Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: 13 key differences you need to know

Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: 04 Continuous shooting

Nikon D5300 vs D5100 vs D5200: 04 Continuous shooting

Nikon says the Expeed 4 processor has been used for improved image quality and not higher continuous shooting speeds.

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Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: 05 Autofocus

Nikon D5300 vs D5100 vs D5200: 05 Autofocus

• D5100 Multi-CAM 1000 AF sensor with 11 AF points including 1 cross-type
• D5200 Multi-CAM 4800DX AF sensor with 39 AF points including 9 cross-type
• D5300 Multi-CAM 4800DX AF sensor with 39 AF points including 9 cross-type
• D5500: Multi-CAM 4800DX AF sensor with 39 AF points including 9 cross-type

The big step-change in autofocus systems came between the D5100, which used a basic 11-point AF system, and the Nikon D5200, which swapped to a much more advanced 39-point AF system only one step down from Nikon's professional cameras.

Nikon keeps that same 39-point AF system for the new D5300. It's fast and powerful for a camera in this class, and happily the company has decided to keep this for the Nikon D5500.

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Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: 06 Viewfinder

Nikon D5300 vs D5100 vs D5200: 06 Viewfinder

• D5100 Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x magnification
• D5200 Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x magnification
• D5300 Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.82x magnification
• D5500 Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.82x magnification

All three cameras use a pentamirror viewing system rather than a more expensive pentaprism design. It's perfectly adequate for this kind of camera, though, and the Nikon D5300 features a redesigned pentamirror which offers slightly increased viewfinder magnification, and it's this one that Nikon sticks with for the D5500.

PAGE 1 - Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5100 vs D5200: Sensor, ISO range, Image processing
PAGE 2 - Nikon D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: Continuous shooting, AF & Viewfinder
PAGE 3 - Nikon D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: LCD display, Effects & Movie modes
PAGE 4 - Nikon D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: Wi-fi and GPS, Construction, Battery & Price
PAGE 5 - Nikon D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: What we think

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