Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D7200
Comparison
Nikon D5500
Nikon D7200
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Brand | Nikon | Nikon | |
Model | D5500 | D7200 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2015 | 2015 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 06, 2015 | March 02, 2015 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
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Nikon D5500 vs D7200 Specs
Are you trying to decide between the Nikon D5500 vs D7200? You must be on the hunt for a quality Nikon DSLR.
With 24.2MP APS-C sensors, both the D5500 and D7200 offer excellent features and specs. We will compare the two cameras side-by-side to help you make the best decision.
The Nikon D7200 is our winner of today’s comparison, but it’s quite a close call. The D7200 DSLR was released in March 2015. This camera is part of Nikon’s DX-format camera series and is the successor to the Nikon D7100.
It features a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor, which allows for high-resolution stills and Full HD video recording. It also has a 51-point autofocus system, a 3.2-inch LCD monitor, and a native ISO range of 100-25,600. Despite its advancing years, the Nikon D7200 is still considered to be an excellent model.
The Nikon D5500 was also released in 2015. It is part of the Nikon D5000 series, which also includes the Nikon D5100 and D5200. Like the D7200, it features a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, an EXPEED 4 image processor, and a 3.2 inch Vari-angle LCD monitor.
Although a strong camera, the D5500 is not as advanced as the D7200 in some areas. It has a 39-point autofocus system in comparison to the D7200’s 51-points. It has a lower continuous shooting speed of 5 fps compared to the winning camera’s 6 fps. Its ISO and shutter speed range are not as advanced either.
The Nikon D7300 has a superior battery life and the possibility to use dual memory cards. This may not matter to every photographer but can make a big difference if shooting on the go. There’s nothing worse than missing the perfect shot because you’ve run out of battery or memory.
That doesn’t make it a closed competition though! The 24.2MP APS-C DSLR Nikon D5500 has advantages that make it a better choice for some photographers. It’s still a great entry-level DSLR. It’s significantly cheaper than the D7200. One of the most important advantages of the Nikon D5500 is its lightweight and compact design. It is almost half the weight as the D7200 making it perfect for taking on the go and is easy to carry around.
So, is the Nikon D5500 or Nikon D7200 the one for you? Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that serves your needs best. Read on for the full Nikon D5500 vs D7200 specs comparison:
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5 fps | 6 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Expeed 4 | Expeed 4 | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 102,400 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 | 102400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 39 | 51 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
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Video
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Nikon D7200
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD | Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV | MOV |
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" | 3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,037,000 dots | 1,228,800 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | EN-EL14 | EN-EL15 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 820 shots | 1,110 shots | |
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DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon D5500
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24.1 bits | 24.5 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14 EVs | 14.6 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1438 | 1333 |
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Scores
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Nikon D5500
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Nikon D7200
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Nikon D5500 vs D7200 Alternatives
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User Scores
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Nikon D5500
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Nikon D7200
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B&H photo video |
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