My Nikon D5500 DSLR review shows a camera that fits in the middle of the DSLR camera market. It has a nearly four figure price tag, so it's above the price point of most entry level DSLRs.

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

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.

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

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

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

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,...

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