Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 is decent for travel photography. Its sensor punches above its weight, with solid image quality and good dynamic range for an entry-level APS-C camera. Battery life is fantastic, too, so it can easily last through long days on the go. It's also one of the most portable DSLRs around. That said, it's still relatively bulky compared to mirrorless alternatives, and the autofocus system is pretty basic, with focusing limited mostly to the center of the frame and unreliable tracking for fast subjects.

-- As reviewed by Rtings
Nikon D3500 1

Product details

  • Includes all original accessories plus a 90 Day Warranty
  • Nikon D3500 24.2MP DSLR Camera with AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens
  • 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor No Optical Low-Pass Filter Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting 3.0in 921k-Dot LCD Monitor
  • INCLUDED IN THE BOX: D3500 Camera Body | EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery | MH-24 Quick Charger | AN-DC3 Strap | BF-1B Body Cap | DK-25 Rubber Eyecup | AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR LC-55A | 55mm Snap-On Front Lens Cap | Rear Lens Cap | Limited Nikon 90-Day Refurbished Warranty

PROS

+ Great image quality.
+ Fantastic battery life.
+ Guide Mode for new users.

CONS

- Basic autofocus system with limited tracking capability.
- Plastic construction.
- Not the most portable option.

Expert reviews and ratings

By Rtings on February 18, 2021
The Nikon D3500 is decent for travel photography. Its sensor punches above its weight, with solid image quality and good dynamic range for an entry-level APS-C camera. Battery life is fantastic, too, so it can easily last through long days on the go. It's also one of the most portable DSLRs around. That said, it's still relatively bulky compared to mirrorless alternatives, and the autofocus system is pretty basic, with focusing limited mostly to the center of the frame and unreliable tracking for fast subjects.
72
By PCMag on February 05, 2019
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.
80
By Tom's Guide on September 29, 2020
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.
80
By TechRadar on June 15, 2021
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. Built around a solid core of great image quality, intuitive menus and a superb battery life, the D3500 now offers impressive value, too. Mirrorless rivals should also be considered, particularly if you need a touchscreen or 4K video. But Nikon's entry-level DSLR continues to fly the flag for the format by offering the kind of handling and value that mirrorless cameras struggle to match.
80
By TrustedReviews on December 18, 2018
The Nikon D3500 is an entry-level DSLR for beginners. It’s a modest upgrade over the popular D3400, with the same 24.2 megapixel resolution but a redesigned body and improved battery life.
80