's weakness? Also, how does video quality compare to the D5300's and D3300's when you take the new "Flat" profile out of the equation: are they sharper, do they show wider dynamic range, etc? With regards to your experience with the 55-200 VRII, I've got a couple videos uploaded here that were taken with a first gen 55-200 VR on a D5200 and they are all very soft off-center, is this new lens sharper off center than its previous iteration? Thanks Chris and Jordan, I always enjoy your work!

[@agm5148]

Have you tried taking a video? I have one that it has a loud screech noise that Nikon says it makes it because of the volume setting. I think it's a defect.

[@TerryHenson]

Please review the Sigma 24 1.4!!!!

[@raptor2285]

I'm sure they will when it actually comes out.. it was announced two days ago dude. It's supposed to start shipping March 20th.

[@TerryHenson]

Connor Evans I know that dude...I just figure they could get their hands on it a little earlier. :)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

TerryHenson We'll do our damndest! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@TerryHenson]

TheCameraStoreTV Thats the spirit!!!

[@davidhunternyc1]

I am so glad you brought up the topic of being frozen because I have been wondering, forever, what the heck are those puffy things on your fingers? You wear them all of the time and I just can't figure it out?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Those are Heat 3 Smart Gloves. We looked at them in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4iYiIyufNtqoMk Jordan @ TCSTV

[@jakobeder3731]

It would be nice to make a full comparison from all 2.8 tele zoom lensen for example (80-200 afd) (70-200)

[@ZohaibSarwar94]

@thecamerstoretv I m really fixated to buy Nikon D5500 but only thing bothering me is that should I really buy it and is it worth the cost because D3300 on other hand gives everything, like u can buy extra accessories with less amount of money spent on buying D5500 with lens

[@vntconcept]

i saw this 2nd hand and I would love to buy it. do you think if you compare to smartphones now? d5500 is still superior in photography and taking videos? pls help

[@DennisBloodnokPhotographyVideo]

Great video. But I don't envy you going out in such cold weather. I would have done an indoor test shoot myself !!

[@ThePhotoShow]

Thank you for the in depth review, it did make me feel cold though!

[@x4rd]

Arę You going to review also the upcoming Pentax K-s2?

[@bohnstube]

Agree that it would be really nice to see a review of that camera. Pentax says it's not a successor to the K-S1, but a ruggedness and feature upgrade from it. It's still priced relatively competitively w/in it's class of cameras, and it can use a ton of easily attainable and affordable k-mount glass, even glass that was made decades ago.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We'll definitely look at the K-S2. Looks like a good camera. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@x4rd]

Thanks Jordan, great news and i can't wait to see this episode. :)

[@aponinenaugcasio8456]

does the front element of the 55-200 vr ii lens rotate when zooming/focusing?

[@rammatic7881]

Give this man a like for braving the weather!

[@torpedo35]

Brilliant location!

[@abp3234]

Great video review guys..good job well done.

[@alitucker4554]

Hey guys, my names Alyssa and I'm a super beginner with cameras. I have always wanted one my whole life but they are so expensive all I have is a dinky Kodak easyshare point and shoot and as much as it does a decent job I've been traveling alot and I want something more professional and take great pictures and videos as well. I've been really debating on whether to get the Nikon d5300 or Sony a6000 I just keep going back and forth and I'm ready to buy I just realm wanna spend my money on the right one and not regret my decision if you guys could help I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you guys, you rock!

[@TheFosterThorpe]

Very good, especially as I've just bought a D5500 and it endorses my decision.

[@Tienlinhho]

How do you like it so far? im planning to get the D5500 also. only thing I dont like is no exposure preview on live view :(

[@WRAND2208]

Hey guys, please do a review of Nikon d5300.

[@rayrowley4013]

Would the auto focus be quick enough to shot sports and wildlife? I saw you were able to get pictures of ducks in flight but you also said it was a jittery focus in live view and video. I would not be using either of those while shooting sports so I just want to make sure it can track quickly and acquire quickly as well.

[@berkantozturk3815]

:-) Nikon D5500 & lumix fz1000 & Canon EOS 5D Mark iki & Samsung XN500 ... which one do you suggest?

[@danwest2822]

Can you change the touchscreen deactivation as I use a camera with my left eye, which is a pain for pretty much all viewfinder cameras, especially large canons, where the wheel rubs my nose!

