• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5500 advantages over Panasonic G7

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 1.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 820 vs 360 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Panasonic G7 advantages over Nikon D5500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $498 vs $697
    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
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.55x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.1 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    240 vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    6.6 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    16 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G7

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.

  • Compact and lightweight for a fully-featured interchangeable-lens camera; Really fast autofocus; Good all-around performance too; Generous buffer depth; Versatile tilt/swivel LCD and high-res viewfinder; Touch-screen controls; Very affordable pricetag

  • Out of the box, colors are muted by consumer standards; Warm white balance under incandescent light; Handgrip is a little shallow for those with larger hands; Wi-Fi is overly complex and has limited range

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic G6

Nikon D5500
Panasonic G6
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic G7
Panasonic G6
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compared to Nikon D3300

Nikon D5500
Nikon D3300
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $367
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic G7
Nikon D3300
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $367
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic GH4

Nikon D5500
Panasonic GH4
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic G7
Panasonic GH4
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • NFC

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
Panasonic G7
Pentax K-S1
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D5500
Nikon D3400
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Panasonic G7
Nikon D3400
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
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