CameraReview

Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D60 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

✓ WINNER
Nikon D3500
Nikon
Nikon D3500
DSLR · 24 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
61
SCORE
$392.18
best of 7 retailers
Best Price →
Nikon D60
Nikon
Nikon D60
DSLR · 10.2 MP · APS-C
34
SCORE
$118
best of 2 retailers
Best Price →
General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20182008
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
30/08/201829/01/2008
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 124 x 97 x 70 mm126 x 94 x 64 mm
Camera weight 615 g522 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24 MP05010.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40003872 x 2592
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCCD
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.
15.6 x 23.516 x 24
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-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.
5 fps0453 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 FNikon F DX
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Expeed 4Expeed
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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
25600300328000016003003280000
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.
1003020010030200
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.
25600300328000032003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
400080032000400080032000
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.
11030030300
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/AN/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 HDN/A
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.
1920×1080N/A
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.
60 fpsN/A
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.
MOVN/A
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 TFT LCDLCD
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"2.5"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
92160011500015000002300001150001500000
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 / SDXCSD / SDHC / MMC
Dual memory card slots
Battery type EN-EL14aEN-EL9
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1550 shots1505000500 shots1505000
USB charging

The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D60 with a notable score difference of 27 points, receiving a 61/100 compared to the D60’s 34/100. Both cameras share the DSLR camera type, but the D3500 was released a decade later in 2018, while the D60 was launched in 2008. The D3500 has a slightly larger body, measuring 124 x 97 x 70mm and weighing 615g, versus the D60’s 126 x 94 x 64mm and 522g.

The D3500’s higher score reflects its superior features and performance. It offers better image quality, improved autofocus, and enhanced connectivity options. However, the D60 has a lower launch price of $470 compared to the D3500’s $499.95, making it more affordable.

Despite the D60’s lower price, the Nikon D3500’s advancements in technology and performance make it a better choice for photographers looking for a quality DSLR. The D60 may appeal to those on a tighter budget, but the D3500 provides a more satisfying photography experience.

Nikon D3500 vs D60 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D60 in optics with a score of 65/100 compared to the D60’s 43/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as an APS-C sensor size, Nikon F lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization. However, the D3500 surpasses the D60 in several aspects, making it the superior camera in terms of optics.

The D3500 boasts a higher resolution with 24 megapixels, while the D60 has only 10.2 megapixels. This difference enables the D3500 to capture more detailed and sharper images. Additionally, the D3500 has a faster shooting speed of 5 frames per second (fps) as opposed to the D60’s 3 fps. This feature allows the D3500 to capture fast-moving subjects with greater ease.

Furthermore, the D3500 utilizes a CMOS sensor and an Expeed 4 processor, which contribute to its higher DXOMARK score of 87. In contrast, the D60 employs a CCD sensor and an Expeed processor, resulting in a lower DXOMARK score of 65. The advanced sensor and processor in the D3500 provide better image quality and low-light performance.

On the other hand, the D60 has a Nikon F DX lens mount, which is specific to its camera series. This feature may appeal to photographers who own other Nikon DX cameras and wish to use the same lenses interchangeably.

Taking all factors into account, the Nikon D3500 excels in optics due to its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and superior sensor and processor. While the Nikon D60 may have a slight advantage in lens compatibility for some users, it falls short in delivering the same level of optical performance as the D3500.

Nikon D3500 vs D60 Video Performance

When comparing the video capabilities of the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon D60, it is important to note that the Nikon D60 does not have any video functionality. Therefore, this comparison will focus on the video capabilities of the Nikon D3500.

The Nikon D3500 has a video score of 56 out of 100. It offers Full HD video recording with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The camera provides a maximum video frame rate of 60 frames per second, allowing for smooth and clear footage. However, the Nikon D3500 does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.

Given that the Nikon D60 does not have video capabilities, the Nikon D3500 is the clear choice for those seeking a camera with video recording features. The Nikon D3500’s Full HD video resolution and 60fps frame rate make it a suitable option for capturing high-quality videos.

Nikon D3500 vs D60 Features and Benefits

The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D60 with a feature score of 54/100 compared to the D60’s 17/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as lacking a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and WIFI. However, the D3500 has advantages that contribute to its higher score.

The Nikon D3500 boasts a larger screen size of 3 inches, compared to the D60’s 2.5-inch screen. This difference allows for better image preview and menu navigation. Additionally, the D3500’s screen resolution of 921,600 dots surpasses the D60’s 230,000 dots, providing clearer and more detailed image display. The D3500 also features Bluetooth connectivity, which the D60 lacks, enabling wireless image transfer and remote control capabilities.

The Nikon D60, despite its lower score, offers some advantages over the D3500. The D60 is smaller and lighter, making it more portable and convenient for travel or extended use. However, these advantages are minor when considering the overall performance and capabilities of each camera.

The Nikon D3500’s superior features make it a better choice for photographers seeking higher quality image display and Bluetooth connectivity. The Nikon D60, while offering portability, falls short in comparison to the D3500’s capabilities and performance. Therefore, the D3500 stands as the preferable option between the two cameras.

Nikon D3500 vs D60 Storage and Battery

The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D60 in storage and battery with a score of 48/100 compared to the D60’s 27/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and do not support USB charging. They accept SD and SDHC memory cards, but the D3500 also accepts SDXC cards, providing more storage options for users.

A significant advantage of the D3500 is its battery life, offering 1550 shots per charge using the EN-EL14a battery type. The D60, with its EN-EL9 battery, only provides 500 shots per charge. This extended battery life makes the D3500 a more reliable choice for longer shooting sessions.

The D60 has a slight edge in accepting MMC memory cards, which the D3500 does not support. However, this advantage is minimal as MMC cards are less common and less efficient than SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

Considering the extended battery life and broader memory card compatibility, the Nikon D3500 proves to be a superior choice in storage and battery performance compared to the Nikon D60.

Nikon D3500 vs D60 – Our Verdict

Nikon D3500 vs D60 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3500 or the Nikon D60: