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Nikon D3500 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Nikon D3500

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    Main Features

    • 24MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
    • ISO 100 - 25600
    • 3 Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
    • 5.0 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 365g. 124 x 97 x 70 mm
    • Replaced Nikon D3400
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon D3500 Overview

    First introduced in August 2018 , Nikon D3500 is a 24.0MP Entry-Level DSLR camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and Nikon F lens mount. Nikon replaced the older D3400 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D3400

    Nikon D3500 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon D3500 is the latest member of Nikon's D3000 series of cameras. D3000 series of cameras are Nikon's entry level DSLR cameras and very popular especially as a first entry point to the world of interchangeable lens cameras thanks to its perfect combination of compact size, great image quality, big selection of lenses and affordable prices. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Nikon D3000 Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon D3500
    2018 24.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 124 x 97 x 70mm 365g
    Nikon D3400
    Compare
    2016 24.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 124 x 98 x 76mm 395g
    Nikon D3300
    Compare
    2014 24.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 124 x 98 x 76mm 430g
    Nikon D3200
    Compare
    2012 24.0MP - APS-C 4.0 fps 125 x 96 x 77mm 505g
    Nikon D3100
    Compare
    2010 14.0MP - APS-C 3.0 fps 124 x 96 x 75mm 505g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Nikon D3500 vs D3400 vs D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100

    Nikon D3500 has an Overall Score of 64/100 and ranked #85 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #232 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Nikon D3500 Physical Specs
    Nikon D3500 weighs 365 g (0.80 lb / 12.87 oz) and has external dimensions of 124 x 97 x 70 mm (4.88 x 3.82 x 2.76″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, Nikon D3500 is a remarkably light camera for its class. With a thickness of 70mm, it has an average thickness for its class.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Nikon D3500
    Min
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Nikon D3500
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon D3500 with the dimensions:

    Nikon D3500 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon D3500 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon D3500, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon D3500 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon D3500 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon D3500 with its main competitors:

    Nikon D3500 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs D3500 Thickness vs D3500
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D5600
    Compare
    465g 100g heavier 70mm equal thickness
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D5300
    Compare
    480g 115g heavier 76mm 6mm thicker
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D3400
    Compare
    395g 30g heavier 76mm 6mm thicker
    Nikon D3500 Camera Canon T7
    Compare
    475g 110g heavier 78mm 8mm thicker
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D3300
    Compare
    430g 65g heavier 76mm 6mm thicker
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D7500
    Compare
    720g 355g heavier 73mm 3mm thicker
    Nikon D3500 Camera Canon SL3
    Compare
    449g 84g heavier 70mm equal thickness
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D3200
    Compare
    505g 140g heavier 77mm 7mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon D3500 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon D3500 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon D3500 has a 24.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 4 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. D3500 has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Nikon D3500 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon D3500 vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Anti-Aliasing Filter

    Another important feature about Nikon D3500's sensor is the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. Removing anti-aliasing filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but on the other side it also increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon D3500's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon D3500 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon D3500 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Nikon D3500 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Nikon D3500 has a Nikon F lens mount and currently there are 309 native lenses available for this mount. Besides providing one of the largest selection of lenses, Nikon F mount also has backward compatibility which means that you can use F mount lenses even dating from 1960s. It is also well supported by the lenses form third-party manufacturers.

    A small disadvantage is that Nikon D3500 doesn't have an internal focus motor so it will not auto focus with old-style screw-drive autofocus (AF) lenses. It still works well with modern Nikon AF-S, AF-I and G lenses but lenses form 1980s may not autofocus on Nikon D3500.

