Nikon D5500 vs Canon SL3

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Nikon D5500 vs Canon SL3

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

Go in depth with our full Nikon D5500 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D5500 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D5500.
Compare Nikon D5500 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D5500 conclusion.

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

Go in depth with our full Canon SL3 Review.
How does it shoot? Canon SL3 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the SL3.

Succeeded by the Nikon D5600
Compare D5500 vs D5600
Compare Nikon D5600 vs Canon SL3

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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

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

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

Amazon
Adorama
Read D5500 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read SL3 User Reviews

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Buy the Nikon D5500

Body Only (Black)

Body Only (Black)
Body Only (Red)
Kit with 18-140mm lens (Black)
Kit with 18-140mm lens (Red)
Kit with 18-55mm lens (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm lens (Red)

All D5500 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL3

Body Only (Black)

Body Only (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm lens (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm lens (White)

All SL3 Deals

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

We haven’t finished our review of the Canon SL3, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
Read our Canon SL3 Shooter's Report

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K-3 II

Nikon D5500

Pentax K-3 II

$797
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$830
APS-C

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-3 II

Canon SL3

Pentax K-3 II

$624
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$830
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL3 vs Pentax K-3 II

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D5500

Nikon D3400

$797
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$497
APS-C

Less expensive
Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D3400

Canon SL3

Nikon D3400

$624
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

$797
APS-C

Less expensive
Higher effective ISO

$898
APS-C

Fast startup
NFC

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D5600

Canon SL3

Nikon D5600

$624
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

$797
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
NFC

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Canon SL2

Canon SL3

Canon SL2

$624
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

$797
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$623
APS-C

Less expensive
Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Nikon D3500

Canon SL3

Nikon D3500

$624
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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