Nikon D5500 vs D5300 – Features, Specifications and Price Comparison
Nikon recently released their next generation D5500 crop sensor DSRL camera. The company decided to skip the “D5400” moniker and went on with D5500 instead. Usually when something new is released it is expected that there is a difference or an upgrade in terms of features and performance. But what is really the difference between the Nikon D5500 vs D5300? Should you immediately jump on getting the D5500 because it’s the newer DSLR? Before making your final decision, better check their differences first and decide whether the additional price that you have to pay for the D5500 is really worth it or not. In this article you will see the differences between the Nikon D5500 vs D5300 in terms of their features, specifications, looks and price.
Nikon D5500 vs D5300: Features
When it comes to size, the newer Nikon D5500 is a tad smaller than the Nikon D5300. The D5500 measures 97mm x 124mm x 70mm, while the D5300 measures 98mm x 125mm x 76mm. The D5500 is also lighter, only 470g, compared to the D5300 which is 530g. The bodies of both DSLRs are made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. They basically have the same structure but with slight changes with the D5500. You’ll see the comparison in terms of design on the gallery below.
When it comes to sensor size and pixel count, both the Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5300 features an APS-C CMOS sensor that measures 23.5mm x 15.6mm. Both also are 24.2 megapixel cameras and lacks optical low-pass filter. Both cameras are also powered with Expeed 4 processor, the same processor you will see in higher-end D4S and D750 DSLRs.
Both the Nikon D5500 and D5300 obviously have the same Nikon F lens mount, and they are also available with the same kit lens. Both can be purchased with body only, with 18-55mm or 18-140mm kit lens. Both the D5500 and D5300 have the same 39 Autofocus points, same 5 fps continuous shooting speed, same 100-25600 ISO range, same 95% optical viewfinder, same video formats and resolution. Well what the heck is their difference then?
Now when it comes to display, both features a 3.2-inch display that can be pulled out, tilted and swiveled. BUT the Nikon D5500 features a touchscreen display, while the older D5300 will have to rely on the control buttons to navigate.
Another difference is when it comes to connectivity options. The Nikon D5300 has WiFi and GPS capabilities, but the Nikon D5500 has WiFi only. Nikon decided to remove the built in GPS for Geo-tagging and you will have to purchase the optional GP-1A accessory if you want to use Geo-tagging. Some of you might need this, and some might not need the GPS function.
Nikon has also upgraded the battery life in the Nikon D5500. The newer D5500 is now capable of shooting up to 820 shots, compared to the only 600 shots of the D5300. It’s good to know that you can take more shots with a longer battery life. I personally hate it when you run out of battery while in the middle of a photo session. Of course there is a difference in price and obviously the newer Nikon D5500 is priced higher than the D5300. By how much? Check out their respective prices below.
Nikon D5500 vs D5300: Physical Comparison
There is a $200 USD price difference between the Nikon D5500 vs D5300. $200 is a significant amount already, considering that you can invest the money on other gears. If you ask me which DSLR should you get? It really depends on what your needs are and what you think would be useful for you. Basically both cameras will produce the same image quality so you don’t have to worry which DSLR produces the better photo quality. So I think you should consider getting the Nikon D5500 when you think you will need the touch screen function and extra battery life. Otherwise get the Nikon D5300, save the $200, and invest it on other gears or better lens.
