When comparing Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-S1, the Slant community recommends Nikon D5500 for most people. In the question“What are the best DSLR cameras for beginners?” Nikon D5500 is ranked 5th while Pentax K-S1 is ranked 10th. The most important reason people chose Nikon D5500 is:
A flat color profile captures footage in low contrast and higher dynamic range allowing for easier color grading in post-production.
Specs
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Pros
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
Pro Offers choice of body colors
The camera is available in 12 different body colors.
Pro In-body stabilization saves money on lenses
Since stabilization can be applied to any lense, you can save money by not having to spend it on stabilized lenses which are generally more expensive than non-stabilized lenses.
Cons
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.
Con No environmental sealing
Con JPEG details get smudgy at high ISO settings
Con Poor grip
Unlike most camera bodies that use a rubberized grip, K-S1 has a plastic grip that is both smaller and slipperier making the camera more difficult to hold.