If you're determined to enter the world of photography but don't want to gamble on used hardware and basically want one of the best models available in the entry category, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the Nikon D5600. Its differences from the D5500 are minimal, but at the same time they confirm that Nikon and users feel very comfortable with this standard of cameras that combine ease of use, a good price-performance ratio, and a wide variety of compatible accessories.
The Nikon D5600 arrived on the market in November 2016, and since then it has been the flagship of the D5000 series. It effectively replaces the Nikon D5500 (which debuted in January 2015), which in turn took the place of the Nikon D5300 we explored in May. If we stop to analyze and compare the technical specifications of the D5600 and D5500, the differences are not so great, and I would dare say they don't justify a direct replacement. In fact, the most notable aspects of the Nikon D5600 over the D5500 are the inclusion of a time-lapse mode and the expansion of wireless connectivity to NFC and Bluetooth, which adds SnapBridge support (the D5500 uses Wireless Mobile Utility). Despite these extra components, the D5600 is a little lighter, just 5 grams (465g vs. 470g with battery and memory, without body cap).
Nikon D5600: "If it isn't broken, don't fix it"
The rest is virtually the same camera: a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen with 1 million dots, a shutter speed range from 1/4000 to 30s, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 25,600, a pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage, 39-point autofocus (9 cross-type), a Burst mode at 5 frames per second, and video recording with a maximum resolution of 1080p60. Several specialized portals have wondered why Nikon decided to launch the D5600 when the evolutionary leap from one DSLR to the next is so small, and the absence of 4K video is another partial point of conflict, but continuity also has its value, and we shouldn't ignore the availability factor. Current prices for the D5500 are very unfavorable, while a Nikon D5600 with a standard 18-55 lens can be bought right now for 620 euros. Nikon's plan is that you don't feel you made a mistake buying an entry-level camera, and the D5600 delivers on that.
The ease of use of the Nikon D5600 is confirmed through its mode dial, which has just eight options. The main modes remain four (Programmed Auto 'P', Shutter-Priority Auto 'S', Aperture-Priority Auto 'A', and Manual 'M'), along with Full Auto, Flash Off, and the two sections for Effects and Scenes. When compared with the Nikon D5300, the total number of scenes available on the Nikon D5600 jumps to sixteen: Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Pet Portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn Colors, and Food. In the case of Effects, we have Night Vision, Super Vivid, Pop, Photo Illustration, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key, and Low Key. Each of these entries has its description in the official user manual, on pages 58 and 65 respectively.
Accessories for Nikon D5600
As with previous entry-level models, you don't need to spend anything extra to enjoy your Nikon D5600 right away, but your potential as an enthusiast photographer multiplies once you start adding compatible accessories. The flexibility of the Nikon family allows us (in most cases) to move accessories from one camera to the next, so every euro invested in D5600 accessories today extends its value a little more over time.
Batteries and power
The charger and battery kit carries the SKU "VDTS-4604-CH-DI86,0712565902".
As always, the final performance of each battery depends on usage conditions, but several portals have reported up to 150 additional shots on the Nikon D5600 compared to its previous version, while maintaining the EN-EL14a batteries. Still, power is one of those aspects that definitely require a layer of redundancy, otherwise we risk an unexpected interruption in our sessions. Deal hunters can get a Gloxy MH-24 hybrid charger for home and car along with a compatible Gloxy battery. A good dose of peace of mind for just 45 euros, so your photos never end.
Tripods and backpacks
When compared with other models from the competition, the Nikon D5600 is not particularly weak when it comes to taking photos in low light, but we shouldn't abuse ISO values (think of sensitivity as a precision tool), and a good help for the camera is adding a tripod. Our search for superior alternatives continues, however, the best price-performance ratio is still held by the Gloxy GX-T6662A Plus tripod, with an impressive 10-kilogram load capacity, a secondary hook on the bottom, universal 1/4-inch thread, and a bag that simplifies transport. And speaking of transport, if there is a Nikon D5600 backpack that deserves to be highlighted, it's the Gloxy Pro AW. Buying a backpack should be a priority, since the D5600 doesn't have a sealed design that resists the elements.
Flashes
No matter how much we love the idea, the truth is that we cannot change the will of light, and we must create it ourselves when it's insufficient for a shot. Without going too far, having the right flash can make the difference between a generic portrait on par with a smartphone camera, and the best photograph a person receives in their life. The good news is that budget is not a cruel enemy here. At the top of our list is the Gloxy GX-F1000N flash, which includes wireless support, high-speed sync, a secondary diffuser for more control, 20 bonus gels, and a dedicated foot. In the middle we find its smaller brother, the Gloxy GX-F990N, a bit more compact but no less powerful. The most economical option is the Gloxy TR-985, which we can use directly on the hot shoe, or as a slave flash to complement the scene. It also comes with a diffuser, stand, and a very convenient case.
Kits and superpacks
The SKU for the Megakit is "MEGA58,15PDSLR-Kit67".
When the budget is limited, the mission of any photographer is to get more with less, and when it comes to buying accessories, there's nothing better than finding complete kits on sale. The Gloxy Lens Megakit is one of our favorites here at NeoTeo, because it allows us to experiment, make mistakes, and try again without feeling the financial impact of a real lens (although we will need some sooner or later). They are three wide-angle, macro, and telephoto lenses for under 90 euros, but if you want to diversify your investment even more, for 100 euros extra you can get a fabulous 15-piece Megakit. What does it bring? A robust Takeway T1 clamp, a Fancier Delta 400A bag, a Gloxy wide-angle lens, three protective filters (neutral density, ultraviolet, and polarized), a 720nm infrared filter, a 6-in-1 cleaning kit, and a protective cap. 180 euros, no waste.
Lenses
The lens SKU is "0713043558,0713043556".
The last section of our Nikon D5600 guide belongs to lenses, and being honest, it would be a big mistake to deviate from the original recommendation we made in May. The Irix Firefly and Irix Blackstone lenses work wonderfully with the D5000 series, and the Nikon D5600 is no exception. Available in 11 and 15 millimeters, Irix lenses suit enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering solid specifications at reasonable prices. Now, if you're into nature or astrophotography, all arrows point to the Gloxy 500mm f/6.3 telephoto lens, irresistible at 160 euros.
Checkered flag... for now. We've covered a lot of ground in our photographic adventure, but there are many beginners out there demanding more information. The Nikon D5600 is an excellent DSLR, with great overall quality, controls that are learned in minutes, and an availability of accessories that only a couple of brands can match. If you have the chance to get it, don't hesitate. Good luck!
