Announced by Nikon on August 30th, 2018, the Nikon D3500 is the successor of the very successful entry level DSLR D3400 released two years earlier.
Starting at just over $369 for the body and $475 when equipped with 18-55mm zoom lens, the D3500 is very similar to the D3400 in terms of performance and design.
Nikon D3500 vs D3400 Key Specs Comparison
- 24MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
- ISO 100 – 25600
- Nikon F Mount
- 3 Fixed Type Screen
- Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
- 5.0 fps continuous shooting
- 1920 x 1080 video resolution
- Built-in Wireless
- 365g. 124 x 97 x 70 mm
- Price: $474.75 (w/ 18-55mm lens kit)
Nikon D3400
- 24MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
- ISO 100 – 25600
- Nikon F Mount
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
- 5.0 fps continuous shooting
- 1920 x 1080 video resolution
- 395g. 124 x 98 x 76 mm
- Price: $388.09 (w/ 18-55mm lens kit)
As you can see from the D3400 vs D3500 key specs comparison from above these two cameras are nearly identical.
Below we will go in greater details on how these two camera compare.
Nikon D3500 vs D3400 Differences
Battery life
The Nikon D3500 has a better battery life than the Nikon D3400. The D3500 can record 75 minutes of videos vs 60 minutes with the D3400.
Also, with the D3500, you can capture up to 1550 shots in one single full charge compared o only 1200 shots with the Nikon D3400.
Size
Front view comparison:
Top view comparison
Sensor Size
Although the two cameras have the same sensor size, Nikon claim they have improve the photosites technology on the Nikon D3500. This is supposed to make the camera have a better ISO sensitivity performance overall.
So which one should you buy?
Beside the little cosmetic improvement, the weigh saving the supposedly improved sensor technology the Nikon D3500 is nearly identical to the Nikon D3400.
If you currently own the Nikon D3400, you should not incur the additional cost to buy the Nikon D3500.
However if you own a much older camera such as the Nikon D3300 or older, then you should definitely consider the switch.
Moreover, if you are looking to buy an entry level DSLR, these two are great options. Depending on your budget, buy the D3400 and spend the extra saving on a good lens. Bu if money isn’t an issue, by all means get the Nikon D3500.
Learn more about the Nikon D3500 by watching this great video:
Buying links: