Nikon’s entry-level DSLRs can be divided into two categories: the D3xxx series, which is exemplified by the excellent D3500 and provides a very affordable entry point into DSLR photography, and the D5xxx range of DSLRs, which are intended for those seeking a few more features and more creative control.
The most current camera in this latter series is the D5600, albeit it wasn’t released until 2016, so it’s not that new. You can still purchase it for a very affordable price if you are OK with a little bit of a discount rather than the newest technology. It took the place of the Nikon D5500, which is currently rather difficult to find.
The Nikon SnapBridge technology, which enables quick and easy picture transmission from the camera to your smart device, was the big news at the time. The D5600 was a rather minor update compared to its predecessor.
We believe the Nikon D5600 is one of the greatest DSLR cameras you can purchase, as well as one of the best affordable cameras right now, thanks to its array of beginner-friendly features and superb image quality.
Features
The D5600’s specifications are nearly comparable to those of the D5500 in terms of features. The APS-C-sized CMOS sensor again forgoes an optical low pass filter in an effort to extract even more information from the data captured, maintaining resolution at a respectable 24.2MP.
The D5600 has the same EXPEED 4 image processor and should be able to shoot with ease in a variety of lighting circumstances thanks to its native sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 25,600.
For certain crucial photographs, you might wish to double-check the composition on the back display to make sure that nothing unpleasant has snuck into the frame’s furthest corners because the optical viewfinder covers 95% of the frame (quite usual for an entry-level DSLR).
The 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen display with a 1,037,000-dot resolution is still there and functional, however it has been upgraded. The frame-advance bar we’ve seen on the D5 and D500 is now available, along with a crop feature for use during playback, to expedite switching between photos.
The Nikon timelapse movie feature, which is available on models further up in the Nikon range, is another improvement of the D5600 over the D5500. In-camera recording and editing of timelapse videos is now possible, including an exposure smoothing feature to help equal out differences in illumination as your series is recorded.
In 2021, 4K video will essentially be a common requirement, although when the D5600 was first released, it was frequently only used by more expensive products. Because Nikon only captures in 1080p, you won’t find it here. You may choose between 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p frame rates, so unless you’re an experienced filmmaker, there should be plenty to work with here. With a dedicated 2.5mm connector on the side of the camera, you may even utilize a separate microphone if you so want.
As we’ve mentioned, Nikon’s SnapBridge communication is what distinguishes the D5500 and D5600 the most clearly. After you download the free SnapBridge app and finish the basic setup, SnapBridge establishes a continual connection between the camera and your smart device, unlike the D5500’s Wi-Fi and NFC for picture transmission.
Batches of photographs, or more precisely 2MP JPEG versions, may be automatically sent from the D5600 to your smartphone via a low-energy Bluetooth connection. Alternatively, you can choose individual images to upload at full resolution, albeit again, this is JPEG-only.
As an alternative to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi may be used with SnapBridge to wirelessly upload videos and to remotely snap still photographs.
There is a non-VR version of the D5600, but for a few dollars or pounds more, it’s probably worth the additional money to have a lens with anti-shake technology. The D5600 can be purchased body-only, but will likely be purchased with the included AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens.
The lens has up to four stops of image stabilization, Nikon’s innovative quiet AF, and a good, compact design. It’s more than capable of getting you started and is suitable for casual shooting, but if you want to make the most of the camera’s 24MP sensor, you’ll need to consider buying additional lenses in the future.
Price comparison for the Nikon D5600
In addition to editing the photography section of TechRadar, the largest tech website in the world and the largest in the UK, Phil Hall is a skilled writer and editor who has worked on some of the top photography publications in the UK. Moreover, he has contributed to various commercial projects, such as producing method blogs and content for the John Lewis Technology guide, as well as custom printed and online camera manuals for manufacturers like Nikon and Fujifilm.
