Finding a decent entry level DSLR is always challenging, with the sheer number of cameras on offer making it difficult for new buyers to tell which is worthiest of their attention. But, those on the hunt for one would do well to check out the Nikon D550.

Excellent updated handling; Solid performance; great images; Fast AF

No GPS; Conservative upgrades

If you buy it with 18 - 140 MM, you can save some money there compared to if you buy it with traditional 18=55 MM lens. Plus, 18-140 mm serves your all time purpose. Also, keep a room for buying that 35 mm Prime lens for that awesome portrait photography.

Touch Screen option to click pictures

Outdated Wi-Fi Nikon App

The D5500 refines the existing Nikon entry-level DSLR design with several notable improvements while keeping a very consistent feature-set. While external changes are easy to spot, the worthy upgrade is its revised 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor which manages to deliver a full stop improvement in...

Low image noise; Very good sharpness; Great dynamic-range; Accurate AF system; Short shutter-lag; Excellent time-to-first-shot; Full HD video with autofocus; Quite usable with gloves on; Good battery-life

Some over-exposure; Below average AWB; AF on the slow side; Odd Live-View preview; Odd Auto ISO behavior; Self-timer resets after each use; No mechanical AF coupling

Upgraded from the D-3200 to the D-5500 and what a great camera! The transition from the 3200 to the 5500 was VERY easy. The tilt feature of the rear screen is the best. Also the lighter /slimmer body style is great for heavier lens (55-300mm in the bundle).

Upgraded from the D-3200 to the D-5500 and what a great camera! The transition from the 3200 to the 5500 was VERY easy; The tilt feature of the rear screen is the best; Also the lighter /slimmer body style is great for heavier lens (55-300mm in the bundle)

None really

This is my first Nikon DSLR and I am very happy with it. Picture quality is excellent and the controls easy to use. The menu is easy to navigate. Touch screen is fun to use as well. The camera is reasonable light to carry during day trips and easy to handle.

Easy to use; Build quality; Battery life

The Nikon D5500 is a great option for the family photographer or someone who is looking to get their first DSLR camera. The camera's 24.2 megapixel sensor captures high quality photos and its lightweight body makes it easy to tote around on vacations or at a party.

Great image quality for photos and videos; Lightweight; Collapsible lens reduces bulk; Great battery life

Collapsible lens opens a bit slowly

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 D5500 is a compact and lightweight DSLR camera that clicks great quality images and comes packed with features a photography enthusiast would ever need. It lacks aperture control but overall it's a great bet with decent battery backup.

Excellent image quality; compact and light; 3.2-inch fully articulating LCD screen; advanced Auto ISO controls; decent battery life

No aperture control or Auto ISO in movie mode; basic smartphone app

The Nikon D5500 is an excellent DSLR in the budget segment. While it is an incremental upgrade over the Nikon D5300, there are different customer groups to whom the D5500 will make sense. For entry-level photographers looking for more lenses, the D5300 will make sense.

Light; compact unit; Fast autofocus; Fluid touchscreen interface; Excellent dynamic range; Massive array of compatible lenses; Wireless connectivity

Light body not ideal for heavy lenses; No antialiasing filter; No in-built GPS

The D5500 is Nikon's latest upper entry-level DSLR and like its predecessors, delivers a decent step-up from budget models without the complication, size and expense of mid-range or semi-pro bodies.

Low noise and potentially high resolution; Large; fully-articulated touchscreen; Fairly compact body for a traditional DSLR; Built-in Wifi; but unlike D5300; relies on phone for GPS; 1080p movies at a variety of frame rates

Need to upgrade kit zoom to exploit full resolution; Relatively small viewfinder image size; Basic smartphone app and network open by default; Quiet mode isn't that quiet; Continuous AF in Live View and movies can be noisy