Nikon D3500
Announced August 30, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon D3500 is a compact, affordable DSLR that offers excellent battery life and high-quality 24-megapixel imagery for beginners. While it lacks modern amenities like 4K video, a touchscreen, or robust autofocus performance, its intuitive design and guide mode make it a strong learning tool for those entering photography.
Weighted from 25 reviewer scores
Pros
- Compact, lightweight, and ergonomic body design
- Exceptional battery life reaching up to 1,550 shots per charge
- High-quality 24-megapixel sensor performance
- Beginner-friendly features including a dedicated Guide Mode
- Strong overall value for the price point
Cons
- Fixed rear screen lacking touch functionality
- Lack of built-in Wi-Fi and microphone input
- Absence of 4K video recording capabilities
- Dated 11-point autofocus system with limited performance for moving subjects
- Slow live view performance
- Launch price $499.95 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
What the Reviewers Say
All 25 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 75/100
Ultimately the D3500 is a very capable and affordable camera for beginners and young families. It does a fine job capturing ‘candids’ and other casual shots.
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In the end, despite some shortcomings with AF performance, the Nikon D3500 is an extremely enticing camera for beginner photographers.
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It’s actually quite a good camera, but it does have some flaws – not surprising at this price point.
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While the D3500 inherits much from its D3400 predecessor, there are some differences which combine to make the D3500 a better camera overall. The redesigned body clearly borrows a lot from the upper entry-level D5600.
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It would make a great option for those looking for their first DSLR, however, there are some surprising omissions, and for someone looking for more advanced options, you'll need to look elsewhere.
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The new Nikon D3500 retains the same core feature-set as its predecessor, the D3400, but presents it in a smaller, lighter and more logical design that's very reminiscent of the mid-range D5600 camera.
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[Y]ou can't go wrong with that as a learning camera, as a starting camera.
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The D3500 is a reminder that steady evolution can be just as valuable as headline-grabbing upgrades. The snappy AF-P lens, effective autofocus and reworked exterior have given the latest entry Nikon’s long-running series of entry-level cameras a fresh lease of life.
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[T]he Nikon D3500 does have its limitations, obviously, because of its price and its intended audience, but we think it's easily the best DSLR for beginners right now – and because mirrorless cameras with viewfinders tend to cost more [...]
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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.
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It's now over three years old, but the Nikon D3500 remains the best DSLR around for beginners looking to embrace creative, manual photography with a traditional setup.
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Like its D3400 predecessor, the new Nikon D3500 is a modestly priced but well-equipped camera that takes really good pictures and is an excellent learning tool for those new to DSLRs.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
The D3500 represents very good value for money, particularly for beginners and those with tight budgets.
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The Nikon D3500 is lacking in features found higher up in Nikon’s range, but for the price, it’s hard to argue.
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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.
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If you already own the D3500’s predecessor, the D3400, this is not a worthwhile upgrade. There simply aren’t enough improvements to justify the faff.
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The bottom line is that the Nikon D3500 offers DSLR-quality in a very compact and lightweight package.
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In my opinion, this is the best and the best DSLR starter kit on the market right now, simply because of what this camera offers in the price point that it comes at.
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Dollar for dollar, the Nikon D3500 is the best camera you can buy.
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All up the new Nikon D3500, it is a really great beginner's DSLR camera.
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It's a really good camera and I think if you're getting into photography and you just want a really cheap setup to learn some techniques, learn how to work with light and all that, I think it's going to be a really great option.
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I feel that Nikon still produces one of the better APS-C sensors on the market, the image quality is great, dynamic range is good, and I think it generates all-around good images.
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The Nikon D3500 has earned a reputation as the perfect entry-level camera precisely because of its well-thought-out design and user-friendly interface.
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The Nikon D3500 offers an easy way to take high-quality photos without spending a lot or requiring much technical know-how.
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If you plan to get it as your first DSLR to learn photography and are willing to use the optical viewfinder, it's a fantastic choice.
