Nikon D5500

upper entryJapan
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Released in 2015, the D5500 combined Nikon's 24-megapixel DX sensor with a touchscreen-enabled articulated LCD in a remarkably compact body weighing just 470 grams. Its monocoque construction eliminated the traditional internal mirror box structure, achieving a slimmer profile without sacrificing the optical viewfinder that many photographers prefer. With native ISO from 100 to 25600 and 5 fps continuous shooting, the D5500 delivered versatile performance for travel, family documentation, and creative exploration across diverse shooting conditions.

Photograph of the Nikon D5500, cataloged as a upper entry.
Nikon D5500 · nikon-d5500 · Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan · 35.6028, 139.7250 · japan · tokyo · shinagawa · asia

When Nikon released the D5500 in early 2015, it became the company's first consumer DSLR to feature both a fully articulated touchscreen and a monocoque body structure, setting a new benchmark for compactness in the vari-angle lineup. The redesigned internal architecture reduced body depth to 70 mm while maintaining full compatibility with the extensive F-mount lens ecosystem, from vintage manual-focus glass to modern AF-S and AF-P designs. This structural innovation made the D5500 particularly appealing to photographers who valued portability without abandoning the optical viewfinder experience that defines DSLR shooting.

The 24-megapixel DX-format sensor captures images at 6000 × 4000 pixels with native ISO sensitivity ranging from 100 to 25600, providing substantial flexibility for mixed lighting scenarios from bright outdoor landscapes to dimly lit interiors. The EXPEED 4 image processor handles continuous shooting at 5 fps, maintaining consistent performance through extended sequences while processing the sensor's full resolution. Photographers working in available light benefit from the wide ISO range, which preserves detail and color fidelity across the sensitivity spectrum without requiring external flash in many situations.

The 3.2-inch articulated touchscreen displays 720 × 480 RGB pixels and enables intuitive focus point selection through direct touch input, streamlining composition when shooting from high or low angles. The optical viewfinder provides 95% frame coverage with 0.82× magnification and 17 mm eye point, delivering clear framing for extended handheld work. This combination of touchscreen convenience and traditional optical viewing accommodates diverse shooting styles, from deliberate tripod-based composition to spontaneous street photography where immediate response matters.

Powered by the EN-EL14a battery and recording to SDXC cards, the D5500 integrates smoothly into workflows ranging from casual family documentation to serious travel photography. The 124 × 97 × 70 mm body dimension and 470-gram weight make it one of the lightest DSLRs in Nikon's vari-angle category, reducing fatigue during all-day shooting sessions while maintaining the robust build quality expected from the F-mount system. The shutter operates from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second with 1/200 second flash sync, covering the essential range for general photography from long exposures to action-stopping speeds.

Metrics

Release Year2015
ISO100 - 25600 ISO
FPS4-5 · 10/100 fps
Weight470 g

Descriptors

Sensor24MP · DX · 6000 × 4000 MP
Shutter30 - 1/4000 · 1/200
Finder95% · 0.82× · 17 mm
Screen3.2" articulated · 720 x 480 · RGB
StorageSDXC
FeaturesE
Size124 × 97 × 70 mm
BatteryEN-EL14a · 820 / 3110

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Nikon D5500 designed for?

The D5500 suits enthusiast photographers seeking a lightweight DSLR with articulated touchscreen control and optical viewfinder precision. Its compact 470-gram body appeals to travelers and family documentarians who value portability, while the 24-megapixel sensor and wide ISO range support creative exploration across diverse subjects from landscapes to indoor events.

What storage and battery does the D5500 use?

The D5500 records to SDXC cards and is powered by the EN-EL14a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. SDXC compatibility supports high-capacity cards for extended shooting sessions, while the efficient EXPEED 4 processor and compact body design deliver reliable battery performance throughout typical day-long photography outings.

What continuous shooting speed does the D5500 offer?

The D5500 captures continuous sequences at 5 fps at full 24-megapixel resolution. This frame rate handles moderate-paced action such as children's sports, casual wildlife observation, and event coverage where timing matters but extreme speed is not essential, providing a practical balance between performance and the camera's compact design.

How does the D5500 sensor perform across different ISO settings?

The 24-megapixel DX-format sensor captures images at 6000 × 4000 pixels with native ISO sensitivity from 100 to 25600. This range provides substantial flexibility for available-light photography, allowing photographers to maintain workable shutter speeds in dim interiors, during evening events, or under overcast skies without always requiring flash supplementation.

How much does the D5500 weigh and what are its dimensions?

The D5500 weighs 470 grams and measures 124 × 97 × 70 mm, making it one of the most compact DSLRs in Nikon's vari-angle lineup. The monocoque body construction achieves this reduced size while retaining an optical viewfinder and articulated screen, delivering a portable package that reduces fatigue during extended handheld shooting or travel photography.

What viewfinder specifications does the D5500 provide?

The optical viewfinder offers 95% frame coverage, 0.82× magnification, and 17 mm eye point. This configuration delivers clear, real-time framing for composition and manual focus work, while the 17 mm eye point accommodates eyeglass wearers comfortably during extended shooting sessions where the optical finder remains the primary framing method.

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