• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5500 advantages over Panasonic G100

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    83 mm vs 64 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic G100 advantages over Nikon D5500

  • Less expensive
    $598 vs $697
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    4 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    419g vs 668g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 1037k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G100

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 Pentax K-S1

Nikon D5500
Pentax K-S1
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic G100
Pentax K-S1
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D5500
Nikon D3400
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Panasonic G100
Nikon D3400
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D5600

Nikon D5500
Nikon D5600
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC
Panasonic G100
Nikon D5600
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M5 III

Nikon D5500
Olympus E-M5 III
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic G100
Olympus E-M5 III
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Nikon D5500
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $630
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic G100
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $630
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
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