More or less megapixels define the quality of photo taken
by SLR’s. The Nikon D5500,
unveiled at CES 2015,
proves that in spades. Even though the D5500 has 24.2 megapixels, the same
number as its predecessor, the D5300,
the D5500 nonetheless have a slew of new features - among them are integrated
Wi-Fi and a touch-enabled screen. Add in a design update as well, and the D5500
earns an authoritative place in Nikon's lineup.
Nikon has redesigned the body to make it both smaller and
lighter as compared with its predecessor, a critical maneuver in an age when
the DSLR has to compete against the smaller, more nimble interchangeable lens
cameras (ILCs). The D5500 measures 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 inches, smaller as compared
with the D5300 and the D3300, two compact predecessors in Nikon's lineup. The
body alone weighs 0.93 pound (420 grams). Not to mention customers crave for devices which
are light weight and highly functional.
Nikon describes the body as monocoque, French for
structural skin made of one big piece. The materials are a carbon fiber
composite and a magnesium alloy. The D5500 is due to ship in early in February
in both black and red body colors, with a price of $899.95 for the body only, the various lenses which need to be added, depend from user to user.
For starters, prominently on the top of the body, behind
where the pop-up flash, sits a stereo microphone. While Nikon doesn't indicate
there's any enhancement built into the microphone, its presence is a good step
forward for those who like to capture video with their SLR, but aren't ready to
invest in external microphone (though, there's still a jack on the side to add
that). The next thing that's obvious looking at the top of the camera is that
the D5500 has had a redesign of its buttons and dials. The redesign makes most
functions more efficient, by moving the fixed scene modes and creative
functions off the Mode dial and into the touch-enabled rear menu (more on that
in a moment). Even if it might mean an extra tap or so in the interface, the
use of touch still makes everything seem more efficient. Furthermore, the dial
is now left for the primary shooting modes of an SLR, including Program,
Manual, Shutter priority, and Aperture. And to the right of the dial sits a
smooth lever to flip down to activate the Live View shooting mode.
The Info button has been re-situated to a more convenient
spot. There are other, more seemingly minor changes to the design of the D5500,
too. For example, the doors covering the side ports (including HDMI and USB)
feel a bit more secure than in the past. And the battery pack has been rotated
by 90 degrees and placed into the grip to conserve on space and help shave off
those fractions of an inch.
As for the battery, life has been extended by almost 37%,
according to Nikon. That translates to a CIPA rating of 820 shots. The hand grip is now deeper, which greatly improves the
ergonomics of the camera. I found the deeper grip comfortable to use, and it
made the D5500 easier to grab and hold than with previous models.
All in all, this is good start for SLR line up for New
Year at Nikon. At a slightly higher price company is adding myriad of features
to brag about, not to mention usability and UI both have improved in the
device. If looking for an advanced SLR, this might be the pick which you should
look at.
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