Are you in the market for a new digital camera? If so, youve probably come across the Nikon D3500.
Its one of the most popular digital cameras, but is it really worth buying? In this article, well explore the pros and cons of the Nikon D3500 in detail, including its image quality, video recording capabilities, durability and controls, and alternative options.
So, if youre considering buying the Nikon D3500, read on to find out if its the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The Nikon D3500 is widely considered to be an excellent entry-level DSLR camera, offering impressive image quality, a range of features, and a lightweight body.
Its also relatively affordable, making it a great choice for those just starting out in photography.
However, more experienced photographers may find that the D3500 lacks some of the higher-end features and capabilities they may be looking for.
Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs and budget.
Overview of the Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is an entry-level DSLR camera that offers great performance at a low price.
It features a 24.
2 megapixel CMOS sensor and an 11-point autofocus system, allowing you to capture sharp, vibrant images with minimal effort.
In addition, it can record Full HD 1080p video, and has a durable build quality and intuitive controls, making it easy to use.
With its low cost and high quality, the Nikon D3500 is an excellent choice for novice photographers and those looking to upgrade from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.
Pros of the Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is an excellent entry-level DSLR camera that offers high performance at a low price.
It is ideal for amateur photographers and those looking to upgrade from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.
Here are some of the pros of the Nikon D3500: 1.
The Nikon D3500 has a 24.
2 megapixel CMOS sensor, which is capable of capturing high-quality images with great detail and color accuracy.
2.
The camera features an 11-point autofocus system that is fast and reliable, making it easy to capture sharp images quickly.
3.
The Nikon D3500 can shoot Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, making it great for capturing smooth and vibrant videos.
4.
The camera has a durable build quality and intuitive controls, making it easy to use and ideal for beginners.
5.
The Nikon D3500 is also reasonably priced, making it a great option for anyone who wants to get started with DSLR photography without breaking the bank.
Cons of the Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is a great entry-level DSLR camera, but its not without its drawbacks.
One of the most notable cons is the lack of an LCD monitor.
The camera does not have a rear LCD display, which means youll have to rely on the viewfinder to compose your shots.
This can be inconvenient for some users and makes it difficult to get an accurate preview of the image.
Additionally, the camera lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, so you wont be able to transfer photos wirelessly.
It also doesnt have a built-in flash, although you can purchase an external flash if needed.
Finally, the Nikon D3500 has a relatively short battery life of just 700 shots per charge.
While this is enough for a day of shooting, it may not be enough for longer sessions.
Image Quality
The Nikon D3500 is a great choice for amateur photographers and those looking to upgrade from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.
It is equipped with a 24.
2 megapixel CMOS sensor, which captures stunning images with vibrant colors and detail.
The camera also offers an 11-point autofocus system, which can accurately and quickly focus on a variety of subjects.
Additionally, the Nikon D3500 is capable of recording Full HD 1080p video, allowing users to capture high quality videos with ease.
The Nikon D3500 is also capable of capturing images in RAW format, which is a great feature for photographers who want to edit their images in post-processing.
RAW files contain more information than JPEG files and allow for more creative freedom when editing images.
This makes the Nikon D3500 an ideal choice for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level.
In terms of image quality, the Nikon D3500 can be considered a great value for the money.
The camera produces crisp, vibrant images with accurate colors and plenty of detail.
It also performs well in low light situations, thanks to its high ISO range of 100-25600.
The camera also offers a good dynamic range, allowing users to capture images with both bright and dark areas without losing detail.
Overall, the Nikon D3500 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality DSLR camera without breaking the bank.
It offers great image quality, intuitive controls, and a durable build quality.
The camera is also capable of recording Full HD 1080p video, making it a great choice for video recording, as well.
Video Recording Capabilities
The Nikon D3500 is equipped with an impressive Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities, which makes it a great choice for aspiring filmmakers and videographers.
The camera offers a wide range of frame rates, including 60fps, 30fps and 24fps, allowing for smooth footage and slow-motion effects.
It also features a built-in mic for capturing audio, and there is an external microphone port for higher quality sound.
The camera is capable of capturing beautiful videos with vibrant colors and sharp details, and it offers several shooting modes to help users get the most out of their videos.
Durability and Controls
The Nikon D3500 is a highly durable camera, with a solid build quality that ensures it can take a beating and still keep performing.
It has a shutter rating of up to 15,000 actuations and is protected from dust and moisture with a rubber gasket around the lens mount.
The cameras intuitive controls make it easy to use and navigate, with the ergonomic button layout and large rear LCD screen making it a breeze to adjust settings and navigate menus.
On the top of the camera, you will find a mode dial, two control dials, and buttons for changing exposure settings.
There is also a dedicated video record button for quickly starting and stopping video recording.
The camera also features a large grip for comfortable and secure handling.
Alternatives to the Nikon D3500
When shopping for a DSLR camera, you may consider the Nikon D3500, but there are other options to consider.
Many photographers may find that the Nikon D3500 is a great entry-level camera to start with, but there are other options available.
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is another great option for anyone looking for an entry-level DSLR camera.
It features a 24.
1 megapixel sensor, 9-point autofocus system, and Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities.
It also has a durable build quality and intuitive controls, making it easy to use.
The Sony Alpha a6000 is a mirrorless camera that offers a 24.
3 megapixel sensor, 179-point autofocus system, and 11 frames per second burst shooting.
It is also capable of recording Full HD 1080p video and has a durable build quality.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 is another great option for anyone looking for a quality DSLR camera.
It features a 16 megapixel sensor, 49-point autofocus system, and Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities.
It is also capable of recording 4K video and has a durable build quality.
Finally, the Fujifilm X-T20 is a great choice for anyone looking for a small and lightweight mirrorless camera.
It features a 24.
3 megapixel sensor, 91-point autofocus system, and Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities.
It is also capable of recording 4K video and has a durable build quality.
Ultimately, the decision of which camera to buy will depend on your needs and budget.
The Nikon D3500 is a great entry-level camera for those just starting out in photography, but there are other alternatives to consider as well.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon D3500 is a great entry-level DSLR that offers excellent image quality, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a durable build quality with intuitive controls.
Although the camera may not have some of the latest features found in higher end DSLRs, it is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.
If youre looking for an affordable DSLR that offers great performance, the Nikon D3500 is definitely worth considering.
It is the perfect camera for amateur photographers looking to take their photography to the next level.