The final decision of Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3500 depends upon the analysis of body aspects and features. These entry-level cameras have a lot of features in common and differ in a lot of features as well. Meanwhile, there are features that both of these cameras lack.
Sensor, imaging, video, body, performance, connectivity, compatible lenses, and other comparisons are a part of this article.
Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3500, which is better?
Nikon D3500 is better than Nikon D3100 in terms of photography and videography. Furthermore, Nikon D3500 has a wider range of functions available for versatility.
You can find every detail in the article, but here is a short Justification:
- Higher sensor resolution (24MP)
- Higher Native ISO ( 25,600 )
- Higher LCD screen resolution( 921k dots )
- Higher rate for continuous shooting ( 5.0 FPS )
- Higher Dynamic Range ( 12.8 )
- Lighter in weight( 365g )
- Smartphone remote
- Bluetooth
- Larger viewfinder magnification ( 0.57x )
- Longer battery lasting time ( 1550 shots )
- Availability of microphone port
- Better high ISO performance
- Better for Portrait photography
- Better for Street photography
- Better for Sports photography
- Better for Landscape Photography
- Better for Travel Photography
- Better for Videography
- UHS card support
Read Also: All specifications and Key Features of Nikon D3500
Reasons to choose Nikon D3100 over Nikon D3500
Only these are the reasons why you can prefer Nikon D3100 over Nikon D3500:
- 64% larger sensor pixel area ( 25.12µm2 vs 15.28µm2 )
- 5m longer flash coverage
- Availability of flash sync port
Read Also: All specifications and Key Features of Nikon D3100
Key specifications
Nikon D3100 replaced Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3500 replaced Nikon D3400.
Key specifications include the general information that should be majorly known and most needed in photography or videography.
| Features | Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 |
| Release Date | 2010-12-21 | 2018-08-29 |
| Sensor | APS-C ( CMOS ) | APS-C ( CMOS ) |
| MegaPixels | 14 | 24 |
| ISO Range | 100-3200(extend to 12800) | 100- 25,600 |
| Video Recording | Full HD Recording | Full HD Recording |
| Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Lowest Continuous shooting FPS | 3 | 5 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount | Nikon F Mount |
| Weight(Including Battery) | 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 0z) | 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.6 oz) |
| Dimensions ( W x H x D) | 124 x 96 x 75 mm 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.9 in | 124 x 97 x 69.5 mm 4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 in |
| Viewfinder | Optical ( Pentamirror) | Optical ( Pentamirror) |
| Screen Size | 3.00” | 3.00” |
| Battery Life | 550 Shots | 1550 Shots |
Nikon D3100 was released on 2010-12-21 and it has a 10.0 MP APS-C(23.1 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor. ISO ranges from 100 to 3200 with an option to extend till 12800 and has a Nikon F lens mount. The fixed screen has a size of 3 inches and the camera has an optical viewfinder. The weight is 505g and its dimensions are 124 x 96 x 75 mm. Video can be recorded in Full HD and at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Nikon D3500 has a 24MP APS-C( 23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sensor and was released on August 29, 2018. It comprises a Nikon F lens mount with an ISO range of 100 to 25,600. The fixed screen is 3 inches in size and the camera has an optical(pentamirror) viewfinder. The camera weighs 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.6 oz) with battery and memory card but without a body cap, and approximately 365 g ( 0.80 lb / 12.9 oz) camera body only. It measures 124 x 97 x 69.5 mm( 4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 in )( W x H x D). Full HD video with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 px and 60 FPS can be recorded.
Read Also: Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D3000
Sensor comparison
Both cameras have APS-C sensors yet they differ in sensor size and a few more aspects.
The Nikon D3100 features a 14.0MP APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor of size 0.91 inch with the Expeed 2 processor. Nikon D3100 is a DX-format camera or crop sensor camera. The maximum image resolution for Nikon D3100 is 4608 x 3072 px.
