Everything you need to know about the Nikon D3500 Let's face it: Entry-level DSLRs aren't the most exciting cameras out there. That said, Nikon's D3000-series have traditionally been very easy to use, very affordable and offered excellent image quality.
Despite not having the latest and greatest technology, cameras like Nikon's newest model, the D3500, serve a variety of purposes quite well.
Before we get into what's new, here's what's not. The D3500 uses the same 24MP DX-format (APS-C) CMOS sensor as the previous-generation D3400 (and several other Nikon models) which has excellent resolution and Raw dynamic range. Its Expeed 4 processor allows for a top ISO of 25,600 and 5 fps burst shooting. The 11-point autofocus system is pretty dated, though it does offer Nikon's 3D Tracking system. Just don't expect D500-style performance.
Even more compact
The D3400 was already a small DSLR and the D3500 is even more compact. That's because it uses almost the same body shell as the D5600, which is 6mm (0. 24") thinner than the D3400. We like the D5600's design because it doesn't sacrifice a decent hand grip as a trade-off for being small, which is the case with some of its peers. With the bundled AF-P 18-55mm F3. 5-5. 6 kit lens, the D3500 is as small of a camera that you’ll get without switching to mirrorless.
While we're looking at this view of the camera, it's worth mentioning that the D3500 no longer supports the ML-L3 wireless remote, since there's no infrared receiver. You can, however, use your smartphone for the same purpose.
Buttons for everything
One area in which the D3500's design differs from that of the D5600 is the LCD. Where the D5600 has a larger, fully articulating touchscreen, the D3500 uses the same fixed 921k-dot non-touch display as the D3400.
The D3400 had five buttons that sat to the left of its display (playback, menu, zoom in, zoom out, i), and those have all been relocated to the opposite side. The D3500's rear control layout is a little cluttered as a result, but everything you need is close at hand. One button that has been totally removed is the Fn button, which was on the left side of the D3400. This button was handy for quickly changing things like ISO.
Being an entry-level camera, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise that there's only one control dial.
The optical viewfinder on the D3500 is unchanged. It still offer 95% coverage and a magnification of 0. 57x equiv. , which is actually a bit larger than the D5600's OVF.
Improved battery life
Despite using the same sensor, processor and display as its predecessor, the D3500's battery life has increased by 30% (CIPA) compared to the model that it replaces. With a CIPA rating of a whopping 1550 shots, you should be able to go for days without replacing the battery. Nikon includes an external charger for keeping a spare topped up. The camera doesn't support USB charging, unfortunately.
SnapBridge
The D3500 continues to offer a Bluetooth-only version of Nikon's SnapBridge wireless system. With it, the camera can automatically transfer 2 Megapixel versions of photos to your smartphone as they are taken (since there's no Wi-Fi there is no option for transmitting full resolution images. )
New to the D3500 is the ability to use the SnapBridge app as a remote shutter release.
Guide mode
Something that makes the D3500 one of the easiest-to-use cameras on the market is its Guide Mode, which is accessed via the mode dial. Guide Mode gives you basic options – essentially scene modes – and 'advanced operations,' where you can adjust shutter speed, aperture, white balance and exposure compensation without having to know what any of those are.
In 'easy operation' mode, you can select something like 'moving subjects' and the camera will do the rest. In 'advanced operation' mode you can, for example, choose from freeze motion (people), freeze motion (vehicles) and show water flowing. Once you've picked one, the camera will let you adjust the shutter speed, but with a detailed explanation of what the effects are. Once you're happy just choose from shooting through the viewfinder or live view and off you go.
Truly advanced settings (by D3500 standards,) such as ISO sensitivity and Picture Controls are still available in Guide Mode, should you wish to access them.
Wrap-up
The Nikon D3400 was our favorite entry-level DSLR and the D3500 looks like it might supplant the older model in our affections. Unlike some of its competitors, it's small, light, and very easy to use, without sacrificing ergonomics or image quality. The D3500's 24MP sensor isn't new, but it's still one of the best APS-C sensors around.
The D3500 is a camera that beginners who pick it up from a big box store can take home and use immediately, simply by turning on Guide Mode and choosing something like 'Moving Subjects'. When they want to dip their toes into manual controls they can use the 'Advanced Operation' half of the Guide Mode, which allows them to adjust the shutter speed with a helping hand. And, when these users are ready to take full control over the camera, the D3500 has everything the casual shooter needs.
The D3500's 24MP sensor isn't new, but it's still one of the best APS-C sensors around
Nikon will be selling the D3500 in two kits: one with the collapsable AF-P 18-55mm F3. 5-5. 6 VR lens ($499) and another with that lens plus the un-stabilized AF-P 70-300 F4. 5-6. 3 tele-zoom ($849, though current street prices are below $600). As mentioned about, the D3500 is almost certain to appear in places like Costco during the holiday season, usually with a bag, extra battery and memory card thrown in.
. dpreview.com2018-9-1 16:00
