Nikon's first touchscreen DX DSLR with a compact body and excellent image quality.
The Nikon D5500 was introduced in January 2015, positioned between the D3300 and D7100 in the Nikon DX DSLR lineup. It succeeded the D5300 with two notable changes: a fully tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen — the first on any Nikon DSLR — and a more compact, lighter body. The 24.2MP DX CMOS sensor omits the optical low-pass filter, consistent with the D5300's approach of maximising resolving power at the cost of minor moiré risk in highly repetitive patterns. Built-in Wi-Fi enables wireless image transfer; the GPS of the D5300 was not carried over.
The 39-point Multi-CAM 4800DX II AF system provides 9 cross-type points, offering reliable subject acquisition across the central frame area — improved coverage over the D3300's 11-point system. At 5fps the burst rate suits casual action and sequential shooting at this entry-enthusiast tier. 1080p video records at up to 60fps; there is no 4K. Battery life is rated at approximately 820 shots per charge using the EN-EL14a — sufficient for a full day of moderate use. The body weighs 420g (body only); a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot handles storage. A built-in pop-up flash provides fill-in capability.
For everyday photography and travel the D5500's compact size and touchscreen make it more practical than mid-range DSLRs of the same generation. The 39-point AF system handles portraiture, landscapes, and casual subject tracking reliably; the 9 cross-type points extend usable off-centre acquisition versus the D3300's central cluster. The no-low-pass-filter sensor extracts noticeably finer detail at base ISO compared to filtered equivalents — a visible benefit for architecture and landscape work. The touch interface provides genuinely useful functionality: tap-to-focus and tap-to-shoot in live view are accurate and responsive. The absence of GPS requires an external solution or phone-geotagging workflow for those who need location data.
On the used market the D5500 is affordable and well-specced for its price tier. The EN-EL14a battery is shared with the D3300, D5300, D5600, and several Nikon 1 bodies, making spares widely available. Condition checks: touchscreen calibration, AF motor response, and sensor for dust. The D5600 (2016) adds Bluetooth and Snapbridge connectivity in an otherwise minor step; the price difference on the used market determines whether the wireless improvement justifies the premium. Shutter life is rated at 100,000 actuations; verify count via EXIF. Non-AF-S Nikon F-mount lenses that require a body-side AF motor will not autofocus on the D5500.