[@Vaptomwen]

I've long been looking for a smaller camera to my DSLR , which M4/3 suits better but already being a Nikon FF & APS-C user this is quite interesting.

[@LebaneseNostalgia]

I like these gloves they look really warm where can I buy them

[@JoesVids]

Wow...this camera looks nice but it is almost $900 USD on Amazon. I'm currently more interested in the Samsung NX500 that is suppose to be $800USD with 4K video recording. Will you guys review that camera when it comes out?

[@cheta586]

i wanna buy dslr with stock lens and im just beginner...and i cant choose between this nikon d5500 and canon 760d/t6s...so guys what do you think wich one will better perform with stock lens and i mean by that image quality !?!?!

[@atifbaig7598]

What would u recommend to me nikon d7100 or d5500?? I may have to pay $100 extra for d7100 but my requirement is only use it for daily routine and sometimes pic from picnic or wedding for my own collection

[@WX4GPS]

Having a headphone jack he was very disappointed on, but no DSLR microphones are decent, and most will use external recorder and that will normally allow you to monitor. so not a deal breaker at all.

[@chrisbardasmediahero]

Is there a rend tint over the whole video? is it from the camera or the CC choise?

[@ONDI63]

I'm looking to purchase either this camera or the Sony A6000, but the only thing I need to know is which one has the better video quality?

[@dwsnyder63]

Okay, trying to find out what the brand of gloves/mittens he's wearing. Thanks

[@GabrielFFontes]

Was Jordan trying out a lens on the 2:12 take? Haha, gorgeous shot with that bokeh.

[@vinnunani3989]

good rivew to compair other videos

[@dabbling1163]

Hi Chris! great video as usual thanks a lot. I have two weird things happening : 1- for some reason my focus point won’t show up in green in the view finder, they are always red even when we hear the bop confirmation. 2- I can’t change the aperture while in live view mode. Can you or anyone help me with that? Thank you

[@mikepawlikguitar]

what happened to the sound on this video?

[@justeddie30]

*What Is your d5500 shutter count, i want to buy it since i can't afford to buy a new one, I'm couple bucks short to buy a new one so I'm looking for a second hand one*

[@BruceWayneOfOz]

I hope all of your fingers and toes survived! Very nice review! ^^X^^

[@wataworks6478]

Finally! A review!

[@jamesfield2442]

What a really cool presenter, very likeable

[@nikos-giorgos]

Hi "camerastore".Do you think the jittery focus in video mode would be better with other lenses?Say A 18-70?

[@irfanchooify]

very useful review, thanks a lot

[@alexanderson5604]

Great tutorial. Can I ask if D5500 has an AC power charger for it? Which one would you recommend? My battery can't do long video recording. Thanks.

[@dianemariexoxo1177]

Does it come with a softner to make you look soft

[@ButterySkater]

7:44 damn 60p at 1080fps. horrible resolution but great fps

[@-_--le3zk]

Whats horrible in 1080p? even in 2021 alot of youtubers use it on very expensive cameras

[@AcselRo]

Does it have full manual control in video mode? I had the D5100 and I couldn't change the aperture, ISO or shutter speed when I had the live view mode on. That's why I changed to the Canon 600D.

[@cavalrycome]

It is possible with the D5100 and all of the D5X00 series cameras to change the ISO and shutter speed while in Live View mode. You need to have the manual movie setting turned on, though. Unfortunately, that's not the case with the aperture. To change that, you have to exit Live View, adjust it and go back in, which slows things down slightly. The reason is something to do with the motor that adjusts the aperture being engaged to raise the mirror in Live View mode.

[@AcselRo]

Yeah, I guess that only the aperture was blocked in live view mode. Forgot. So yeah, does D5500 have manual control for the aperture in live view mode?

[@cavalrycome]

I don't think they've changed this with the D5500.

[@DecemberEves]

Googled around, and no, you have to exit live view to change aperture, or use a lens with an aperture ring.

[@cavalrycome]

***** Not all lenses that have aperture rings will allow you to get around this problem. If you attach a lens that can communicate electronically with the camera, the camera will display a message telling you to set the aperture ring to its widest setting and freezes all the controls until you do. I think this applies to all Nikon D lenses for example.

[@rdiaz206]

If you could choose one camera, which one would you prefer the D5500 or the new Samsung Nx500?