Unleash Your Inner Photographer with the Nikon Coolpix S3500

Are you on the hunt for a camera that provides top-notch image quality at an affordable price? Look no further than the Nikon Coolpix S3500. Its slim body, impressive zooming capabilities, and easy-to-use features make it the perfect accessory for photography enthusiasts everywhere.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Coolpix S3500 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 21 2013

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight129g
MSRP$139USD

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Overview of the Coolpix S3500

If you're ready to step up your photography game, the Nikon Coolpix S3500 is the camera for you. With the ability to capture stunning images and video, this camera is perfect for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. Its slim and lightweight body makes it easy to take with you on the go, while its 7x zoom lens and 20-megapixel sensor ensure that your photos will come out crisp and clear every time. Whether you're capturing memories from family vacations or showcasing your artistic skills, the Nikon Coolpix S3500 is the camera you won't want to leave home without.

Nikon Coolpix S3500 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Coolpix S3500 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Affordable
High resolution (20 megapixels)
Easy to use
Lightweight and portable
Good image quality in bright light
7x optical zoom
Quick autofocus
Multiple shooting modes
Built-in flash
Good battery life

Cons

Limited low light performance
No manual control options
Limited video capabilities (720p HD)
No viewfinder
Slow shutter speed
Limited connectivity options (no Wi-Fi or NFC)
No RAW shooting
Limited creative control
No touchscreen
Plastic construction

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Coolpix S3500

Weather sealed
Dimensions97 x 58 x 21 mmmm
Weight129g
Thicknessnullmm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Nikon Coolpix S3500 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Nikon Coolpix S3500 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Nikon Coolpix S3500 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Coolpix S3500 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S3500 has a 20MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Nikon Coolpix S3500 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 21 2013

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution5152 x 3864 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Coolpix S3500 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Coolpix S3500 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

Storage
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Coolpix S3500 supports undefined with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Coolpix S3500 uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Coolpix S3500 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Nikon Coolpix S3500 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

Nikon Coolpix S3500 does not have autofocus (AF)

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Coolpix S3500?

The Nikon Coolpix S3500 features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon Coolpix S3500 weather sealed?

No the Coolpix S3500 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Coolpix S3500 announced?

The Nikon Coolpix S3500 was announced on Feb 21 2013

Does the Nikon Coolpix S3500 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Coolpix S3500 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Coolpix S3500?

The Coolpix S3500 has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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