    Nikon D3500 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 106 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 78 lenses with weather sealing for D3500 but bear in mind that D3500 body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Nikon D3500 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Nikon F Mount Lenses for Nikon D3500
    Model Focal Length on D3500 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR
    27-450mm APS-C / DX 550gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G Lens Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
    105-450mm 35mm FF 425gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.4G Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.4G
    75mm 35mm FF 290gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR Lens Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
    120-600mm 35mm FF 1340gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD
    225-900mm 35mm FF 1951gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8G Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8G
    75mm 35mm FF 185gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
    105-450mm 35mm FF 745gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f1.8G Lens Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f1.8G
    52.5mm APS-C / DX 210gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Nikon D3500 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Nikon D3500 LCD and Viewfinder

    Nikon D3500 has a Fixed Type 3 LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Nikon D3500 back view and LCD

    D3500 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 95% and a magnification ratio of 0.56x. 95% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Nikon D3500 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Nikon D3500's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our D3500. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect D3500 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Nikon D3500 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 1550 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Nikon D3500 has a good battery life for its class.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level DSLR Cameras

    Nikon D3500
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Pentax K-x with its 1900shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-x or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Nikon D3500 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D5600
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 820shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D5300
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 600shots Yes No No
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D3400
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1200shots No Yes No
    Nikon D3500 Camera Canon T7
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 500shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D3300
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 700shots No No No
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D7500
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 950shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon D3500 Camera Canon SL3
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 1070shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon D3500 Camera Nikon D3200
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 540shots No No No

    Nikon D3500 Video Features

    With Nikon D3500, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60,50,30,25,24 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Nikon D3500 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    D3500 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Nikon D3500 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Sony SLT-A77 II or Pentax K-3 in a similar price range.

    Nikon D3500 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon D3500 can shoot continuously at max speed of 5.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    D3500 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Nikon D3500 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 11 points to choose from.

    Nikon D3500 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Nikon D3500 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon D3500 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    Full HD Video
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    24.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    25.600 Max ISO
    11 Focus Points
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    Long Battery Life (1550 shots)
    365g Light Body
    Panorama Shooting
    Flash Sync Port
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Compatible with fast UHS-I cards
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon D3500 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Touch Screen
    0.56x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    No Environmental Sealing
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Nikon D3500 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon D3500 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon D3500 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon D3500 has a score of 58 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon D3500 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon D3500 for Street Photography

    Nikon D3500 has a score of 59 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon D3500 for Street Photography

    Nikon D3500 for Sports Photography

    Nikon D3500 has a score of 76 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    11 Focus Points
    Good Battery Life: 1550 shots
    Good Low Light ISO
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon D3500 for Sports Photography

    Nikon D3500 for Daily Photography

    Nikon D3500 has a score of 64 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    365g
    Body Thickness 70mm

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon D3500 for Daily Photography

    Nikon D3500 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon D3500 has a score of 47 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon D3500 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon D3500 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon D3500 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon D3500 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon D3500

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon D3500 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon D5600
    Nikon D5600
    Compare
    Nikon D5300
    Nikon D5300
    Compare
    Nikon D3400
    Nikon D3400
    Compare
    Canon T7
    Canon T7
    Compare
    Nikon D3300
    Nikon D3300
    Compare
    Nikon D7500
    Nikon D7500
    Compare
    Canon SL3
    Canon SL3
    Compare
    Nikon D3200
    Nikon D3200
    Compare

    Nikon D3500 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon D3500 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Nikon D3500's price range.

    Canon M50 II
    Canon M50 II
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-T200
    Fujifilm X-T200
    Compare
    Canon M50
    Canon M50
    Compare
    Panasonic G85
    Panasonic G85
    Compare
    Sony A7
    Sony A7
    Compare
    Panasonic GX8
    Panasonic GX8
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-A7
    Fujifilm X-A7
    Compare
    Olympus E-M10 II
    Olympus E-M10 II
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon D3500
    Does the Nikon D3500 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon D3500 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon D3500 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon D3500 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon D3500?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon D3500?
    is the Nikon D3500 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon D3500 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon D3500 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon D3500?
    What is the Weight of Nikon D3500?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon D3500?
    Nikon D3500 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon D3500
    Announced 2018-08-29
    Body Type Compact SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Nikon F
    Number of Lenses 309
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT LCD
    Screen Size 3
    Screen Resolution 921k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.56x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 7.00 m (at ISO 100)
    Flash Modes Auto, Auto slow sync, Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Off, Rear-curtain sync, Rear-curtain with slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 366.60mm2
    Sensor Resolution 24 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000
    Max Native ISO 25,600
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 11
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 365g
    Physical Dimensions 124 x 97 x 70mm
    Battery Life 1550 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL14a
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs (1-9 exposures))
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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