• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D4
  • Nikon D5500
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D3S
D3S vs D4
Nikon D5300
D5300 vs D5500
Successor:   Nikon D5600
D5500 vs D5600
General
Model Number: D4 D5500
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR SLR
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $5999.95 $999.95
Street Price: $4,499.95 $596.95
Date Available: 2012-02-15 2015-02-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 47.5 oz (1,347 g)
includes batteries
23.6 oz (668 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in.
(160 x 157 x 91 mm)
4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in.
(124 x 97 x 70 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:   Sony
Effective Megapixels: 16.2 24.2
Sensor Format: 35mm APS-C
Sensor size: 860.4mm2 (36.00mm x 23.90mm) 366.6mm2 (23.50mm x 15.60mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 7.31 microns 3.92 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed None
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 89 84
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 24.7 24.1
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 13.1 14.0
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 2,965 1,438
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4928 x 3280 (16.2 MP, 3:2),
3696 x 2456 (9.1 MP, 3:2),
2464 x 1640 (4.0 MP, 3:2),
4096 x 2720 (11.1 MP, Other),
3072 x 2040 (6.3 MP, Other),
2048 x 1360 (2.8 MP, Other),
3200 x 2128 (6.8 MP, 3:2),
2400 x 1592 (3.8 MP, Other),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
4096 x 3280 (13.4 MP, 5:4),
3072 x 2456 (7.5 MP, 5:4),
2048 x 1640 (3.4 MP, 5:4)
6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2),
4496 x 3000 (13.5 MP, 3:2),
2992 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2)
Image File Format: JPEG, NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; RAW+JPEG; TIFF (RGB) JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (12 or 14-bit .NEF), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 11.1 4.9
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p)
640x424 (30p/​25p)
1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p)
640x424 (30p/​25p)
Movie File Format: MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Linear PCM) MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a No
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Nikon F
Lens: n/a Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   27 - 83mm
Focal Length (actual):   18 - 55mm
Zoom Ratio:   3.05x
Aperture Range:   f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T); 7-blade (rounded) aperture
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   28 cm to Infinity
11.0 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a 52.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: No
Digital Zoom Values:   n/a
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, and 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors with f/8 supported by 11 sensors) OVF: 39-point (9 cross type) TTL phase detection with 3D focus tracking by Nikon Multi-CAM 4800 DX; Live View: Contrast detect with Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF
Auto Focus Assist Light? No Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.82x mag., 17mm eyepoint, -1.7 to +0.5 diopter, Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen; Eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x 0.55x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.70x 0.82x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.2 3.2
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 1,036,800 dots (345,600 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No Yes
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 46.0x  
Top Deck Display: Yes No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 12800 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto, 100 - 12,800, plus down to 50 in Lo-1, up to 204,800 in Hi-4 Auto, 100 - 25600 in steps of 1/3 EV
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto (2 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 4 values can be stored), choose color temperature (2500 K-10000 K), all with fine-tuning Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent (7 types), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Preset Manual; all except Preset Manual with fine tuning
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 91K-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering III, Center-weighted (75% given to 8, 12, 15 or 20mm circle), Spot (4mm) centered on selected focus area 2016-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, Spot (2.5% of frame)
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: None Scene Modes: Autumn Colors, Beach/Snow, Blossom, Candlelight, Child, Close-up, Dusk/Dawn, Food, Landscape, Night Landscape, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Pet Portrait, Portrait, Sports, Sunset, Special Effects Mode (Night Vision, Super Vivid, Pop, Photo Illustration, Toy Camera, Miniature Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key, Low Key), HDR
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 seconds 2s, 5s, 10s, 20s; 1 to 9 exposures seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No Yes
Flash Modes: Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off; Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800 as master
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: n/a Lens dependent; Approx. 39/12 (ft/m, ISO 100, 68F/20C)
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/200
Flash Exposure Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: ISO 518 hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / XQD SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory: UDMA7 compliant UHS-I compliant
Dual Card Slots: Yes No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; RAW+JPEG; TIFF (RGB) RAW (12 or 14-bit .NEF), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Linear PCM) MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: Yes No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed,Ethernet USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional wired, wireless Via Wi-Fi or optional ML-L3, WR-1, WR-T10/ WR-R10 or MC-DC2 remote cord
Connections (extended): Type-C mini HDMI with uncompressed video support, DC Input, 10-pin Expansion Terminal, Audio input (stereo 3.5mm jack with power), Audio output (stereo 3.5mm jack), Peripheral connector for WT-5 Type C mini-HDMI with CEC, Accessory Terminal (MC-DC2 remote cord or GP-1 GPS unit), 3.5mm stereo mic jack
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.41 0.42
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.39  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.39 0.41
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 11.1 4.9
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): Unlimited 100
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 11.1 4.0
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): Unlimited 7
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 11.1 3.9
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 62 5
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.21 seconds 0.20 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): 1.50 seconds 0.86 seconds
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): 0.197 seconds 0.280 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.043 seconds 0.100 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.23 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.043 seconds 0.079 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): OVF: Full Autofocus lag, 51-point Auto Area = 0.254s Live View: Full Autofocus lag = 1.497s Prefocused lag: 0.197s  
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 0.4 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.2 seconds 0.2 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:   1.8 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):    
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 2600 shots 820 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL18 (10.8v 2000mAh) Proprietary EL14a
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL18 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary EL14a Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No No
Software
Included Software: Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
OS Compatibility:   Windows, Mac OS
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, Expeed 3 processor, Upgraded 51-point AF module, 91K-pixel RGB exposure sensor, Bursts up to 10 fps with AE/AF, 11 fps with AF/AE locked, Full HD video capture, Dual Compact Flash and XQD card slots, Ethernet port, Illuminated controls, External headphone and mic jacks. Available in black or red, in two different kit configurations: with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens or the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.