Nikon D5600
Announced January 4, 2017
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Nikon D5600 is a capable and compact DSLR that delivers impressive image quality, though it offers only modest updates over its predecessor. While it serves as a straightforward, well-rounded tool for entry-level photographers, it faces limitations in video autofocus performance and connectivity reliability.
Weighted from 25 reviewer scores
Pros
- Helpful connectivity features and external mic support
- Versatile articulating touchscreen interface
- Excellent image quality and sensor performance
- Compact and lightweight body with comfortable ergonomics
- Reliable and long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Ergonomic limitations and lack of advanced controls
- Poor video autofocus and lack of 4K recording
- Unreliable and frustrating SnapBridge connectivity
- Minimal improvements over previous models
- Slow or unrefined Live View performance
- Launch price $799.95 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 25 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 79/100
The D5600 is a capable DSLR with an added always-connected system for communicating with smart devices.
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The Nikon D5600 is not packed with new features and improvements when compared to its predecessor, but that doesn’t mean that the D5600 is not an impressive camera.
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The Nikon D5600 is the newest of Nikon’s upper entry-level DSLR cameras. It packs a lot of impressive features and settings into what is meant to be a “consumer” DSLR, and the result is quite good – but not without flaws.
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Production of this model ceased in 2022, but samples are available on the used market and worth seeking out as a rugged yet portable APS-C format DSLR.
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The Nikon D5600 offers a larger than normal 3.2inch touch-screen, and a surprisingly compact DSLR camera body.
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The Nikon D5600 is an incredibly modest update of the 18-month-old D5500, essentially adding Snapbridge connectivity, a deeper handgrip and a handful of other non-essential features that collectively hardly set the world on fire.
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It's personal preference, sometimes color feels better, sometimes black and white feels better, that's for you to figure out, but I'm pretty happy with the results I've Been getting from the camera, I'm very happy with the photo so far.
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Using the diminutive Nikon D5600 is a world away from shooting with a bulky enthusiast SLR like the D7200 or D500.
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The Nikon D5600 SLR undercuts its predecessor's asking price and doesn't skimp on features, but still lags behind competing Canon models when it comes to Live View autofocus.
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Despite its ages, the D5600 is still a very capable advanced entry-level DSLR. This is a camera which is very much a sum of its parts rather than having one single standout feature.
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The D5600 is a highly capable camera at an affordable price that will appeal to a range of DSLR users. Beginners will find getting good shots easy from the get-go, and more advanced users will appreciate the camera's bells and whistles.
- Digital Trends 6/10
If you’re ready to move to an interchangeable lens camera from an older point-and-shoot or a phone, the Nikon D5600 is certainly a solid choice. It’s easy to operate and still image quality is truly excellent — at least, when paired with a good lens.
- CNET 8/10
Lightweight and compact with everything the family photographer needs, the Nikon D5600 maintains its position as a great general-purpose dSLR for its price class.
- Photo Review 8.7/10
Like the D5500, the D5600 is a very competent camera that can meet most of the needs of its target market and produce high quality still pictures and passable video clips.
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The Nikon D5600 is a compelling product; the addition of WiFi, a tilting touchscreen, and reliable image quality make it one of the best at what it does on the market today.
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The D5600 is capable of taking the sort of images you really do want to share, even with the standard kit lens. That's where Nikon continues to show strength, despite the otherwise minimal updates for this model compared to the outgoing D5500.
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If you’re looking for an entry-level digital SLR and choosing the Nikon D5600 in insolation then we reckon you can’t go far wrong.
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Ultimately there’s no clear victor so if you’re already a Nikon user, or tempted to become one, there’s nothing to hold you back.
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What it is, though, is an impressively well-rounded camera that gathers technology from all other Nikon DSLRs and distills it into a simple, straightforward, and easy-to-use camera for practically anybody.
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At the end of the day my final verdict on this camera, it's actually a really good camera. This is a really really really good value.
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My Nikon D5600 is fantastic: it's tiny and lightweight and makes breathtaking images in any light. Colors are fantastic, and it focuses and works well in dim light or at crazy high ISOs unheard of just a few years ago.
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For novice photographers and for those expanding their horizons from shooting with a smartphone or a point-and-shoot camera, it's a perfect choice.
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The Nikon D5600 camera would be great for many people. With all the options it offers they will likely find that they could use it for long time.
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[T]his camera with the lens, this is an 18 to 55 VR, is selling for about seven hundred and fifty dollars on Amazon.
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[I]t would definitely be worth it to go to this camera.
