• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5500 advantages over Canon SL3

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More AF points
    39 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Canon SL3 advantages over Nikon D5500

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1070 vs 820 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    6 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.20 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • 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
    5.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    15 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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

  • 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 GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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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Buy the Nikon D5500
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  • Kit with 18-55mm lens (Red)
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Buy the Canon SL3
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  • Body Only (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm lens (White)
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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.

  • Read our Nikon D5500 Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K-S1

Nikon D5500
Pentax K-S1
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-S1

Canon SL3
Pentax K-S1
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL3 vs Pentax K-S1

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D5500
Nikon D3400
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D3400

Canon SL3
Nikon D3400
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D3400

Compared to Nikon D5600

Nikon D5500
Nikon D5600
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5600

Canon SL3
Nikon D5600
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D5600

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon D5500
Canon SL2
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Canon SL2

Canon SL3
Canon SL2
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Canon SL3 vs Canon SL2

Compared to Nikon D3500

Nikon D5500
Nikon D3500
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D3500

Canon SL3
Nikon D3500
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D3500

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