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

Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: 07 LCD display

Nikon D5300 vs D5100 vs D5200: 07 LCD display

• D5100 3-inch 921k-dot vari-angle LCD
• D5200 3-inch 921k-dot vari-angle LCD
• D5300 3.2-inch 1073k-dot vari-angle LCD
• D5500 3.2 inch 1037k-dot vari-angle, touch sensitive, LCD

The flip-out vari-angle LCD display has been a common factor on all Nikon's D5000-series cameras, and the screen is the same on both the D5100 and D5200. The D5300 brings in a slightly larger, slightly higher-resolution screen.

While the Nikon D5500 sticks with the same resolution and size as the D5300's screen, it brings an interesting new development in the shape of touchscreen technology. This means you can tap the screen to focus and shoot, as well as adjusting settings. You can also use the touchscreen to swipe through images in playback.

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Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: 08 Effects

Nikon D5300 vs D5100 vs D5200: 08 Effects

• D5100 7 special effects
• D5200 7 special effects
• D5300 9 special effects
• D5500 10 special effects

These effects modes are unique to the D5000-series cameras. The Nikon D5100 and D5200 come with Night vision, Color sketch, Miniature, Selective color, Silhouette, High key and Low key effects, and the Nikon D5300 adds two more: Toy Camera and a single image HDR painting effect.

The Nikon D5500 is equipped with Night Vision, Super Vivid, Pop Color, Photo Illustration, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key.

It's also worth mentioning at this point, the new Picture Control which is included with the D5500. "Flat" mode is particularly useful if you're likely to be doing some post-production editing, as it retains all the details and preserves rich tonal information in both the highlights and shadows of an image.

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Nikon D5500 vs D5300 vs D5200 vs D5100: 09 Movie modes

Nikon D5300 vs D5100 vs D5200: 09 Movie modes

• D5100 1920 x 1080 at 30p, 25p, 24p
• D5200 1920 x 1080 at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p
• D5300 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
• D5500 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p

All three D5000-series cameras can shoot 1920 x 1080 full HD movies at standard 30p, 25p and 24p frame rates. The D5200 added the ability to shoot at twice normal speed for slow-motion effects at 60 or 50 frames per second, but only in interlaced ('i') mode.

The Nikon D5300 can shoot at 60 or 50 frames per second in the higher quality progressive ('p') mode. The Nikon D5100, to be honest, is probably fine for most users, and the newer D5200 and D5300 simply add higher frame rates than many won't use. Not surprisingly, the same video options are available on the Nikon 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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