Nikon D3500 reviews roundup: Should you buy it?
Here’s a roundup of all the Nikon D3500 reviews, ratings and impressions from the web. Discover its strengths and weaknesses here!
Released in August 2018, the Nikon D3500 camera features a 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor combined with the EXPEED 4 image processor, an 11-point autofocus system, an ISO range from 100 to 25,600, a fixed LCD screen, a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60fps in video mode and a basic Bluetooth connection.
The D3500 measures 124 x 97 x 70 mm and weights 415 g, including battery and memory card. For storage, it features one card slot compatible with SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.
So what do the critics think of the Nikon D3500?
Overall most reviews say that the Nikon D3500 is a great camera for beginners or photography students. Indeed, the built-in Guide Mode accompanies new users to go through the basics. On the performance aspect, the image quality and noise management are up to industry standards in such price range, with little noise up to around 6400 ISO. Performance-wise, the D3500’s main competitor is the Canon EOS 4000D.
In addition, while most competitors in the same range would feature 3 fps, the D3500 provides a faster shooting speed at 5 fps with a fast and accurate autofocus system.
Battery life, compact size and lightweight are other great perks of the D3500 which has an autonomy of 1550 shots in a single charge: ideal for travelers and outdoor photographers.
- A DSLR that's as easy to use as a point and shoot camera
- Compact, comfortable design that's great for travel and special events
- Image sensor that's 15x larger than those used in typical smartphones for sharper, clearer pictures
Most reviews like…
- Outstanding battery life
- Good performance for affordable price
- Good image quality
- Guide Mode is great for beginners
- Compact size and lightweight – ideal travel companion
- Ergonomic design and comfortable grip – a nice improvement from the D3400
Most reviews don’t like…
- Not fit for movie recording and absence 4K video
- Absence of Wi-Fi
- Fixed LCD screen
- Outdated Autofocus system – in comparison to competition
- Absence of dedicated ISO button
For more infos about the positive and negatives sides of the Nikon D3500, check out the selection of reviews below:
Websites Reviews
Camerajabber.com – ★★★★★ – ‘If you’re looking for your first DSLR, the D3500 is a great choice. The Guide Mode is especially useful. It’s still the best around for helping photographers get to grips with their camera. It’s especially nice that it’s built into the camera rather than relying on a smartphone app.’
Dpreview.com – 75% – ‘The D3500 is a compact and likeable DSLR for beginners. It’s not great for video and its image transfer is slow. But for stills it’s a solid choice and its Guide Mode makes it easy to learn.’
Digitalcameraworld.com – ★★★★★ – ‘The Nikon D3500 is one of our favorite DSLRs for photography students – or for anyone who is looking for a low-cost way into serious image taking. Fans might be grinding their teeth at the relatively small list of changes over the D3400 that came before it, but that’s not the point. Nikon has refreshed and rejuvenated one of its classic designs to keep it fresh, responsive and appealing to first-time DSLR buyers. It looks as good today as when it was launched, and falling prices only make it more attractive still. Beginner cameras don’t have to be cutting edge – they have to be straightforward, affordable, and just plain good. And that’s what the D3500 delivers.’
Ephotozine.com – ★★★★★ (Recommended) – ‘The Nikon D3500 offers great image quality, and impressive battery life.’
Expertreviews.co.uk – ★★★★★ (Recommended) – ‘A superb budget DSLR that’s tailor-made for beginners, but it’s not a huge improvement on the D3400’
Pcmag.com – ★★★★★ – ‘The Nikon D3500 doesn’t offer a lot of upgrades, but cements its value as a strong entry-level camera thanks to a lower price point.’
Photographyblog.com – ★★★★½ (Highly Recommended)
Photographylife.com – 4.1/5 (Bronze Award)
Photoreview.com.au – 8.9/10 (Editor’s Choice)
Trustedreviews.com – ★★★★★ (Recommended) – ‘The D3500 is a solid, well-specified entry-level DSLR that gives beginners good handling, great performance and real value for money’
T3.com – ★★★★★ – ‘Offering an impressive battery life, richly detailed images and a relatively compact build for its class, if you want a DSLR format camera and are just starting out on your photographic journey, then the Nikon D3500 is a can’t-go-wrong option.’
Techradar.com – ★★★★★ (Best in class) – ‘If you’re looking to take your first steps into the world of creative, manual photography, then the Nikon D3500 is still the best DSLR you can buy right now. It has intuitive menus, a superb battery life and great image quality. It’s worth considering mirrorless alternatives too, but the D3500 combines all of the traditional advantages of DSLRs, including great handling and value.’
Amazon users reviews
- A DSLR that's as easy to use as a point and shoot camera
- Compact, comfortable design that's great for travel and special events
- Image sensor that's 15x larger than those used in typical smartphones for sharper, clearer pictures
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