• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon EOS-1D C advantages over Nikon D5500

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.94 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    41 vs 9
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.76x vs 0.55x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    61 vs 39
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D5500 advantages over Canon EOS-1D C

  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 18.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

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

  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5500

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 Canon 1DX

Canon EOS-1D C
Canon 1DX
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Headphone jack
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
Nikon D5500
Canon 1DX
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4

Canon EOS-1D C
Nikon D4
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
Nikon D5500
Nikon D4
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4S

Canon EOS-1D C
Nikon D4S
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
Nikon D5500
Nikon D4S
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D3400

Canon EOS-1D C
Nikon D3400
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Internal flash
Nikon D5500
Nikon D3400
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compared to Nikon D5600

Canon EOS-1D C
Nikon D5600
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon D5500
Nikon D5600
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC
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