Nikon D5500: A DSLR for the on-the-go creative

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header_logo_01On January 5th, 2015, Nikon announced the latest in their latest DX-format DSLR, the D5500. Branded as a compact, lightweight, versatile DSLR with stunning image quality for a constantly on-the-go “budding professional” or creative, the D5500 introduces another “mini-DSLR” into the market, and is sure to challenge the compact portability of Canon’s EOS Rebel SL1.

The D5500 boasts a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and a 3.2 inch Vari-angle LCD touch screen, making it particularly appealing to those proficient with touchscreen smartphone cameras – it can even be controlled from a smartphone via the built in WiFi.  The touchscreen is meant to provide a fast and intuitive alternative to the traditional button menus; through Touch AF, users can choose their focus point and pinch-to-zoom to check that the focus is tack-sharp.  39 focus points and a 5 frames per second (fps) shooting mode mean that even the quickest of subjects can be captured in motion.  Nikon also opted to remove the optical low-pass filter (OLPF) in order to increase the sharpness and detail of images, and the impressive ISO range of 100-25,600 ensures that no moment will escape capture, even if it takes place in the dimmest of lighting conditions.  The EXPEED 4 image processor makes for speedy processing of photos and HD video, which is remarkable given the small frame of the camera.  With the D5500, Nikon has aimed to create a prosumer grade DSLR at a fraction of the body size, and from all available metrics, it would appear they have succeeded.

Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning at Nikon, Inc. emphasized the camera’s high quality in a portable package, saying, “whether capturing an unforgettable sunset or the game winning goal, the Nikon D5500 was designed to foster creativity and provide the tools any budding photographer needs to easily capture and share amazing images and HD video.”   Referencing the additional announcement of two new lenses to the NIKKOR lens lineup, Horie added that, “the new DX-format 55-200mm and FX-format 300mm f/4 lenses reaffirm Nikon’s steadfast commitment to expanding the NIKKOR lens lineup with versatile additions for both DX and FX-format DSLR shooters.”

The D5500 will go on sale in early February, and can be purchased (body only) for an SRP of $899.95.  It comes in black and red, and can also be purchased in combination with one of two lenses for a few hundred dollars more. Read the full press release here and check out a hands-on gallery from DP Review here.

 

Margaret Rowland is an award winning and internationally published photographer who has worked across a spectrum of genres. She learned the art of capturing light on her father's manual Pentax film camera, and now works primarily with Canon DSLRs. Her work has taken her around the world: from presidential election coverage in New Hampshire for Dartmouth (her alma mater), to documentary and travel/adventure work in Paris, New Zealand, & Kuwait, to wedding photography in California. She currently resides in New York City where she focuses on shooting fashion and beauty, both in her Manhattan studio and on location.

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