Photography News issue 19

Camera test

29

Longexposurenoise reduction These shots were taken with and without the D5500’s in-camera Long Exposure Noise Reduction. To be honest in the case of this 30-second exposure there were no noise issues anyway, so the reduction feature was not really needed.

FULL-FRAME IMAGE

I did try some exposures of two and four minutes and there was slightly more benefit, but given the longer processing time needed, this type of noise reduction might best be done with software. It is worth noting, by the way, the good rendition of fine detail by the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens in this shot.

WITHNOISE REDUCTION

NONOISE REDUCTION

ABOVE The included 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II kit lens is a good performer, resolving lots of detail and rednering bright colours well.

ISO performance The D5500 turned in a capable ISO performance and there seems no reason why the camera can’t be used for critical work at ISO 3200. In dull light digital noise is neutral looking, but when light levels dip very low, noise gains some colour, which doesn’t look quite so good. These shots were taken on a tripod-mounted D5500 fitted with the 18-55mm kit zoom. No in- camera noise reduction was used. The pictures were taken late in the day after the sun had set and a little before the onset of twilight. The exposure for the ISO 100 shot was 0.4sec at f/9.

FULL-FRAME IMAGE

The verdict

The Nikon D5500 is not a camera that is going to set the world alight with innovation and blisteringly fast performance, but it is a very fine camera that offers great value for money and is highly capable given its position in Nikon’s extensive product range. It is perfect as a backup camera or as a more portable option when you want to travel light and don’t want to take the full-frame DSLR with you. It has many plus points, the highlight for me being its monitor. Its vari-angle design means I can shoot low down in comfort, and being able to quickly alter core settings using the touchscreen is really neat. Clearly, the D5500 is not alone in offering touchscreen usability, but the menu layout is excellent and clear. There is much to like about the D5500, especially for £600 (body only). Whether you are a first-time Nikon buyer, or an existing Nikon owner wanting a more compact camera, it’s definitely worth a look. Impressive exposure AF skills. Image quality is sound too HANDLING Good all round, the monitor is great to use VALUE FOR MONEY A highly specified Nikon at this price is tempting OVERALL 93/100 A good DSLR for newbies and more experienced users too PROS Articulating touch sensitive monitor, compact design, access to Nikon lens system CONS Buttons might be too small for some users 23/25 24/25 NIKOND5500 FEATURES 22/25 There is plenty for your money PERFORMANCE 24/25

ISO 1600

ISO 400

ISO 2500

ISO 3200

ISO 6400

ISO 8000

ISO 12800

ISO 16000

ISO 25600

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Issue 19 | Photography News

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