Nikon D3500

61 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
price (29)
usability (22)
portability (15)
performance (14)
image quality (13)

Negative
screen (3)
contrast (1)
viewfinder (1)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 61 reviews of Nikon D3500. The average rating for this product is 4.6/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews. Comments about the image quality and portability are on the whole positive. The performance and usability are also mentioned favorably. Reviews about the size and focus are mixed. There are some negative opinions about the contrast and viewfinder.

price, usability, performance, portability, image quality

screen, viewfinder, contrast

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Nikon D3500 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 94/100 = Excellent quality.

See all Nikon Digital Cameras

Review analysis

(Based on 61 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

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Showing 45 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 45 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (15)

Expert review by : Jeanette D Moses (dpreview.com)

Nikon D3500 review

It's inexpensive, lightweight and will keep going for days on a single battery charge. While it's not great for video and its wireless image transfer is slow, the D3500 is a simple and un-intimidating camera that's a great starting point for beginners.

Jan, 2020

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Expert review by : Jim Fisher (pcmag.com)

Nikon D3500

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.

Compact. Affordable. 24MP resolution. 5fps continuous shooting. Automatic image transfer via Bluetooth. In-camera shooting guide for beginners.

Fixed LCD omits touch support. Contrast-based live view focus not ideal for video. No mic input.

Bottom Line: 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.

Feb, 2019

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Expert review by : Michael Palmer (steves-digicams.com)

Nikon D3500

Nikon is doing everything it can lately to regain its position in the camera world with the announcement of their new flagship mirrorless cameras the Z7 and the Z6. But those are specialty items, cameras that are targeted for professionals and...

Aug, 2018

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Expert review by : Mark Goldstein (photographyblog.com)

Nikon D3500 Review

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. A couple of things have been sacrificed along the...

Oct, 2018

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Expert review by (imaging-resource.com)

Nikon D3500 Review

Much like its predecessor, the Nikon D3500 is an extremely enticing camera for beginner photographers. It has a compact design, comfortable ergonomics, fast single-shot AF and best of all, the camera's image quality is fantastic, not only for an...

Great image quality for its class; Excellent high ISO performance for APS-C; Fast single-shot AF speeds; Compact, easy to use design; Incredible value at under $500 with lens.

11-point AF system feels out-dated; Underwhelming C-AF performance; Below average viewfinder coverage accuracy; No touchscreen; Limited wireless features.

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Expert review by : Rod Lawton (digitalcameraworld.com)

Nikon D3500 review

The Nikon D3500 isn't just one of the best entry-level DSLRs you can buy, it's also one of the cheapest – it's an evergreen classic

Value for money ; All-round image quality ; Beginner friendliness ; Responsive autofocus ; 5fps continuous shooting

Fixed rear screen ; No 4K video ; Relatively slow live view AF

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. It was launched way back in 2018, and even back then it wasn't much of a update on the D3400 that went...

Nov, 2021

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Expert review by : Theano Nikitas (tomsguide.com)

Nikon D3500 Review: Best DSLR for Beginners

There aren't a huge number of improvements in the Nikon D3500, but it remains our favorite DSLR for beginners.

All in all, the D3500 is an excellent camera for the price, but if you want an articulating touchscreen, you'll have to step up to the Nikon D5600.

Sep, 2020

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Expert review by : Joe Farace (shutterbug.com)

Nikon D3500 DSLR Review: An Entry-Level Camera That's Not Just for Beginners

The Nikon D3500 is an ideal first DSLR for photographers wanting more than their smartphone can deliver. It's not just its affordable price—$446.95 with an 18-55mm kit lens as I write this—it has a 24.2MP imaging chip offering better performance than...

May, 2019

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Expert review by : Rod Lawton (trustedreviews.com)

Nikon D3500 Review | Trusted Reviews

Nikon D3500 review: Nikon has hit a winning formula with this cheap-but-great starter DSLR, which is an ideal first 'proper' camera for beginners.

Good quality kit lens ; Very good image quality ; Fast and silent autofocus ; Unexpectedly snappy live view ; Great for keen learners ; Value for money

Fixed rear screen ; Video is HD rather than 4K ; Chunky compared to a mirrorless camera

The D3500 is a solid, well-specified entry-level DSLR that gives beginners good handling, great performance and real value for money

Dec, 2018

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Expert review by : Phil Hall (techradar.com)

Nikon D3500 review

It's no longer new, but the Nikon D3500 remains the best DSLR for beginners who are looking to take their photography to the next step.

Excellent image quality Remarkable 1,550-shot battery life Handy Guide mode Compact for a DSLR Easy to use

No 4K video No touchscreen control Bluetooth, but no Wi-Fi

It's now over two years old, but the Nikon D3500 remains the best DSLR around for beginners looking to embrace creative, manual photography. Built around a solid core of great image quality, intuitive menus and a superb battery life, the D3500 now...

Jun, 2021

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