Upgrade Guide

Nikon D5100→Nikon D5500

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D5100

£35 used

2011

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5500

£165 used (+£130)

2015

✅

Strong upgrade

The D5500 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D5100 owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the D5500

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D5100	D5500
Price	£35 used	£165 used
Released	2011	2015	↑
Sensor	16.2MP APS-C CMOS	24.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	16MP	24MP	↑
Video	Full HD 1080p/30	Full HD 1080p/60
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view	39-point phase-detect (9 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	4fps	5fps	↑
Battery Life	~660 shots (CIPA)	~820 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	560g (with battery)	470g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.82x
Screen	3.0" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots	3.2" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04M dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D5100 and D5500 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D5500 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D5100

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