Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
 61
SCORE
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 57
SCORE
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|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Sony |
| Model | D5500 | a6000 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2015 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
06/01/2015 | 12/02/2014 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 124 x 97 x 70 mm | 120 x 67 x 45 mm |
| Camera weight | 420 g | 344 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 24.3 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 | 6000 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 | 11 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 | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 4 | Bionz X |
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 | 256003003280000 |
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 | 5030200 |
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 | 256003003280000 |
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 | 400080032000 |
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 | 1790300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘ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) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 144000009900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
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. |
✓ | ✗ |
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 | MPEG-4 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
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" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10370001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
820 shots1505000 | 360 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D5500 outperforms the Sony a6000 with a score of 61/100 compared to 57/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as their announcement in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and a launch price difference of just $101. The D5500 is a DSLR with a size of 124 x 97 x 70mm and a weight of 420g, while the a6000 is a mirrorless camera measuring 120 x 67 x 45mm and weighing 344g.
The Nikon D5500 stands out due to its DSLR features and higher score. However, the Sony a6000 has its advantages, such as being lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around. Each camera offers unique benefits depending on your preferences and needs in photography.
The Sony a6000 wins the optics comparison with a score of 67/100, while the Nikon D5500 follows closely with a score of 65/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, an APS-C sensor size, and a lack of image stabilization. However, there are differences that set them apart, making one camera superior to the other in certain aspects.
The Sony a6000 surpasses the Nikon D5500 in shooting speed, boasting 11 frames per second compared to the D5500’s 5 frames per second. This makes the a6000 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife photography. Additionally, the a6000 utilizes the Sony E lens mount, which offers a wider range of compatible lenses, providing more versatility for photographers.
On the other hand, the Nikon D5500 has a slightly higher DXOMARK sensor score of 84, compared to the Sony a6000’s 82. This indicates that the D5500’s sensor performs marginally better in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Moreover, the D5500 is equipped with the Nikon F DX lens mount, which is compatible with a vast selection of Nikon lenses, making it a reliable choice for photographers who already own Nikon gear.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a6000 is the better option for those who prioritize shooting speed and lens versatility. The Nikon D5500, however, is a more suitable choice for photographers who value sensor performance and have a collection of Nikon lenses. Ultimately, the decision between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
The Nikon D5500 outperforms the Sony a6000 in video capabilities with a score of 70/100, compared to the Sony a6000’s 56/100. Both cameras share common features, such as Full HD video resolution, max video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and a max video frame rate of 60fps.
The Nikon D5500’s superior score is due to its built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Sony a6000 lacks. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional software or accessories, making it a more convenient option for those who enjoy capturing time-lapse sequences.
Although the Sony a6000 has a lower score, it is not without its merits. The camera’s video quality is still impressive, offering the same Full HD resolution and max video dimensions as the Nikon D5500. Additionally, the 60fps max video frame rate ensures smooth and natural motion in video recordings.
In comparing the video capabilities of the Nikon D5500 and Sony a6000, the Nikon D5500 emerges as the stronger choice, primarily due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Sony a6000 remains a reliable option for those who prioritize video quality and do not require time-lapse capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras will depend on the individual user’s preferences and needs.
The Nikon D5500 emerges as the winner in the feature comparison, scoring 59/100, while the Sony a6000 scores 41/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a flip screen, no GPS, WiFi connectivity, and no Bluetooth.
The Nikon D5500 outperforms the Sony a6000 in several aspects. It has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the Sony a6000’s 3-inch screen. Additionally, the Nikon D5500 has a higher screen resolution of 1,037,000 dots, while the Sony a6000 has a resolution of 921,600 dots. The Nikon D5500 also has a touchscreen, which the Sony a6000 lacks. These features make the Nikon D5500 more user-friendly and allow for a better viewing experience.
The Sony a6000, despite its lower feature score, still has some advantages over the Nikon D5500. The main advantage is its smaller size and lighter weight, making it more portable and easier to carry around. However, this advantage does not outweigh the benefits provided by the Nikon D5500’s superior features.
Taking all these points into consideration, the Nikon D5500 is the better camera in terms of features. Its larger screen size, higher screen resolution, and touchscreen functionality make it more user-friendly and provide a better viewing experience. While the Sony a6000’s smaller size and lighter weight may appeal to some users, the Nikon D5500’s superior features make it the top choice between the two cameras.
The Nikon D5500 outperforms the Sony a6000 in storage and battery with a score of 35/100 compared to the Sony’s 21/100. Both cameras have a single memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Sony a6000 also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The Nikon D5500’s battery life is superior, providing 820 shots per charge, while the Sony a6000 only offers 360 shots. The D5500 uses an EN-EL14 battery, while the a6000 uses an NP-FW50 battery. Neither camera supports USB charging.
The Sony a6000’s advantage lies in its additional memory card compatibility, which may be useful for some users. However, the Nikon D5500’s significantly longer battery life makes it the better choice for those who prioritize extended shooting sessions. Choose the D5500 for its impressive battery performance or the a6000 for its extra memory card options.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D5500 or the Sony a6000:
