Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5500

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D6 and Nikon D5500. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D6

Nikon D5500

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D6 were released 2020 and Nikon D5500 was released 2015. That is a 5 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D6	2020
Nikon D5500	2015

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D6 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon D5500 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D6	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D5500	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D6 has a 21 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D5500 has 24 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Nikon D6	21 MP 20668416 pixels 5568 x 3712
Nikon D5500	24 MP 24000000 pixels 6000 x 4000

Nikon D5500 has a 16 % larger resolution than Nikon D6. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D6 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D5500. Nikon D6 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 102400 while Nikon D5500 has 100 to 25600.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D6	100-102400
Nikon D5500	100-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D6 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D5500 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D5500 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D6
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5500

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D6 can shoot up to 14 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5500 can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D6	14
Nikon D5500	5

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon D6 and Nikon D5500 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D6 weighs 1270 gr (equal to 2.8 lb) which is 202% heavier than Nikon D5500 and its 420 gr (or 0.93 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D6	1270 gr 2.8 lb
Nikon D5500	420 gr 0.93 lb