The Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS 700D Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Nikon D5500 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

Choosing your first DSLR can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. Two popular choices that often come up are the Canon EOS 700D with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the Nikon D5500 with the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens. Both are excellent entry-level DSLRs offering impressive image quality and features, but they have their own strengths and weaknesses.
This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two camera and lens combinations, helping you determine which one best suits your photographic needs and budget.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The heart of any DSLR is its sensor, and both the Canon EOS 700D and the Nikon D5500 boast APS-C sensors, offering a good balance between image quality and affordability.
Canon EOS 700D: This camera features an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor. It delivers excellent image quality with good dynamic range, particularly in well-lit conditions. The 700D’s sensor excels at capturing vibrant colors and detail, making it suitable for landscapes, portraits, and everyday photography.
Nikon D5500: The Nikon D5500 also boasts an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, but with a slightly different design. It offers a slightly higher dynamic range than the 700D, especially in low-light scenarios. The D5500 is known for its ability to capture fine details and produce images with a more natural color rendition.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus is crucial for capturing sharp images, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects. Both cameras offer advanced autofocus systems, but with different technologies.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D features a 9-point autofocus system with a cross-type sensor in the center. This system is reliable and generally accurate, but may struggle in low-light conditions. The 700D also uses Canon’s Hybrid CMOS AF technology, which aids in faster and more accurate autofocus during live view and video recording.
Nikon D5500: The Nikon D5500 utilizes a 39-point autofocus system with a more advanced 3D tracking technology. This system offers superior focus tracking and accuracy, especially when shooting moving subjects. The D5500 also features a fast and responsive autofocus system in live view mode.

Video Recording Capabilities: A Feature-Rich Showdown

Both cameras offer impressive video recording capabilities, but with different strengths.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D can record high-definition videos at 1080p resolution at 30fps. It features a dedicated movie button and a built-in microphone, making it convenient for recording videos directly. The 700D also offers manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, providing more creative freedom.
Nikon D5500: The Nikon D5500 also records 1080p videos at 30fps but surpasses the 700D with its ability to capture videos at 60fps. This allows for smoother and more cinematic footage, especially when shooting fast-paced action. The D5500 also offers a stereo microphone for improved audio quality.

Lenses: The Power of Optics

The lens plays a critical role in determining image quality and versatility. Let’s compare the kit lenses that come bundled with each camera:
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: This versatile lens offers a wide zoom range, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits. The STM (Stepping Motor) technology ensures smooth and silent autofocus, making it ideal for video recording. The image stabilization feature compensates for camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low-light conditions.
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II: This lens provides a slightly shorter zoom range than the Canon counterpart, but still offers a good balance between wide-angle and telephoto perspectives. It also features Nikon‘s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which effectively reduces camera shake and improves image sharpness. The lens is known for its sharp image quality and excellent value for money.

Connectivity and Other Features: A Closer Look

Both cameras offer a range of connectivity options and other features that enhance their usability.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D features a built-in Wi-Fi module, making it easy to transfer images wirelessly to your smartphone or computer. It also has an NFC (Near Field Communication) feature for quick and easy pairing with compatible devices. The 700D comes with a rotating LCD screen, providing flexibility for shooting from different angles.
Nikon D5500: The Nikon D5500 also offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for seamless image transfer. It boasts a tilting LCD screen, offering even more flexibility for composing shots from various angles. The D5500 also features a built-in GPS module, allowing you to tag your images with location data.

Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot

Both the Canon EOS 700D and the Nikon D5500 are attractive options in the entry-level DSLR market, offering excellent value for money. However, the D5500 often comes at a slightly higher price point.
Canon EOS 700D: This camera is generally more affordable than the Nikon D5500, making it a budget-friendly option for aspiring photographers. The 700D is a solid choice for those who prioritize value for money and image quality.
Nikon D5500: The Nikon D5500 offers a slightly higher price tag but justifies it with its advanced features, including a more robust autofocus system, faster video recording capabilities, and a tilting LCD screen. For photographers who value features and performance, the D5500 is a worthwhile investment.

Choosing the Right DSLR: A Decision Based on Your Needs

The choice between the Canon EOS 700D and the Nikon D5500 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Canon EOS 700D: Choose the Canon EOS 700D if:

• You prioritize affordability.
• You are primarily interested in still photography.
• You prefer a camera with good image quality and decent autofocus.

Nikon D5500: Choose the Nikon D5500 if:

• You are willing to spend a bit more for advanced features.
• You are interested in shooting both still images and videos.
• You need a camera with superior autofocus performance and video recording capabilities.

The Verdict: A Close Call

Both the Canon EOS 700D and the Nikon D5500 are excellent entry-level DSLRs offering impressive image quality, user-friendly features, and great value for money. The Canon EOS 700D is a solid choice for budget-conscious photographers who prioritize image quality and ease of use, while the Nikon D5500 is a more advanced option that caters to photographers who demand superior autofocus performance, video recording capabilities, and a tilting LCD screen.
Ultimately, the best DSLR for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and photographic goals.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q1: Which camera is better for beginners?
Both cameras are suitable for beginners. The Canon EOS 700D is slightly more user-friendly with its intuitive controls and menu system, while the Nikon D5500 offers more advanced features that can be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
Q2: Which camera has better low-light performance?
The Nikon D5500 generally has better low-light performance due to its slightly higher dynamic range and more advanced noise reduction algorithms.
Q3: Can I upgrade the lenses on these cameras?
Yes, both cameras are compatible with a wide range of Canon EF-S and Nikon DX lenses, respectively. You can upgrade to more specialized lenses based on your photographic interests.
Q4: Can I shoot RAW images on these cameras?
Yes, both cameras allow you to shoot in RAW format, giving you more flexibility in post-processing.
Q5: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
The Nikon D5500 has a slight advantage due to its superior autofocus tracking and faster shooting speeds, but both cameras can be used for wildlife photography with the right lenses.