The Nikon D3500 is one of the best and most affordable entry-level digital SLR cameras on the market. The brand announced the camera on August 30th, 2018, to supersede the D3400. In 2019, the D3500 won the TIPA best camera award.
The D3500 has an expansive set of features. It offers a unique 24.2-megapixel sensor that allows it to capture stunning photographs. Although it is a DSLR, it is as easy to use as a point-and-shoot camera. It is compact, versatile, sturdy, and ideal for travel photography. The camera body weighs approximately 365g, so it’s light and portable.
Furthermore, the Nikon D3400 also features a fast and accurate autofocus system and a 25,600 maximum ISO range. Therefore, the device is also suitable for low-light photography and allows easy and wireless transfer of images to your smartphone or device.
General
Pros |
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Long-lasting battery |
Easy handling with lightweight, ergonomic body |
Good image and video qualities |
Intuitive control |
Cons |
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No 4k video |
No touchscreen control feature |
11 autofocus points |
Price – $650. Buy from Amazon.
Primary Features And Extras
24.2 Effective Megapixel And EXPEED 4 Image Processor
The Nikon D3500 imaging performance starts with its 24.2-megapixel APS-C (DX-format) CMOS sensor and a solid EXPEED 4 image processing engine. Thus, the camera can produce superior image qualities even in a dimly lit environment.
The solid EXPEED image processor helps the Nikon D3500 capture beautiful, sharper, rich, and well-detailed pictures and videos in nearly every shooting condition, even when you click with a high ISO value. Broadly, the EXPEED 4 image processor fine-tunes the camera settings to deliver great shots.
11-point AF System With 5fps Continuous Shooting And 100-25,600 ISO Nativity
Unlike the Nikon D5300, the D3500 offers only an 11-point autofocus system. However, it is fast and accurate. Its features justify its price.
Although the 11 autofocus points are spread across the frame, and the camera can record up to 5 frames per second when shooting in burst or continuous mode, we do not recommend it for sports and wildlife photography. Nonetheless, it is suitable for capturing sharp photographs of fast-moving pets and children.
Furthermore, the camera’s 100-25,600 native and broad ISO range makes it possible and easy to capture sharp and detailed pictures even in lowlight situations. In addition, the Nikon D3500 also features built-in Effect Modes to help entry-level users discover and express their creative vision.
Full HD 1080/60p Video Capability And Wireless Connectivity
The D3500 can deliver sharp Full HD and HD video recordings of up to 60 frames per second. Thus, the user can record all the candid moments without missing a second.
Note: It is easy to record beautiful videos with the Nikon D3500. You can switch from clicking photos to recording clips with the press of a button.
The camera also allows wireless connectivity for easy file transfer to your smartphone. It features the Nikon SnapBridge, which makes it easier for the users to transfer files, add hashtags, copyright, and more options to their recordings. The technology also makes it possible to control the camera with a smartphone.
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Photos clicked by Nikon D3500
Video And Image Qualities
With the absence of an optical low-pass filter in front of its 24.2Megapixels image sensor, the D3500 can produce well-detailed photographs and videos of your subject. The noise performance at a high ISO (around 800/1600) range was also very impressive. You can capture images in different formats. However, we recommend shooting RAW – for the best results and quality processing later.
Body Build And Handling
The Nikon D3500 is a solid entry-level DSLR camera. Although it is small, it can withstand rough conditions and handling. It is compact, lightweight, and feels great at hand. All the buttons are mannerly placed in user-friendly positions. The most frequently used buttons are placed on the right side of the camera’s LCD, where they are easiest to access and operate when shooting. The Menu system is simple and beginners friendly.
The body design offers a more comfortable and deeper grip and a slim monocoque design similar to the Nikon D5600. Generally, Nikon designed the D3500 to make shooting comfortable and fun for new digital photographers.
Display And Viewfinder
The D3500 also features an Eye-level Pentamirror Single-Lens Reflex viewfinder with approximately 95% coverage. It delivers a great and bright panoramic view with good color accuracy. The LCD shows details clearly and reproduces the exact scene.
Display
Viewfinder
Battery Life And Performance
The battery is solid and almost equivalent to the life span of professional DSRL cameras. It can deliver about 1,550 amazing shots per charge. This feature outweighs its price and confirms that the D3500 is one of the most suitable entry-level digital cameras for travel and camping photography.
Low Light Performance
The camera can perform well in low light due to the absence of an optical low light filter and its ability to allow the user to click at shutter speeds of up to 30 seconds. The D3400 also has an optional long-exposure noise reduction function that allows the photographer to filter out any hot pixels that may appear when shooting with a slower shutter speed.
Related Article: ” Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 Digital Camera- Suitable For Adventures “
Lens System
Exposure & White Balance
Camera Flash
Communications
Video Recording
Overall Speed
The D3500 is fast, responsive, and reliable, at least in its class. Although it offers only 11 autofocus points and can only deliver 5-frames per second in burst mode, the AF can quickly lock onto your subject and keep it in focus.
What Type Of Photography Is The Nikon D3500 Entry-level DSLR Camera Suitable For?
The camera is most suitable for portrait, street, and travel photography. Regardless of its focus points, you can still use it for sports photography.
Who Should Buy? Value For Money?
Nikon specifically designed the D3500 for parents, travelers, and photography lovers who want to upgrade their overall shooting skills by switching from using their smartphones. It is also ideal for product owners who desire sharper images than what their phones can produce. Generally, it is a perfect entry-level DSLR. Although it doesn’t feature a 4k video and touchscreen functionalities, it offers a range of other expansive features, such as longer battery life and intuitive controls. Therefore, the Nikon D3500 is a solid startup option.
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