Canon Rebel T6i vs Nikon D5500

The Canon Rebel T6i and Nikon D5500 are currently the top entry-level cameras under $1,000, with lots of features coming from more advanced cameras (in a smaller, lighter body). Whether you want to get one of these cameras with the kit lens and upgrade as you learn, or body only with something other than a 18-55mm or 18-135mm lens, is totally up to you, but both choices will be perfect for all types of photographers.

	Canon EOS Rebel T6i	Nikon D5500
Megapixels	24.0	24.2
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Size	22.3 x 14.9mm	23.2 x 15.4mm
Sensor Type	APS-C	APS-C/DX
Image Resolution	6000 x 4000	6000 x 4000
ISO Range	100 - 25,600	100 - 25,600
Processor	Digic 6	Expeed 4
AF Points	19	39
Burst Mode	5fps	5fps
LCD Size	3.0" Articulating LCD	3.2" Articulating LCD
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes
LCD Resolution	1,040,000 dots	1,037,000 dots
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.82x	0.82x
Viewfinder Type	Pentamirror	Pentamirror
Shutter Speed Range	1/4000 to 30 sec.	1/4000 to 30 sec.
Exposure Compensation	±5 EV	±5 EV
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video Resolution	1,920 x 1,080 (30fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (25fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (24fps) 1,280 x 720 (60fps) 1,280 x 720 (50ps)	1,920 x 1,080 (60fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (50fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (30fps) 1,920 x 1080 (25fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (24fps)
Weight (inc. batteries)	555g (1.22lbs)	420g (0.93lb)
Battery Life	440 Shots (CIPA)	820 Shots (CIPA)
Dimensions	132 x 101 x 78 mm	124 x 97 x 70 mm
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2015	2015

Advantages of Nikon D5500:

• 20 more AF points (however, Canon does have all 19 cross-type, whereas Nikon has 9). These are more accurate than vertical/horizontal points alone.
• Slightly larger LCD screen
• Full HD recording at 60fps compared to 30fps, better for slow-motion videos
• Around 100g lighter body
• Slightly more compact
• Almost twice as long battery life. It may not seem important on paper but it helps tremendously on long trips!

Both being the same price, the Nikon D5500 is obviously a winner on paper. Normally we’d point out the advantages of the Canon below, but there’s nothing to type. While both cameras will allow you to take excellent pictures and start a photography career, the Nikon gives you more bang for the buck.