Nikon D5500 Announced (Successor to the D5300)

The Nikon D5500 has been announced. (Why not a D5400?)Nikon D5500 camera, Nikkor 300 f/4 and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G lenses Headline Feature: Articulating Touch Screen ( a first for the Nikon DSLR line)Additional Features: 

• 3.2-inch, approximately 1037K-dot TFT LCD vari-angle monitor
• 24.2-million pixels, a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor, and the EXPEED
• Wifi to smartphone/tablets
• Slightly smaller body size - world's smallest, lightest, and slimmest digital SLR camera equipped with a vari-angle monitor
• Additional Scene control and features available for photos AND video

About the touchscreen - "One of eight frequently used camera settings (Focus-point selection, AF-area mode, Aperture, ISO sensitivity, etc.) can be assigned to this function for use with viewfinder shooting, enabling immediate modification of the assigned setting, and achieving practical operation by simply tapping or sliding a finger across the monitor while looking through the viewfinder.""..sliding a finger across the monitor while looking through the viewfinder."Very interesting - I am curious to see how this translates in real world use.The Nikon D5500 will be available in early February, (black and red), in two different kit configurations: alongside the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $999.95 or with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens for $1,199.95 SRP. The Nikon D5500 will also be sold body only for an SRP of $899.95. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II and AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lenses will also be available in early February for an SRP of $349.95 and $1,999.95, respectively.Preorder from Amazon | B&H Photo & Video (Available Feb 5th in RED or BLACK)B&H D5500 body only $896.95B&H D5500 with 18-55 $996.96B&H D5500 with 18-140 $1196.95

Nikon D5500 vs D5300 (Differences Explained Simply)

It looks like both share the same sensor, same processor and same number/type of focus points. In short do NOT upgrade to this camera from the D5300 and expect any difference in quality of the images.Key differences. D5500 offers a touchscreen, better battery life 820 vs 600 shots and its just a tiny bit smaller/lighter (just 2oz less than the D5300) - Some don't consider a smaller size to be better.From the Nikon Rumors Page - blue outline is the D5500, purple is the D5300They have dropped the GPS (which I wasn't impressed with) but added some additional picture controls and maybe a star trails mode (I am still researching this)

Nikon D5500 vs the Canon T5i

Full post coming soon - for now watch my video of the T5i vs the D5300 and keep in mind the touchscreen should make the D5500 more user friendlyWhen will we see a Canon response to the D5500? When will we see the Canon T6i or 750D? I predict before the end of February

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II Lens

Available Feb 5th for $396 - Preorder from B&H PhotoPoll - How do you feel about touchscreens in your DSLR? 

Nikon D5400 Rumors

Starting to hear some rumors about the D5400 which according to this post on Nikon Rumors will be called the D5500. Skipping the D5400. It seems the number 4 in Japanese has the same pronunciation as the word for "death" (shi) and thus they avoid it. (Thanks Tom C.)   Why their flagship DSLR is named the D4s causes me some confusion but let's set the number/name aside and talk about the features.At this point we know very little other than a touchscreen will be added to the articulating screen and the camera will be announced in early January in time for Consumer Electronics Show (CES).  I suspect most other features will remain the same or similar with the D5300 and expect Nikon to use the same excellent 24mp sensor that they are currently using.I hear from many photographers upgrading to DSLRS that feel torn between the increased quality of the Nikon but want the touchscreen of the Canon T5i.   This should help with the decision but I expect (or hope) Canon will come back with something in the T6i that gives them a fighting chance. Right now Canon does have a clear advantage with the dual pixel AF and the STM lenses if you want to easily capture video but on the photo side Nikon is my pick. Early rumors that I reported on suggested Canon would go mirror-less for the T6i but I doubt that is true, what will be more likely is the inclusion of the 70Ds fast live view focusing system.How do you feel about touchscreens in your DSLR? Do you have one and love it? Don't have one and don't think you would want it?  Christina and I touch on the touchscreen debate and talk about the D5500 in this segment from our weekly podcast.Poll - How do you feel about touchscreens in your DSLR?