Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-3 II — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Nikon · DSLR · 24.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Nikon D5500
61
SCORE
|
Pentax · DSLR · 24.35 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Pentax K-3 II
69
WINNER
|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Nikon D5500 and the Pentax K-3 II are both APS-C DSLRs released in 2015, but they take different native lens systems. The D5500 uses the Nikon F DX mount, while the K-3 II uses the Pentax KAF mount, so lens choices stay within each brand's own catalogue. The D5500 is the smaller and lighter body, at 420 g and 124 x 97 x 70 mm, against 800 g and 131 x 100 x 77 mm for the K-3 II. | ||
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 6, 2015 | April 23, 2015 |
| Camera type |  DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 124 x 97 x 70 mm | 131 x 100 x 77 mm |
| Camera weight | 420 g | 800 g |
| Optics | 65/100 | 74/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsThe K-3 II is the better pick for handheld shooting with unstabilised lenses, because it offers in-body stabilisation and the D5500 does not. Any lens mounted on the K-3 II gains that stabilisation. It also shoots at 8.3 frames per second against 5 on the D5500, which helps capture fast action sequences. For wide-aperture shooting in bright light, the K-3 II's 1/8000 second top shutter speed allows a shorter exposure than the D5500's 1/4000. The D5500 counters with 39 autofocus points against 27, giving more positions for off-centre subjects. Resolution is nearly the same at 24.2 versus 24.35 megapixels, and both use APS-C CMOS sensors. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 24.35 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 6016 x 4000 |
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 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 8.3 fps045 |
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 | Pentax KAF |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 4 | Prime III |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
256003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Min 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. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max 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. |
256003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max 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. |
400080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
390300 | 270300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
No |  Yes |
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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | 70/100 | 70/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoEveryday video is equally well covered here: Full HD is the top resolution on both cameras, and 60 fps is each camera's maximum frame rate. Neither body records 4K, and both include built-in timelapse. The K-3 II records in MOV or AVI, while the D5500 records in MOV only. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
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 format ⓘ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 | 1920 x 1080 |
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 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse 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. |
 Yes | Yes |
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, AVI |
| Features | 59/100 | 59/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe D5500 is the easier camera for waist-level and tripod work, thanks to its flip-out, touch-sensitive screen for tapping focus and framing low angles. The K-3 II has a fixed screen without touch control, though both share a 3.2 inch, 1037000-dot LCD for clear playback and live view. The K-3 II suits outdoor photographers better here, with GPS for geotagging locations and weather sealing. The D5500 instead offers Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and a built-in flash for quick fill light, while the K-3 II relies on an external flash unit. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | No |
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. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
No |  Yes |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
No |  Yes |
| 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. |
 Yes | No |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10370001150001500000 | 10370001150001500000 |
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. |
 Yes | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
 Yes | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 35/100 | 65/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryThe D5500's 820-shot rating outlasts the K-3 II's 720 in their respective battery tests. The K-3 II answers with two SD card slots, so a full first card does not end a long shoot, while the D5500 has one. Both take SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, and neither charges over USB. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |  Yes |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | D-LI90 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
820 shots1505000 | 720 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Choose the D5500 for travel, family and everyday photography, where its light 420 g body, flip-out touch screen, Wi-Fi transfer and built-in flash keep things simple. Choose the K-3 II for outdoor and action work, where weather sealing, in-body stabilisation, GPS geotagging, 8.3 fps bursts and dual card slots cover demanding shoots. Both deliver nearly the same APS-C resolution and Full HD video, so the choice comes down to shooting style rather than image size.