Key Features
Aug 29 2018
Announced
24 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Nikon |
| Sensor Type | APS-C |
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Weight | 365g |
| MSRP | $499USD |
Other similar cameras
Nikon D500
Released Jan 05 2016 | 21MP resolution
Nikon D3100
Released Dec 21 2010 | 14MP resolution
Nikon D3200
Released Jul 25 2012 | 24MP resolution
Overview of the D3500
If you're looking to dive into the world of DSLR photography, the Nikon D3500 is a great place to start. This budget-friendly camera is packed with features that make it easy for anyone to take stunning photos and videos, even if you're a complete beginner. From its 24.2-megapixel sensor to its compact and lightweight design, the Nikon D3500 has a lot to offer. But is it the right camera for you? In this review, we'll take a close look at the Nikon D3500 and explore its key features, pros, and cons. We'll also share some tips and tricks for getting the most out of this camera, whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, or action shots. So, let's dive in and see what the Nikon D3500 has to offer!
Nikon D3500 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon D3500 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
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Nikon D3500
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 124 x 97 x 70mm |
| Weight | 365g |
| Thickness | 70mm |
Weather Sealing
The Nikon D3500 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 Finder | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Screen Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots |
| Body type | Compact SLR |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 921k dots. This makes the Nikon D3500 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
D3500 includes a optical (pentamirror) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.56x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Nikon D3500 has a 24MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Nikon D3500 has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Aug 29 2018
Announced
100 - 25600
ISO Range
| Sensor | APS-C |
| Extended ISO | null - null |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 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 D3500 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 D3500 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
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1.5x
Full frame equivalent
36mm
This camera: APS-C
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Battery Life | 1550 shots |
| Battery Model | EN-EL14a |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Nikon D3500 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 D3500 uses the EN-EL14a model of battery pack. This is rated for 1550 shots 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 D3500 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Nikon D3500 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, 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
The Nikon D3500 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 11 number of focus points.
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.
FAQ
The Nikon D3500 features a CMOS sensor
No the D3500 does not have weather sealing.
The Nikon D3500 was announced on Aug 29 2018
No the D3500 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The D3500 has a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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