Nikon's brand new DX format D5600 is the latest model in its 5000 series of cameras, which is designed for advanced beginners who are either new to DSLRs, or upgrading from an older entry-level model.

Nikon has developed a habit of releasing minor upgrades to existing DSLR cameras and the D5600, announced in November 2016, differs only marginally from the 18-month-old D5500 . When we reviewed that camera, we described it as a 'modest update to the D5300 ', which itself wasn't hugely different...

The D5600 is a very subtle revision of the D5500 but that sole added feature – always-connected smartphone transfer – has the potential to be a massive benefit to its target market.

Just a few years ago, if you wanted to buy an entry-level or midrange interchangeable lens camera, an SLR was the clear way to go. Now, mirrorless models like the Sony Alpha 6000 are more appealing options, especially if you value video recording.

24MP image sensor with no OLPF; Excellent image quality; 39-point AF system; 5fps continuous shooting; Speedy operation; 1080p60 video capture; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication; External mic support

Cramped controls; Pentamirror viewfinder; Older screw-drive lenses won't autofocus; Underwhelming contrast autofocus during video recording; Limited Wi-Fi remote control

Just a few years ago, if you wanted to buy an entry-level or midrange interchangeable lens camera, an SLR was the clear way to go. Now, mirrorless models like the Sony Alpha 6000 are more appealing options, especially if you value video recording. But there's a case to be made for the old-fashioned SLR, and Nikon's D5600 ($699.95, body only) is a strong traditional model with an optical viewfinder and an attractive price, especially if you already have some Nikkor lenses on hand. It has a solid autofocus system, offers seamless wireless transfer, and excellent image quality. It falls shy of our Editors' Choice, which remains the Canon EOS Rebel T6s, but won't disappoint photographers on the Nikon side of the fence. Design The D5600's ($596.95 at Amazon) body is slimmed down a bit compared with the D5500. The overall dimensions are about the same—3.8 by 4.9 by 2.8 inches (HWD)—but the body is slimmer in between the lens mount and hand grip, making it a bit more comfortable to hold....

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.

24MP image sensor with no OLPF; Excellent image quality; 39-point AF system; 5fps continuous shooting; Speedy operation; 1080p60 video capture; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication; External mic support

Cramped controls; Pentamirror viewfinder; Older screw-drive lenses won't autofocus; Underwhelming contrast autofocus during video recording; Limited Wi-Fi remote control

Nikon's latest DSLR outpaces even the best smartphones,...

The Nikon D5000 series debuted its first camera in 2009, and since then new versions have emerged over time. Now...

The 24-megapixel Nikon D5600 ($800 with 18-55mm AF-P lens) replaces its predecessor, the D5500, as our favorite DSLR under $1,000. Although a modest update, the new model features SnapBridge, a technology that allows easy image transfer from camera to mobile device, along with a couple of additional...

Top-notch image quality; Responsive performance; Very good battery life External microphone jack; Easy transfer of images to mobile devices; Solid set of practical and creative features

Minimal manual control for video; No 4K video; Sometimes-fussy Wi-Fi

Nikon has once again created a solid budget-priced DSLR with the D5600. Images are solid, speed is decent and the camera is well designed. The D5600 lacks the more advanced autofocus system of the D7200 and the speed of the D500 , but it would be difficult to look at three photographs and determine...

Excellent image quality; Bluetooth and Wi-fi; Tilting touchscreen; Compact; Well priced

Slower than pricier options; No dual control wheels or secondary LCD screen; No image quality updates over the cheaper D5500

This camera's built-in Wi-Fi® capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The Wireless Mobile Utility application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera.