• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D5500 advantages over Nikon Z fc

  • Less expensive
    $697 vs $997
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.9 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon Z fc advantages over Nikon D5500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    43 mm vs 70 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    3 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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 D5500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z fc

Review Excerpt

  • Amazingly small for a DSLR; Great image quality for its class, including superb low light and high ISO performance; Generous JPEG buffer depth; High resolution.

  • Buffer depths are shallow when shooting RAW; Lacks GPS from the predecessor; No AA filter means it's susceptible to aliasing artifacts.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3300

Nikon D5500
Nikon D3300
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $367
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D3300
  • $907
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $367
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Pentax K-S1

Nikon D5500
Pentax K-S1
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Z fc
Pentax K-S1
  • $907
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D5500
Nikon D3400
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D3400
  • $907
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compared to Fujifilm X-T200

Nikon D5500
Fujifilm X-T200
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon Z fc
Fujifilm X-T200
  • $907
  • APS-C
  • Newer
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Nikon Z 30

Nikon D5500
Nikon Z 30
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon Z fc
Nikon Z 30
  • $907
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
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