If you are a photography newbie looking for a professional hybrid camera that can take beautiful photos and shoot videos, the Nikon D5600 will hit a sweet spot.
Branded as a hybrid still and video camera, the D5600 was launched in Europe and Asia late last year, but now Nikon announced at CES 2017 that it will be making its way to the United States as well.
Smaller Size, Bigger Value
What's noticeable right away about the D5600 is that it has remarkably slimmed down when compared to its predecessor, the D5500. Nikon's D5000 series is known for its range of small, lightweight camera bodies; however, the D5600 has significantly downsized and feels slim and sleek when compared to previous D5000 series DSLRs. The camera is not as small as the D3400, but not as bulky as the D7200.
The monocoque design makes it one of Nikon's lightest DSLRs, and its relatively thin body shell provides a deep right-hand grip and better handling of the device, perfect for people who have large hands.
The D5600 Under The Hood
In terms of specs, the D5600 is not much different from the D5500, which Nikon launched at CES two years ago. The D5600 sports the same 24.2 megapixel sensor (DX-format) and has the same Expeed 4 image processor as its predecessor.
The camera also has the same 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen, although it now features new functions such as cropping as well as a frame-advance bar that allows users to swiftly scroll through the images while in playback mode.
Although the D5600 cannot shoot in 4K, it has an HD video capability at 60p with built-in stereo sound, which should satisfy beginners and occasional videographers alike.
The D5600's Edge: Bluetooth Connectivity
Instead of making big changes, what the Japanese company focused on was working on the camera's connectivity features. It added support for Bluetooth through its SnapBridge app, a feature that was previously only available on a selected number of Nikon cameras. SnapBridge allows you to transfer photos using the SnapBridge app, which can be downloaded from iOS and Android devices.
The app makes use of Bluetooth Low Energy to create a connection between the D5600 and a smartphone. Once the devices have been paired through Bluetooth, the camera will be able to transfer photos automatically. You may opt to have the phone automatically download an image as soon as they are captured by your camera. Photos are also automatically resized for easier, fuss-free sharing.
The D5600 will be available in stores this month for $800, and will also come with a 18-55mm AF-P DX Nikkor lens.
