Nikon has announced the D5600, a new mid-range DSLR which promises to make sharing content on the go easier and quicker thanks to an always-on Bluetooth smartphone connection. The camera also features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, and a vari-angle touchscreen with added functionality over its predecessor.
The D5600 follows Nikon's updates to its flagship and entry-level APS-C DSLRs earlier this year, with the D500 and D3400. Unfortunately, it's a decidedly modest upgrade over the nearly two-year-old D5500, with SnapBridge connectivity the headline addition, and most other specifications staying the same.
As such, that means the camera still features a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, has an ISO range of 100 to 25,600, and a top burst speed of 5 fps (frames per second). Autofocus is again handled by a 39 point phase detection system with 9 cross-type sensors.
Video recording is still pegged at Full HD 1080p 60 fps, which will disappoint videographers who had hoped for a 4K upgrade. Physically the camera looks pretty-much identical to its predecessor (other than the number on the front) meaning it's compact for a DSLR and boasts a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen with 1,036K dots on the rear.
The main update is undoubtedly the inclusion of Nikon's SnapBridge connectivity which uses Bluetooth low energy to maintain a constant connection to your smartphone (iOS or Android) without draining the battery. This makes sharing photos and videos significantly easier and faster, with the option to sync images to your phone as you shoot them. The camera automatically switches to standard Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when needed for things such as transferring high resolution images or remote shooting.
Other improvements include interface tweaks such as the ability to use the touchscreen to set the focus point or adjust settings during viewfinder shooting. The camera also inherits the frame advance bar, for scrolling through images when in playback mode, from the D5 and D500 models. It also gains a Time Lapse Movie function from Nikon's higher-end DSLRs like the D7200, too.
The Nikon D5600 will be priced at £800 with a 18-55-mm kit lens, or £990 with a 18-140-mm lens, which currently works out to around US$990 and $1,230, respectively. However, while territories including Japan, Australia and Europe will get the camera later this month, no US release has been announced.
Product page: Nikon D5600
