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

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Differences

Nikon D5500 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Less expensive
    $697 vs $899
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Canon T8i advantages over Nikon D5500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 9
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • 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

  • 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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  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
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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 T8i
Pentax K-S1
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Pentax K-S1

Compared to Canon T6i

Nikon D5500
Canon T6i
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D5500 vs Canon T6i

Canon T8i
Canon T6i
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon T6i

Compared to Pentax K-3 II

Nikon D5500
Pentax K-3 II
  • $697
  • 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 T8i
Pentax K-3 II
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Pentax K-3 II

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 T8i
Nikon D3400
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T8i 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 T8i
Nikon D5600
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D5600

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