Nikon
D5500
Lightweight APS-C DSLR with a tilting touchscreen and excellent image quality per dollar.
$649
Launch priceReleased Jan 2015
Nikon
D5600
Popular entry APS-C DSLR with 24MP sensor, articulating touchscreen, and SnapBridge connectivity.
$699
Launch priceReleased Nov 2016
D5600 is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
D5500
Wins
D5600
17 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BD5600 has lower Weight (465 g vs 470 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD5500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
470 g (1.04 lb / 16.58 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D5600
124 × 97 × 70 mm
465 g (1.03 lb / 16.40 oz)
D5500 and D5600 share virtually identical body dimensions.
D5500 is 5 g heavier than D5600.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D5500 · 70mm D5600
Sensor size, to scale
D5500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
D5600
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D5500
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
D5600
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D5500
No major advantages on measured specs.
Reasons to choose
D5600
Weight
465 g vs 470 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 24.2 MP
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 493
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 90 %
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D5500
Pros
- ✓Very lightweight DSLR
- ✓Tilting touchscreen
- ✓24MP sensor
- ✓Affordable used
Cons
- –Discontinued
- –No 4K
- –Basic AF for action
D5600
Pros
- ✓Articulating touchscreen
- ✓24MP APS-C
- ✓Huge F-mount lens library
- ✓Great value used
Cons
- –DSLR platform
- –No 4K 60p
- –Single card slot
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D5500 and D5600 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D5500
Nikon D5600
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, D5500 or D5600?
D5500 scores 5.5/10 versus 5.5/10 for D5600 — 24.2MP — solid resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the D5500 and D5600?
Both cameras share the same 24.2 MP resolution.
How does stabilization compare between the D5500 and D5600?
D5500 does not have IBIS, while D5600 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D5500 or the D5600?
D5500 reaches 11 fps electronic. D5600 reaches 11 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D5500 and D5600?
D5500 weighs 470 g and D5600 weighs 465 g, so the D5600 is 5 g lighter.
Do the D5500 and D5600 record 4K video?
D5500: 4K up to 60p. D5600: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D5500 and D5600 weather sealed?
D5500: No. D5600: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D5500 and 640 shots for the D5600, giving the D5600 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D5500 launched at $649 and D5600 at $699. The D5500 is $50 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D5500 vs D5600 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.