itsbill Loc: Tavares, Florida

Using the same lens on both the D5500 and the D7100 is there a difference in IQ? And if there is in what area is the difference?

justhercamera Loc: NW Michigan

Good question, out of curiosity, I will be watching the replies. My guess is none, or not significant. I think it is more the convenience of the controls, size of the body, etc.. that makes up more of the differences.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

According to what I found in a Google search:

The Sensors : Exactly the Same. ... Now, with the success of the D7100, Nikon has also decided to remove the AA filter from the D5300 and D5500's sensors. For all practical purposes, there is no difference between the sensors the D7100 and D5500, so there should be no difference in image quality if you shoot RAW.


http://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D5500-vs-Nikon-D7100

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

There shouldn't be much difference in image quality between the two cameras. Both have 24 megapixels and may share the same buffer. The advantages over the D5500 by the D7100 IMO, are the dual SD card slots, and the internal focus motor. Other than that, the D5500 should be able to go toe to toe with the D7100, when it comes to IQ. And let's not forget the glass. That matters too.

ltcarizona

IQ or image quality comes from the quality of the lens not the camera except in cases of high ISO usage where grain can be quite high depending on how high you set it, but that is it. Buy cheap lenses really hurt image quality. For instance if you own a Nikon D810 why would you buy second rate lenses that do poorly on testing for: distortion, vignetting, resolution, contrast, sharpness abilities (based on aperture), color accuracy, flare, etc. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you that over my 40 years of photography there are things you need to learn regardless of the camera. Camera basics and maybe some advanced things to enable you to get the most out of your equipment. You are always learning. And one more thing always do your research! Research can be through testing sites on the internet, be sure you understand the testing terms or results there goes that learning again. And research from people who have personal experience. One other thing I have done over the years is your can rent a lens and check it out for the day before you make your final decision. Hope this helps.

ltcarizona

I left this out of my answer sort of, there is no difference between the two cameras I own both plus the D810. It's all about the lens.

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

The image is projected onto the sensor by the lens, therefore the primary determinant of IQ is the lens. The number of pixels on the sensor is secondary and the sensor size is tertiary.