Nikon D5500 vs D5300: Specifications Comparison
| Specifications | Nikon D5500 | Nikon D5300 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Monitor Size | 3.2 in. diagonal | 3.2 in. diagonal |
| ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100 - 25,600 | ISO 100 - 12,800 Hi-1 (ISO 25,600) |
| Battery / Batteries | One EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery | One EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
| Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) | 4.9 in. (124 mm) x 3.9 in. (97 mm) x 2.8 in. (70 mm) | 4.92 in. (125 mm) x 3.9 in. (98.0 mm) x 3.0 in. (76.0 mm) |
| Storage Media | SD, SDHC, SDXC | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Effective Pixels | 24.2 million | 24.2 million |
| Monitor Type | Wide Viewing Angle Vari-angle Touch TFT-LCD Eye Sensor Control | Wide Viewing Angle Vari-angle TFT-LCD |
| Approx. Weight | 14.9 oz. (420 g)camera body only | 16.9 oz. (480 g)camera body only |
| Sensor Size | 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm | 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm |
| Image Sensor Format | DX | DX |
| Movie | Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps HD 1,280x720 / 60 fps HD 1,280x720 / 50 fps VGA 640x424 / 30 fps VGA 640x424 / 25 fps | Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps HD 1,280x720 / 60 fps HD 1,280x720 / 50 fps VGA 640x424 / 30 fps VGA 640x424 / 25 fps |
| Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution | 5 frames per second | 5 frames per second |
| Playback Functions | Auto Image Rotation Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 12, or 80 images or calendar) Highlights Histogram Display Image Comment Location Display Movie Playback Movie Slideshow Photo Information Playback with Zoom Slideshow | Auto Image Rotation Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 12, or 80 images or calendar) Highlights Histogram Display Image Comment Movie Playback Movie Slideshow Playback with Zoom Slideshow |
| Live View Shooting | Photography Live View Mode Movie Live View Mode | Photography Live View Mode Movie Live View Mode |
| Monitor Size | 3.2 in. diagonal | 3.2 in. diagonal |
| ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100 - 25,600 | ISO 100 - 12,800 Hi-1 (ISO 25,600) |
| File Format Still Images | JPEG: JPEG-Baseline Compliant with fine (approx 1:4), Normal (approx 1:8) or Basic (approx 1:16) Compression NEF (RAW): compressed 12 or 14 bit NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single Photograph Recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG Formats | JPEG: JPEG-Baseline Compliant with fine (approx 1:4), Normal (approx 1:8) or Basic (approx 1:16) Compression NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single Photograph Recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG Formats NEF (RAW): Lossless compressed, compressed 12 or 14 bit |
| Battery / Batteries | One EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery | One EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
| White Balance | Auto Cloudy Direct Sunlight Flash Fluorescent (7 types) Incandescent Preset Manual Shade | Auto Cloudy Direct Sunlight Flash Fluorescent (7 types) Incandescent Preset Manual Shade |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) | 4.9 in. (124 mm) x 3.9 in. (97 mm) x 2.8 in. (70 mm) | 4.92 in. (125 mm) x 3.9 in. (98.0 mm) x 3.0 in. (76.0 mm) |
| Monitor Resolution | 1,037,000 Dots | 1,037,000 Dots |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F bayonet mount | Nikon F bayonet mount |
| Battery Life (shots per charge) | 820 shots (CIPA) | 600 shots (CIPA) |
| Viewfinder Frame Coverage | 95% Horizontal 95% Vertical (Approx.) | 95% Horizontal 95% Vertical (Approx.) |
| White Balance Bracketing | 3 shots in steps of 1 | 3 shots in steps of 1 |
| In-Camera Image Editing | Color Balance Color Outline Color Sketch D-Lighting Distortion Control Edit Movie Filter Effects Fisheye Image Overlay Miniature Effect Monochrome NEF (RAW) Processing Perspective Control Quick Retouch Red-Eye Correction Resize Selective Color Side-by-Side Comparison Straighten Trim | Color Balance Color Outline Color Sketch D-Lighting Distortion Control Edit Movie Filter Effects Fisheye Image Overlay Miniature Effect Monochrome NEF (RAW) Processing Perspective Control Quick Retouch Red-Eye Correction Resize Selective Color Side-by-Side Comparison Straighten Trim |
| Dynamic AF Mode | Number of AF points: 9, 21, 39 and 39 (3D-tracking) | Number of AF points: 9, 21, 39 and 39 (3D-tracking) |
| Effective Pixels | 24.2 million | 24.2 million |
| Flash Bracketing | -- | -- |
