When comparing Nikon D3300 vs Nikon D5500, the Slant community recommends Nikon D3300 for most people. In the question“What are the best DSLR cameras for beginners?” Nikon D3300 is ranked 2nd while Nikon D5500 is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Nikon D3300 is:
The camera has a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor that captures detailed images at any ISO. Even at ISO 12800 the images have little noise.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Detailed images
The camera has a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor that captures detailed images at any ISO. Even at ISO 12800 the images have little noise.
Pro Light body
The camera weighs just 430 grams.
Pro Long battery life
It's CIPA rated 700 shots per charge.
Pro Good video capabilities
The camera shoots detailed 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second.
Pro Can create panoramas in-camera
Pro Well-suited for serious photographers
Pro External mic jack
Pro Offers a flat color profile for video
A flat color profile captures footage in low contrast and higher dynamic range allowing for easier color grading in post-production.
Pro Can output 8-bit 4:2:2 1080p60 video over HDMI
D5500 can record to an external recorder at a higher quality than when recording to camera.
Pro Good dynamic range
According to tests performed by DxOmark D5500 has 14.01 stops of dynamic range in print and 13.21 stops on screen for images taken at 100 ISO. Among the best scores for cameras in this price range.
Dynamic range is the range of brightness that a camera can capture. Detail in parts of the scene that are outside of the camera's dynamic range will be lost.
Pro Good subject tracking
D5500 has a 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor. It's accurate and fast.
Pro Good battery life
The camera is CIPA rated for 820 shots per charge.
Pro Good video quality
D5500 shoots 1080p60 video that's low in noise and low in artifacts.
Pro Great image quality
Nikon D5500 has a 24MP APS-C sensor and has no AA filter. The lack of an AA filter increases sharpness at the expense of increased moire chance. Little noise up to 3200 ISO. You can see in-depth lab tests on DPReview.
Pro Good tilt and swivel touchscreen offers versatility and ease of use
D5500 has a 3.2" 1.04M-dot tilt and swivel touchscreen.
Pro Well implemented Auto ISO
Cons
Con Non-articulating LCD
Camera's LCD is fixed in place making certain shots (such as ones close to the ground) a bit more difficult to monitor.
Con Can't change aperture in live mode
While shutter speed and exposure can be changed, aperture cannot.
Con Live mode has slow autofocus
Con Poor movie mode implementation
Con Can't control aperture in movie mode
While you can set ISO and shutter speed before you start shooting, the camera will choose the aperture for you.
Con Buffer limits continuous RAW shooting speed
Buffer fills after 6 RAW shots or 13 JPEG shots after which you have to wait for the buffer to clear.
Con Lacks Auto ISO in movie mode
Auto ISO automatically changes ISO within a user defined range based on lighting conditions. This feature cannot be used in movie mode.
Con Can't micro-adjust lens focus points
Autofocus microadjustment is intended to fine tune the point where the camera focuses. If the camera consistently focuses slightly in front or behind the intended point, microadjustments allow you to fix that. D5500 lacks this ability.