• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon Df advantages over Nikon D5500

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    3,279 vs 1,438 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1400 vs 820 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.4 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    29 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D5500 advantages over Nikon Df

  • Less expensive
    $697 vs $2997
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    83 mm vs 50 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    668g vs 983g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    27 mm vs 50 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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

  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5500

Review Excerpt

  • Same sensor and processor as professional D4; Great image quality; Arguably the best available-light shooter in its class; Handsome, retro styling; Weather-sealed design; Big, clear full-frame viewfinder; Excellent battery life

  • Expensive; Bulky, yet handgrip is quite modest; Some controls are clumsy; Plastic body panels don't gel with retro aesthetic; Autofocus isn't in the same league as image quality; No AF assist lamp; No movie capture; No portrait grip; Single card slot

  • 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 Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon Df
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Nikon D5500
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A99

Nikon Df
Sony A99
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D5500
Sony A99
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon 6D

Nikon Df
Canon 6D
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon D5500
Canon 6D
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax K-S1

Nikon Df
Pentax K-S1
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D5500
Pentax K-S1
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon Df
Nikon D3400
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Nikon D5500
Nikon D3400
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
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