The Nikon D3500 features a 24.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) CMOS sensor of size 0.91 inch with the Expeed 4 processor. Nikon D3500 is a DX-format camera or crop sensor camera. The maximum image resolution for D3500 is 6000 x 4000 px.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Image Sensor Format | DX | DX |
| Sensor Size | 0.91 Inch ( 23.1 x 15.4mm) | 0.93 Inch ( 23.5 x 15.6mm) |
| Sensor Photo Detectors | 15.0 Mpx | 25.0 Mpx |
| Image Ratio (H:W) | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Effective Pixels | 14.0 Mpx | 24.0 Mpx |
| Maximum Resolution | 4608 x 3072 px | 6000 x 4000 px |
| Other Resolutions | 3456 x 2304 | 2304 x 1536 | 4496 x 3000 | 2292 x 2000 |
| Processor | Expeed 2 | Expeed 4 |
The D3500 has a higher resolution (24MP) than the D3100 (14.2MP), but its individual pixels are smaller (pixel pitch of 3.91m versus 5.01m for the D3100). However, the D3500 is an 8-year-older model than the D3100, and its sensor will have benefited from technological improvements that have improved the light gathering capability of its pixel units over that time. Returning to sensor resolution, it’s worth noting that the D3500 lacks an anti-alias filter, allowing it to record all of the detail that its sensor can resolve.
The Nikon D3500’s higher resolution allows for more cropping options and the possibility of printing large photographs. The D3500’s maximum print size for high quality output (200 dots per inch) is 30 x 20 inches (76.2 x 50.8 cm), very good quality (250 dpi) is 24 x 16 inches (61 x 40.6 cm), and excellent quality (300 dpi) is 24 x 16 inches (76.2 x 40.6 cm) (300 dpi) 50.8 x 33.9 cm or 20 x 13.3 inches.
For the Nikon D3100, high quality prints are 23 x 15.4 inches (58.5 x 39 cm), very good quality prints are 18.4 x 12.3 inches (46.8 x 31.2 cm), and outstanding quality prints are 15.4 x 10.2 inches (39 x 26 cm).
The Nikon D3100’s natural sensitivity range is ISO 100 to ISO 3200, with a range of ISO 100 to ISO 12800 available as an option. ISO 100 to ISO 25600 are the Nikon D3500’s equivalent ISO settings (no boost).
Result
The D3500 has a more powerful image processing engine (EXPEED 4) than the D3100 (EXPEED 2), which has advantages in terms of noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.
Furthermore, Nikon D3500 does offer better results even though both cameras have almost the same size of sensors. It is obvious from the maximum resolution and the lacking an anti-alias filter. So, the sensor result for D3500 is better in Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3500.
Image Features Comparison
Here is a table that mentions the image features that each camera has.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Native ISO Range | 100 to 3200 | 100 to 25,600 |
| Minimum ISO | 100 | 100 |
| Maximum ISO | 12800 | 25,600 |
| Maximum Extended ISO | 12800 | N/A |
| ISO Auto | YES | YES |
| Maximum Image Resolution | 4608 x 3072 px | 6000 x 4000 px |
| White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
| Custom White Balance | YES | YES |
| Supported Image File Formats | JPEG | NEF | RAW | JPEG | NEF | RAW |
| Image Stabilizer | NO | NO |
| Image Stabilization Type | NO | NO |
| Photo Effects | Black and White | Black and White | Vivid | Neutral |
| Supported Aspect Ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Uncompressed Format | RAW | RAW |
| AEB/HDR Support | NO | NO |
| Image Editing Modes | Rotating |Trimming | Crop |
| Noise Reduction | YES | YES |
The Nikon D3100 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 3200, with the option of increasing the ISO range to 12800. The maximum image resolution is 4608 x 3072 px and supported image file formats are JPEG, NEF, and RAW. There is no image stabilization and HDR support in Nikon D3100.
The Nikon D3500 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 25,600. The maximum image resolution is 6000 x 4000 px and supported image file formats are JPEG, NEF, and RAW. There is no image stabilization and HDR support in Nikon D3500.
Result
Nikon D3500 is superior to Nikon D3100 in terms of images. This is due to the higher image resolution, and higher ISO range that Nikon D3500 offers.
