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Nikon D5600 Hands-On And Opinion

I had hands-on time recently with the Nikon D5600. Is it a solid mid range DSLR? Let’s find out! I compare this to my Canon EOS Rebel SL2 and also comment on what type of person the D5600 might be a good fit for. 

The Nikon D5600

The D5000 series is Nikon’s step up from their entry level with a little bit more of everything over the 3000 series. The stand out feature of this camera is the fully articulating screen.

Get the Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera here:
B&H Photo Video, Amazon.com, Used on KEH, Used on eBay.com 

As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases! 

Check out a few sample photos in this 4k slideshow video. 

Specifications (full info)

  • 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor (6000×4000 photos) with an ISO range of 100 to 25600.
  • Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder, Approx. 95% horizontal and 95% vertical, Approx. 0.82x magnification.
  • 1/4000th of a second maximum shutter speed with 1/200th of a second flash sync speed.
  • Frames per second of: CL: Up to 3 fps, CH: Up to 5 fps (JPEG and 12-bit NEF/RAW) or 4 fps (14-bit NEF/RAW). Note: Frame rates assume continuous-servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, Release selected for Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority selection), and other settings at default values.
  • Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensors), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5 to 3 m/1 ft 8 in. to 9 ft 10 in.)
  • 1920 x 1080; 60p (progressive), 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p 1280 x 720; 60p, 50p. Actual frame rates for 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 and 23.976 fps respectively; options support both high and normal image quality. Maximum clip length of 29 minutes and 59 seconds.
  • Monitor size of 8.1-cm/3.2-in. (3:2), approx. 1037k-dot (720 x 480 x 3 = 1,036,800 dots), TFT vari-angle LCD touch screen with 170 degree viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, brightness adjustment and eye-sensor controlled on/off.
  • EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • Sized aprox. 124 x 97 x 70 mm/4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 in. Approx. 465 g/1 lb 0.4 oz with battery and memory card but without body cap; approx. 415 g/14.7 oz (camera body only)
  • Rated temperature range of: 0 to 40°C/32 to 104°F; humidity: 85% or less (no condensation)

Compared to the SL2

I’ve owned a Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (200D), which is similar in price and features to this camera. They are similar, but I think the Nikon is better for photos and the Canon better for video. You will need to decide which task is more important.

  • The biggest feature is the fully articulating screen. Both cameras have a very similar design here.
  • D5600 has a better sensor. Better PDAF for photos. So I think it’s better for action photos than the Canon.
  • D5600 has a bigger battery (~300mAh extra).
  • SL2 has better live view autofocus, especially in video mode.
  • Canon WIFI app has video capability and a lot more. The Nikon Snapbridge app was updated a while back, but still lacking.
  • The D5600 has 5fps continuous shooting with a 39-point phase detection AF system. The Canon SL2 has a 9 point AF system with 3.5fps continuous.

Ergonomics

  • The camera is surprisingly thin in some areas. Of course, the mount area is long due to F-mount registration distance. These cameras are a sign of things to come.
  • Fully articulating touch screen that is nice and large.
    One adjustment dial.
  • Info, i, AE-L/AF-L, Video record button, exposure compensation button, flash/f-comp, Fn, drive mode button, mini-hdmi with an interesting gasketed port door.
  • Wired shutter release, mic port, usb port.
  • Touch screen AF point selection when the screen is off. It includes an eye sensor. There is an evident focus on touch. The back control buttons are small a far off to the grip side of the camera.
  • 95% coverage viewfinder pentamirror based viewfinder. This isn’t great but fitting for the D5000 series.
  • One SD card slot that is easy to access.

If video work is on your list, I’d suggest something like the SL2. Both have 1080p 60fps, but the SL2 has more versatility and better live view autofocus in this case. I’ve had 5000 series cameras in the past and have used them for videos on my YouTube channel. They are certainly good enough, but there are better options as I mentioned.

Of similar cameras in this range, I think this one is a solid still photo camera. The autofocus system is robust for the price and you have a lot of lens options. The D5600 has a high quality sensor with a focus on moderate action use. If your entry point is at this price range, it seems like a good starter option.


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