| Card Slot | 1 Secure Digital (SD) | 1 Secure Digital (SD) |
| AC Adapter | EH-5b AC Adapter; requires EP-5A Power Connector (available separately) | EH-5b AC Adapter; requires EP-5A Power Connector (available separately) |
| Lens Compatibility at a Glance*** | AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only | AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only |
| Monitor Type | Wide Viewing Angle Vari-angle Touch TFT-LCD Eye Sensor Control | Wide Viewing Angle Vari-angle TFT-LCD |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.82x (Approx.) | 0.82x (Approx.) |
| GPS | GP-1A GPS unit | Yes (Built-in) GP-1 GPS unit (optional) GP-1A GPS unit (optional) |
| Auto-area AF Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. Weight | 14.9 oz. (420 g)camera body only | 16.9 oz. (480 g)camera body only |
| Sensor Size | 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm | 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 sec. | 1/4000 sec. |
| Image Sensor Format | DX | DX |
| Slowest Shutter Speed | 30 sec. | 30 sec. |
| Viewfinder Eyepoint | 17 mm (-1.0 m¯¹) | 18mm (-1.0m¯¹) |
| Top FP High Speed Sync | -- | -- |
| Flash Sync Modes | Auto Auto with red-eye reduction Auto slow sync Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction Fill-flash Rear-curtain sync Rear-curtain with slow sync Red-Eye reduction Red-Eye reduction with slow sync Slow sync Off | Auto Auto with red-eye reduction Auto slow sync Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction Fill-flash Rear-curtain sync Rear-curtain with slow sync Red-Eye reduction Red-Eye reduction with slow sync Slow sync Off |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV | -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV |
| Scene Modes | Autumn Colors Beach / Snow Blossom Candlelight Child Close-up Dusk / Dawn Food Landscape Night Landscape Night Portrait Party / Indoor Pet Portrait Portrait Sports Sunset Special Effects Mode (Night vision, Color sketch, Toy camera, Miniature effect, Selective color, Silhouette, High key, Low key, HDR painting) | Autumn Colors Beach / Snow Blossom Candlelight Child Close-up Dusk / Dawn Food Landscape Night Landscape Night Portrait Party / Indoor Pet Portrait Portrait Sports Sunset Special Effects Mode (Night vision, Color sketch, Toy camera, Miniature effect, Selective color, Silhouette, High key, Low key, HDR painting) |
| Movie | Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps HD 1,280x720 / 60 fps HD 1,280x720 / 50 fps VGA 640x424 / 30 fps VGA 640x424 / 25 fps | Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps HD 1,280x720 / 60 fps HD 1,280x720 / 50 fps VGA 640x424 / 30 fps VGA 640x424 / 25 fps |
| Mirror Lock Up | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Audio | Built-in microphone, stereo External stereo microphone (optional) Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted | Built-in microphone, stereo External stereo microphone (optional) Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted |
| Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV | ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV |
| Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution | 5 frames per second | 5 frames per second |
| Focus Modes | Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A) Continuous-servo (AF-C) Face-Priority AF available in Live View only Full-time Servo (AF-A) available in Live View only Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder Normal area Single-servo AF (AF-S) Wide area | Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A) Continuous-servo (AF-C) Face-Priority AF available in Live View only Full-time Servo (AF-A) available in Live View only Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder Normal area Single-servo AF (AF-S) Wide area |
| Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points | 39 | 39 |
| Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) | Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700 or SB-500 as a master flash or SU-800 as commander; Flash Color Information Communication supported with all CLS-compatible flash units | Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 as a master flash or SU-800 as commander; Flash Color Information Communication supported with all CLS-compatible flash units |
| Exposure Bracketing | 3 frames in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV | 3 frames in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV |
| Picture Control | Flat Landscape Monochrome Neutral Portrait Standard User-customizable Settings Vivid | Landscape Monochrome Neutral Portrait Standard User-customizable Settings Vivid |
