Nikon introduced its D5500 DSLR camera at CES in January, skipping a number in its modest update to the D5300 , which we reviewed in January 2014. Most of the changes affect secondary controls, leaving the main components unchanged.

With so many types of cameras targeting newcomers to photography, Nikon's latest D5500 certainly has some serious work cut out for it.

Nikon has a habit of refreshing its midrange consumer SLR on a yearly basis, usually with incremental updates. This year's model, the D5500 ($899.95, body only), is no different.

Omits optical low-pass filter; Sharp vari-angle touch display; Solid detail at high ISOs; 5fps continuous shooting; 39-point AF system; Quick startup; 1080p60 video; Integrated Wi-Fi; External mic support

Smaller body means controls are somewhat cramped; Pentamirror viewfinder; No GPS; Will not autofocus with screw-drive lenses; Limited Wi-Fi remote control; Self-timer deactivates after use; Lacks depth of field preview

Published in D-Photo Issue No. 65, we printed that the Nikon D5500 DSLR was 740g in weight (body only). This was an error and should have read 470g (body only). Here's the corrected review for you to see what Nikon's latest DSLR can achieve.

Nikon's D5500 is a good starter camera for new DSLR buyers. Just make sure you pair it with a good lens.

Quality 24MP stills; Decent 1080/60p movies; Vari-angle; touchscreen LCD; Great user interface for newbies

Less-substantial construction; Weak 18-55mm lens kit

What makes the D5500 stand out from the crowd is not just the features borrowed from higher-end models, but the work that the company has put into making the camera pleasure to use.

Excellent image quality with wide dynamic range; Compact and light yet well-built body with perfectly designed grip; 3.2" fully articulating LCD ideal for video and tripod use; Touchscreen makes menu navigation and rack focusing easy; Impressive focus tracking despite low resolution metering sensor,...

Fine detail in JPEGs can get smudged at higher ISOs; Lacks second control dial found on most of competition; Limited buffer memory affects continuous shooting and bracketing when using Raw; No aperture control or Auto ISO in movie mode; No exposure simulation in live view; Buttons are very small,...

The camera came quickly. I put it into action and it took great pictures. It is sharp and the color looks great.

When we reviewed the Nikon D5300 14 months ago it was a case of close but no cigar. There's no shortage of superb SLRs and compact system cameras (CSCs) around the £650 price mark, and the D5300 didn't do enough to stand out. Note: Review, specs and priced based on 18-55mm VR II kit.

Who it's for? Photographers stepping up from a point-and-shoot, bridge or entry-level DSLR camera as well as enthusiasts looking for a highly capable DSLR without the price tag of pro-level models.

Excellent image quality for its class; Easy-to-use Wi-Fi; Responsive autofocus; Touch-to-focus and shoot LCD; Light; compact design

Slow live-view autofocus; Lacks built-in GPS of the predecessor D5300; Limited Wi-Fi app functions; Built-in mic picks up stray sounds

Nikon divides its entry-level range of D-SLRs into two tiers; the D3000 range and the slightly more advanced D5000 series. The D5500 is the latest update to the upper tier, and sees a few new tweaks and additions to its predecessor, the D5300.