Nikon D5500 Image Quality

Here at base ISO, image quality is similar between the D5500 and its predecessor, but there are subtle differences despite both models being equipped with an EXPEED 4-branded image processor. The D5500's image is slightly crisper with stronger default sharpening and higher contrast. The D5300 however shows better detail in the red-leaf fabric, but also some noticeable moiré, which may be an indication Nikon has revised its anti-aliasing processing (both models do not have optical low-pass filters).

The Nikon D5500 and Canon T6i are both 24-megapixel APS-C models, but as mentioned the D5500 does not have an OLPF while the T6i does, which contributes to the T6i's slightly softer images, although differences in processing are also at play. Both cameras produce excellent images with low noise at base ISO, though.

Here we compare a 24-megapixel APS-C camera to a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds models which may seem a little unfair. The resolution difference is discernible but at base ISO, the Olympus E-M10 compares quite well otherwise, though it is a touch noisier (but keep in mind base ISO for the E-M10 is higher at ISO 200 versus 100 for the D5500).

The 28-megapixel Samsung NX500 does out-resolve the Nikon with slightly better fine detail but the Nikon's image has more "pop", with stronger default sharpening and higher overall saturation and contrast. Both soften our red-leaf swatch, but the Samsung shows quite a bit of moiré (it too does not have an optical low-pass filter).

These two 24-megapixel APS-C models offer very similar amounts of detail, but with some obvious differences in processing. Where the Nikon looks somewhat oversharpened, the Sony shows hardly any sharpening artifacts. The A6000 also offers better contrast in the red-leaf swatch (and elsewhere) while rendering it smoother than the D5500. The Sony does however leave behind a little more chroma noise in the shadows than the Nikon. Still, both cameras offer excellent detail at base ISO.

Here at ISO 1600, we can clearly see Nikon has revised its noise reduction and sharpening algorithms. The D5500's image is cleaner and crisper, while the D5300's shows fewer sharpening artifacts and better detail in the red-leaf fabric.

Both cameras show similar levels of detail in the mosaic crop, however the Nikon has fewer artifacts and better color. The noise grain from the Nikon in the shadows is also a little tighter. Interestingly, it is the Canon that does a better job with our difficult red-leaf pattern (Nikon has traditionally performed better in the past).

It's clear from the shadow area in the bottle shoulder crop that the E-M10 is applying stronger noise reduction, yet it leaves behind more chroma noise than the D5500. As expected, the D5500 continues to out-resolve the E-M10 as shown by better detail in the mosaic crop. The Olympus does however do a slightly better job in the red-leaf fabric, while the Nikon does better with the pink.

At ISO 1600, the NX500's resolution advantage is still apparent with better detail in the mosaic crop, although colors are a little drab. The Samsung's noise reduction is also more aggressive, generating a slightly hammered effect in the shadows. Both cameras struggle about equally with the red-leaf fabric, though the NX500 still shows a touch more moiré. The NX500 does however do a bit better with detail in the pink fabric.

Here again both cameras delver similar detail, despite different approaches to noise reduction and sharpening. Like we saw with the Samsung NX500, the Sony A6000's noise reduction tends to cause a hammered effect in flat areas, while the D5500 shows a more natural-looking and tight grain. In areas with fine, higher-contrast detail, the Nikon also looks more natural with fewer artifacts, but it also doesn't look as crisp. The A6000 comes out ahead in the red-leaf and pink fabrics, though, with better detail and contrast.

At ISO 3200, we can see the D5500 applies more effective noise reduction while continuing to apply stronger sharpening with higher contrast and saturation. That produces images that are crisper and more vibrant, but on the flip-side there are more visible sharpening and noise reduction artifacts, and the D5300 continues to do a little better in the red-leaf fabric.

The D5500's image has a little lower noise and crisper definition along with better color. This time the T6i blurs our red-leaf fabric more than the D5500, but offers slightly more contrast. Overall, it's a pretty close race but we give the edge to the Nikon.

As we saw at ISO 1600, the E-M10 works harder at reducing noise and it shows, with slightly smoother images but higher chroma noise and more noise reduction artifacts. Fine detail suffers more from the E-M10, on top of its resolution handicap compared to the D5500, resulting in a somewhat painted look in our mosaic crop. Both cameras offer similar detail in the red-leaf fabric, but the E-M10's rendering is cleaner and smoother-looking.

The Samsung NX500 continues to out-resolve the D5500 producing better detail in the mosaic crop but there are more noticeable noise reduction artifacts and saturation continues to diminish.

Again, the A6000's image is somewhat cleaner-looking than the D5500's, but has a more "processed" look, with more noticeable noise reduction artifacts.