Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 54
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 61
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D3200 | D3500 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2018 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
19/04/2012 | 30/08/2018 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 125 x 96 x 77 mm | 124 x 97 x 70 mm |
| Camera weight | 505 g | 615 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 24 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6016 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.4 x 23.2 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
4 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 3 | Expeed 4 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
128003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920×1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9210001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | EN-EL14a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
540 shots1505000 | 1550 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D3200 with a score of 61/100 compared to 54/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, announced in 2018 and 2012 respectively, and share similar dimensions. However, the D3500 is slightly heavier at 615g, while the D3200 weighs 505g.
The D3500 has an edge over the D3200 with its lower launch price of $499.95, as opposed to the D3200’s $699. Despite the price difference, the D3500 still managed to score higher, indicating better overall performance. The D3200, on the other hand, has an advantage in terms of weight, being lighter than the D3500.
Considering the higher score, more recent release, and lower price, the Nikon D3500 is the better option. However, if weight is a significant factor, the Nikon D3200 might be more suitable.
The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D3200 in optics with a score of 65/100 compared to the D3200’s 63/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F lens mount, and no image stabilization.
The D3500 has an edge over the D3200 in certain aspects. Its shooting speed is 5 frames per second, while the D3200’s is 4, giving the D3500 a slight advantage in capturing fast-moving subjects. The D3500 also boasts a superior Expeed 4 processor, compared to the D3200’s Expeed 3, providing better image processing and quality. The DXOMARK score for the D3500’s sensor is 87, higher than the D3200’s score of 81, indicating improved sensor performance.
The D3200, however, has a minor advantage in megapixels, with 24.2 compared to the D3500’s 24. This difference is small and likely not significant enough to impact overall image quality.
In terms of optics, the Nikon D3500 emerges as the better camera, with improved shooting speed, processor, and sensor performance. The D3200’s slight advantage in megapixels does not outweigh the D3500’s superior features. Therefore, the D3500 is the recommended choice for those prioritizing optical performance.
The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D3200 in video capabilities with a score of 56 out of 100, a 13-point difference from the D3200’s score of 43. Both cameras share some common specifications, including Full HD video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. However, the D3500 surpasses the D3200 in certain aspects, while the D3200 has its own advantages.
The most significant advantage of the Nikon D3500 is its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the D3200’s 30fps. This allows the D3500 to capture smoother and more detailed video, making it more suitable for recording fast-moving subjects or creating slow-motion footage. Both cameras lack built-in time-lapse functionality, but this can be overcome using external intervalometers or software solutions.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3200 has some unique features that may appeal to certain users. While its video capabilities are generally inferior to the D3500, it still offers Full HD video recording with a respectable 30fps frame rate. This makes the D3200 a viable option for casual video recording or for those on a tighter budget. Additionally, the D3200’s lower score does not mean it is a poor camera; it simply has fewer advanced video features compared to the D3500.
In comparing the video capabilities of the Nikon D3200 and D3500, the D3500 is the clear winner due to its higher frame rate and overall better performance. However, the D3200 remains a decent option for casual users or those with budget constraints. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on one’s individual needs and priorities in terms of video recording.
The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D3200 in features, with a score of 54/100 compared to the D3200’s 41/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size and the absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and WIFI. However, there are key differences that set the D3500 apart as the superior choice.
The D3500 has a slightly better screen resolution at 921,600 dots, compared to the D3200’s 921,000 dots. This improvement results in a crisper, clearer image on the camera’s display. Additionally, the D3500 includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless and convenient image transfers to smartphones or other devices. This feature is absent in the D3200, making the D3500 more user-friendly and versatile.
The D3200, though scoring lower in features, may still appeal to some users due to its lower price point. For those on a tight budget or looking for a basic entry-level DSLR, the D3200 could be a suitable option. However, the lack of Bluetooth and slightly lower screen resolution are notable drawbacks.
Considering the improved screen resolution and Bluetooth connectivity, the Nikon D3500 stands out as the better choice in terms of features. The D3200 may be suitable for budget-conscious users, but the D3500’s advantages make it a more attractive option for those seeking a camera with enhanced capabilities and convenience.
The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D3200 in storage and battery, scoring 48/100 compared to the D3200’s 27/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with the D3200 being UHS-I compatible.
The D3500’s superior battery life sets it apart, as it can capture 1550 shots on a single charge, while the D3200 can only manage 540 shots. Both cameras use similar battery types, with the D3500 using the updated EN-EL14a battery and the D3200 using the EN-EL14 battery. Neither camera offers USB charging.
Although the D3200 falls short in battery life, its compatibility with UHS-I memory cards allows for faster data transfer rates, which can be beneficial in certain situations.
Considering the significant difference in battery life and similar storage capabilities, the Nikon D3500 proves to be the better choice in terms of storage and battery performance. The D3200’s advantage in memory card compatibility is not enough to offset its inferior battery life.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3200 or the Nikon D3500:
