The Nikon D3500 DSLR is the company’s base camera aimed at beginners and budget seeking shutterbugs – but that doesn't mean its a slouch when it comes to features. Buyers might overlook this camera as being too basic for advanced photography, but they may want to reconsider. The D3500 is stocked with enough features and excellent image quality that photographers of almost any skill level should give it a closer look.
The DSLR camera market has been on the defensive in recent years due to the rise of smart phones. For many people, using their phone to take snapshots and video is far more convenient and easier than carrying around a point-and-shoot or DSLR camera. What smart phone users are missing, despite big improvements in image quality, is the superior image quality of a DSLR. Bigger sensors and sharp lenses, not to mention user control, is where the Nikon D3500 steps into the spotlight.
Nikon’s digital camera line-up has several cameras costing well over $1000, and that price does not include a lens. For under $400.00 on some Nikon authorized seller websites, the D3500 can be bought with a fantastic 18-55mm kit lens. For an extra few hundred dollars, the camera can be paired with a modestly priced zoom lens and flash. This is an all-around camera bargain.
Lightweight Nikon D3500 Earns Heavyweight Respect
The Nikon D3500 is feature-laden for what some may consider a basic camera. Sporting a 24.7MP DX APS-C CMOS chip, a 3-inch fixed LCD display, bright viewfinder, 5 frames-per-second frame rate, an SD card slot, and 1080p high definition video, the camera is ready to shoot photos and video straight out of the box.
The D3500 comes packaged in the famous Nikon gold and black box. Inside is the user manual, camera body, 18-55mm VR (vibration reduction) lens, battery, battery charger and camera strap. The camera body feels hefty without being overly heavy once the lens is attached. The grip is small but comfortable, making the camera a breeze to carry. The 18-55mm VR lens is a descendent of the same lens that has been combined with other Nikon cameras over the years. It is surprisingly sharp with accurate color rendition. All of the buttons on the camera are well positioned for easy access to the menu system. Menus are clear, sharp and easy to access such functions as settings and quality choices. The only dial on top of the D3500 provides standard DSLR options as shutter, aperture, and manual mode among others.
Using the D3500 is similar to using other Nikon cameras. The click of the shutter sounds professional for a little camera. The camera looks well-crafted – and it is. If there is a subject to take photos of, the camera is ready in a snap. Focusing is quick and accurate. The only real gripe about the camera we have is that the kit lens has a button that needs to be pressed before the zoom can be used. This can be a bit annoying at first but it can be bypassed by simply keeping the lens unlocked. Picture quality is excellent from the kit lens. Photos have pleasing colors and sharpness. More expensive Nikon and third-party lenses are compatible with the D3500 and can produce eye popping results. Shooting video on this camera is surprisingly good. Focus is decently fast and the high definition video footage has an almost low budget cinematic look to it. There is no microphone or headphone jack input on the camera, but a separate audio recorder can be used to capture sound. Overall, the Nikon D3500 is an all-around overachiever for very little money.