Nikon D5600

Modest updates to a great DSLR

Nikon’s D5xxx range is designed for those looking for a few more features and greater creative control than its more entry-level D3xxx range. The D5600 is the latest camera in this latter series, replacing the D5500.

Resolution remains at a decent 24.2 megapixels, with the APS-C-sized CMOS sensor again shunning an optical low-pass filter in the quest to pull even more detail from the data recorded. The D5600 also uses the same EXPEED 4 image processor, with a native sensitivity range running from ISO 100 to 25,600.

There’s a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen display with a 1.037 million-dot resolution, although its operation has been improved. It now offers the frame-advance bar to speed up toggling through images, as well as a crop function for use during playback.

A new addition is Nikon’s timelapse movie function. This enables timelapse movies to be captured and put together entirely in-camera, with an exposure smoothing function helping to even out variations in lighting. In terms of video, Nikon has disappointingly decided to stick with 1080p video capture – with a choice of 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p frame rates – rather than opting for 4K.

The most pronounced difference between the D5500 and D5600 is the inclusion of Nikon’s SnapBridge connectivity. This creates a constant connection between the camera and your smart device, once you’ve downloaded the free SnapBridge app. Using a wireless connection, batches of images – 2MP JPEG versions to be precise – can be automatically transferred from the D5600 to your device, or you can select individual images to transfer at full size, though again this is JPEG-only.

The D5600 sticks with Nikon’s proven 39-point Multi-CAM 4800DX AF system. It may be starting to show its age against mirrorless rivals offering ever more AF points, but it’s still a solid and accurate system when shooting with the viewfinder. With the same sensor as the D5500, the results from the 24.2MP chip didn’t throw up any nasty surprises. Resolution is good, with the absence of a low-pass filter allowing for intricate details to be recorded. Images captured at lower sensitivities appear clean, with little or no noise present.

the bottom line. A modest upgrade, but the D5600 is a capable DSLR that delivers great images with polished handling. Phil Hall