Best Equipment Camera Comparisons

Canon T7i vs Nikon D5500 – Comparison

Let’s check out how the Canon T7i compares to the Nikon D5500. Both cameras are quite similar in the image quality and noise department, and they both use a 24MP sensor.

Our comparison table below covers the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.

Canon T7iNikon D5500
Megapixels24.224.2
Sensor TypeCMOSCMOS
Sensor FormatAPS-CAPS-C (DX)
Crop Factor1.6x1.5x
AA FilterYesNone
Image Resolution6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Body Image StabilizationYes (Movie only)No
Lens MountCanon EF/EF-SNikon FX/DX
ISO100 - 25,600100 - 25,600
Expanded ISO51,200No
AF Points4539
Cross-type AF Points459
Continuous Mode6fps5fps
LCD3.0" - Fully Articulated3.2" - Fully Articulated
LCD Resolution1,040,000 dots1,036,800 dots
TouchscreenYesYes
Focus PeakingNoNo
Top LCD DisplayNoNo
Viewfinder TypeOpticalOptical
Viewfinder Coverage95%95%
Viewfinder Magnification0.82x0.82x
Video Resolution1920x1080 (60/30/24p)1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p)
 1280x720 (60/50p)1280x720 (60/50p)
Microphone JackYesYes
Headphone JackNoNo
Memory Card TypeSD SD
Dual Card SlotsNoNo
SD UHS SupportUHS-IUHS-I
Fastest Shutter Speed1/40001/4000
Slowest Shutter Speed30"30"
Bulb ModeYesYes
JPEG Buffer SizeUnlimited100
RAW Buffer Size277
Time LapseYesYes
Built-in FlashYesYes
Max Flash Sync Speed1/2001/200
Startup Timex0.4s
Built-in Wi-FiYesYes
Built-in GPSNoNo
Built- in NFCYesNo
BluetoothYesNo
USB TypeUSB 2.0USB 2.0
Environmentally SealedNoNo
Battery Life (CIPA)600 shots820 shots
Battery IncludedYes (LP-E17)Yes (EN-EL14a)
Weight18.8 oz (532g)16.5 oz (470g)
Size5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0"4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8"
PriceAmazonAmazon
Release Date20172015

Canon T7i Advantages:

  • Body Stabilization – When recording videos, the built-in 5-axis stabilization helps you get less shaky footage.
  • Higher Max ISO – Expanded ISO is 1 stop higher. Noise performance should look the same on both cameras, but in extreme situations it helps knowing you can go this high.
  • 45 AF System – Both cameras have a lot of AF points, but the T7i has all 45 of them cross-type, compared to 9 on the D5500. Cross-type points are more accurate than standard points when shooting in low light situations.
  • 6 vs 5fps – Not a big difference, but if you’re often photographing action then every extra frame helps. We consider 5 to be the minimum for serious wildlife/sports, so both cameras will do good here.
  • Bigger buffer – Unlimited JPEG buffer compared to 100 shots, but even 100 is more than what 99% photographers need. RAW buffer on the other hand is much more impressive with 20 more frames (27 vs 7)
  • Connectivity – You can send files using Bluetooth

After a long time, we finally have a Canon Rebel whose AF system not only matches that of Nikon’s entry-level series, but surpasses it. You get a 45 all cross-type AF point system that is identical to the Canon EOS 80D, a more expensive camera. It’s perfect for both still and action photography in all sorts of situations.

Image quality and colors are also beautiful, but you don’t have to worry about this with any latest camera. While it does cost more, we think both cameras are worth the money and you’ll prefer the T7i if you often shoot wildlife/sports because of the AF system, bigger buffer and 6fps continuous shooting.

If you want to auto focus in video, Canon’s Dual Pixel AF is also way ahead of what any Nikon can do right now. It’s faster and way smoother (no re-focusing issues).

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Nikon D5500 Advantages:

  • LCD Screen – Slightly bigger
  • Battery Life – 220 shots longer. All Nikon entry-level models are good in this department.
  • Weight & Size – It might not make a difference for most situations, but the D5500 is 50g lighter and a little bit smaller too.
  • Less Expensive – With the kit lens, the D5500 goes for around $200 less

The D5500 was announced in 2015 and was replaced by the D5600 (99% the same camera), which is why it’s that more affordable. All 3 cameras share a 24MP sensor with noise performance that would be hard to distinguish from each other, shoot 6/5fps and are very compact for such powerful DSLRs.

It can still be used for extreme sports and action, and it’s an amazing tool for any type of photography.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

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