CameraReview
CompareCamerasLensesAction CamerasGuides
Nikon D3500
61
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 24 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Nikon D3500

General 61Optics 65Video Performance 56Features and Benefits 54Storage and Battery 48
From $392.18 — 7 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD3500
Released2018
Announcement date30/08/2018
Camera typeDSLR
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−No touchscreen
−No 4K video
−No Wi-Fi, only Bluetooth
−Screen does not rotate

General 61

Brand
Nikon
Model
D3500
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2018
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
30/08/2018
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
124 x 97 x 70 mm
Camera weight
615 g

Optics 65

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
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
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 23.5
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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.
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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.
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
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.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
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)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon D3500 scores a 61/100 in our evaluation. This DSLR camera was announced on 08/30/2018 and released the same year with a launch price of $499.95. The camera measures 124 x 97 x 70mm and weighs 615g, or 1.36lbs.

In the competitive camera market, the D3500’s specifications hold up decently. Its size and weight make it a portable and user-friendly option for both beginners and enthusiasts. The score of 61, while not groundbreaking, shows that the Nikon D3500 is a reliable choice for those seeking a solid DSLR experience.

Nikon D3500 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Nikon D3500 receive a score of 65/100. This camera boasts 24 megapixels and a shooting speed of 5 frames per second. It utilizes a CMOS sensor, Expeed 4 processor, and has a DXOMARK score of 87 for its sensor. The sensor size is APS-C, and the camera uses a Nikon F lens mount. However, it lacks image stabilization and has an aspect ratio of 3:2.

These specifications position the Nikon D3500 as a solid entry-level DSLR in today’s market. Its sensor size and megapixel count allow for high-quality images, and the Expeed 4 processor ensures fast performance. The Nikon F lens mount provides compatibility with a wide range of lenses, offering flexibility for various shooting scenarios.

Despite its strengths, the lack of image stabilization may result in less sharp images, especially in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. The Nikon D3500 is a reliable choice for beginners, but more advanced photographers may seek additional features for optimal performance.

Nikon D3500 Video Performance 56

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
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.
1920×1080
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.
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.
No
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
Read our notes on nikon d3500 video performance

The Nikon D3500 has a video score of 56 out of 100. This score is due to its various video specifications, which include a maximum video resolution of Full HD (1920×1080) and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. However, it lacks a built-in time-lapse functionality.

In today’s market, the Nikon D3500’s video capabilities are average. Full HD resolution is standard, but many modern cameras offer 4K video recording, which provides higher resolution and better image quality. The 60fps frame rate is acceptable, but not exceptional. The absence of built-in time-lapse functionality is a drawback for those seeking this feature in their camera.

The Nikon D3500’s video capabilities are decent for casual users but may not satisfy those seeking advanced video features or higher resolution.

Nikon D3500 Features and Benefits 54

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
TFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on nikon d3500 features and benefits

The Nikon D3500 features a score of 54/100, which reflects its capabilities in the current market. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 921,600 dots, the display is adequate for reviewing images but lacks a touchscreen interface. The absence of a flip screen limits the camera’s versatility in certain shooting situations.

Notably, the D3500 does not include GPS or WiFi connectivity, which are common features in many modern cameras. However, it compensates by offering Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to transfer images wirelessly to compatible devices.

Taking these specifications into account, the Nikon D3500 is a decent entry-level DSLR camera but may not fulfill the requirements of more advanced photographers seeking additional features and connectivity options. The camera’s feature score of 54/100 reflects its position in the competitive market, catering to those who prioritize simplicity and affordability.

Nikon D3500 Storage and Battery 48

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
EN-EL14a
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1550 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d3500 storage and battery

The Nikon D3500 receives a storage and battery score of 48/100. This camera has a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In comparison to other cameras in the market, the Nikon D3500 falls short in terms of storage options, as many competitors offer dual card slots and support for faster memory cards.

The battery life of the Nikon D3500 is impressive, offering 1550 shots per charge with its EN-EL14a battery. However, it lacks USB charging, which is a disadvantage compared to other cameras that provide this convenient feature. This limitation may affect the camera’s practicality for on-the-go photographers.

Considering the storage and battery capabilities of the Nikon D3500, it is evident that there is room for improvement. While its battery life stands strong, the lack of USB charging and limited storage options hinder its overall performance in today’s competitive camera market.