• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony NEX-VG10 advantages over Nikon D5500

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon D5500 advantages over Sony NEX-VG10

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
  • Thinner
    70 mm vs 294 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    668g vs 1300g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 14 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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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 Samsung NX1

Sony NEX-VG10
Samsung NX1
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon D5500
Samsung NX1
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Sigma sd Quattro

Sony NEX-VG10
Sigma sd Quattro
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon D5500
Sigma sd Quattro
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon D3400

Sony NEX-VG10
Nikon D3400
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Nikon D5500
Nikon D3400
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compared to Nikon D5600

Sony NEX-VG10
Nikon D5600
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D5500
Nikon D5600
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC

Compared to Olympus E-M1X

Sony NEX-VG10
Olympus E-M1X
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Nikon D5500
Olympus E-M1X
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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