Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-500

The following is a extended review of the Nikon D5500 and Pentax K-500, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by companies Nikon and Pentax. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the D5500 (24MP) and K-500 (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The D5500 was announced 14 months after the K-500 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise overview of how the D5500 scores against the K-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D5500 and Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon D5500 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon D5500 features outer dimensions of 124mm x 97mm x 70mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check out the Nikon D5500 and Pentax K-500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the D5500 against the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the D5500 and K-500 is 71 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading specs. The pic here will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the D5500 and K-500.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Nikon D5500 to deliver greater detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher D5500 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.