Nikon D3500 Reviews & Ratings

Fact fans might be grinding their teeth at the relatively small list of changes Nikon has made compared to the two-year-old Nikon D3400, but that’s not the point. Nikon has refreshed and rejuvenated one of its classic designs to keep it fresh, responsive and appealing to first-time DSLR buyers. In fact it’s so good that it makes you wonder whether mirrorless cameras are quite such a revolution after all.

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 entry-level camera but for APS-C cameras in general. The fact that you can get this kind of image quality out of a camera for under $500, with a lens included, is just shocking. It might not be the most high-performance camera nor does it have many of the latest and greatest features, but it’s not designed for that. What it is is a solid, lightweight camera for beginners that’s easy to use, offers excellent image quality, and doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re looking to get more creative with your photography, and looking for your first DSLR, the Nikon D3500 is hard to beat.

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.

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

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.

In summary, the new Nikon D3500 offers just enough improvements to continue to make it our recommended entry-level DSLR camera series.

If you’re looking for your first DSLR, the D3500 is a great choice. The Guide Mode is especially useful. It’s still the best around for helping photographers get to grips with their camera. It’s especially nice that it’s built into the camera rather than relying on a smartphone app.

The Nikon D3500 is a very compact Digital SLR, and offers DSLR quality images, thanks to a large APS-C CMOS sensor. The 18-55mm kit lens performs reasonably well for a kit-lens. 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. The most impressive feature of the Nikon D3500 is the incredible battery life, with the camera offering up to 1550 shots!

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.