• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon J5 advantages over Nikon D5600

  • Less expensive
    $497 vs $897
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    31 mm vs 70 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    345g vs 670g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    59.4 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    59.4 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    20 vs 8 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D5600 advantages over Nikon J5

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 2.37 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.20 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Better color depth
    24.1 vs 21.1 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,306 vs 479 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    14.0 vs 12.0 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 970 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/200 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 20 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5600

Review Excerpt

  • Photographer-friendly controls; Impressive dynamic range for its class; Very fast hybrid autofocus; Fast high-speed shooting capabilities; Tilting touchscreen display.

  • No hot shoe or viewfinder; Aggressive noise reduction, even at base ISO; 4K video is limited to 15fps.

  • Compact camera body; Very good touchscreen display; Excellent image quality for its class; Good overall performance.

  • Not many improvements compared to its predecessor, with some downgrades; No 4K video recording.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J5
Nikon J3
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Nikon D5600
Nikon J3
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Nikon J5
Samsung NX Mini
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
Nikon D5600
Samsung NX Mini
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J5
Nikon J4
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon D5600
Nikon J4
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon D5500

Nikon J5
Nikon D5500
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D5600
Nikon D5500
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Pentax KP

Nikon J5
Pentax KP
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Nikon D5600
Pentax KP
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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