Photography Features Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Camera Shutter Type | Electronic | Mechanical | Electronic |
| Maximum(fast) Shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
| Slowest Shutter Speed | 30.0s | 30.0s |
| Aperture Priority | YES | YES |
| Shutter Priority | YES | YES |
| Manual Exposure Mode | YES | YES |
| Exposure Compensation Steps | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Exposure Compensation Plus | 5 | 5 |
| Exposure Compensation Minus | -5 | -5 |
| Auto Exposure Lock | YES | YES |
| Continuous Shooting | YES | YES |
| Continuous Drive | 3.0 FPS | 5.0 FPS |
| Speed ( RAW) | 3.0 FPS | 5.0 FPS |
| Speed ( JPEG) | 3.0 FPS | 5.0 FPS |
| Self-timer | YES | YES |
| Self-timer Delay | 2s | 5s |10s | 2s | 5s | 10s | 20s |
| Subject / Scene Mode | YES | YES |
| Scene Modes | Children | Close-up | Portrait | Night portrait | Sports | Landscape | Close-up | Portrait | Night portrait | Sports |
| Metering Modes | Multi-segment | Centre-weighted | Average | Multi-segment | Average | Centre-weighted | Spot | AF-Area |
| Shooting Modes | Auto | Manual | Movie | Auto |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine-tuning. | Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine-tuning |
| Manual Settings | YES | YES |
| WB Bracketing | YES | YES |
| AE Bracketing | NO | NO |
| Histogram | YES | YES |
These are complete details for the photography with these cameras, except the flash details that are mentioned in the next segment. Now, let’s see how these cameras perform in each type of photography.
Portrait Photography
Nikon D3500 has better performance for portrait photography due to the better features. Thus, D3500 is recommended in Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3500 if your main intention is to capture portraits.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 |
| 👍🏻Large sensor size | 👍🏻 Large sensor size |
| 👍🏻 Good Handling and ergonomics | 👍🏻 Good Handling and ergonomics |
| 👍🏻 Manual Focus | 👍🏻 Manual Focus |
| 👍🏻Provides face detection focusing | 👍🏻Provides face detection focusing |
| 👍🏻 Support RAW format | 👍🏻 Support RAW format |
| 👍🏻 24 MP resolution sensor | |
| 👎🏻 No image stabilization | 👎🏻No image stabilization |
| 👎🏻 Average resolution sensor (14MP) |
Street Photography
Nikon D3500 is recommended for street photography in Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3500.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 |
| 👍🏻 Large sensor | 👍🏻 Large sensor |
| 👍🏻 Save RAW files | 👍🏻 Save RAW files |
| 👍🏻 Live view | 👍🏻 Live view |
| 👍🏻 Face-detection focusing | 👍🏻 Face-detection focusing |
| 👍🏻 Lighter in weight | |
| 👎🏻 Fixed screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
| 👎🏻No image stabilization | 👎🏻No image stabilization |
Sports Photography
Nikon D3500 is recommended for Sports Photography.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 |
| 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling | 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling |
| 👍🏻 Fast and maximum shutter speed: 1/4000 | 👍🏻 Fast and maximum shutter speed: 1/4000 |
| 👍🏻 11 Focus point | 👍🏻 11 Focus point |
| 👍🏻 Tracking Auto Focus | 👍🏻 Tracking Auto Focus |
| 👍🏻 1 cross-type focus sensor | |
| 👎🏻 Slow continuous shooting: 3.0fps | |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 14MP sensor resolution |
Landscape Photography
Nikon D3500 is recommended for landscape photography.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 |
| 👍🏻 Large APS-C sensor | 👍🏻 Large APS-C sensor |
| 👍🏻 Save RAW files | 👍🏻 Save RAW files |
| 👍🏻 Nikon F mount lenses | 👍🏻 Nikon AF mount lenses |
| 👍🏻 No anti-alias filter | |
| 👍🏻 Live view | |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 No time-lapse recording | 👎🏻 No time-lapse recording |
| 👎🏻 No live view |
Travel Photography
Nikon D3500 is recommended for travel photography.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 |
| 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling | 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling |
| 👍🏻 Built-in Flash | 👍🏻 Phase detect AF |
| 👍🏻 24MP sensor resolution | |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 Do not possess selfie-friendly screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
| 👎🏻 10MP sensor resolution | |
| 👎🏻 No live view |
Videography features Comparison
The videography features include details about video recording resolution, frame rate, and other features.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Video Recording | YES | YES |
| Maximum Recording Time | 10 minutes | 29 minutes and 59 seconds |
| HD Type | Full HD | Full HD |
| Supported Video File Formats | MOV | MOV |
| Video Compression | MPEG-4 | H.264 | MPEG-4 | H.264 |
| Analog Signal Format system | NTSC | PAL | N/A |
| Camera Playback | Highlights | Movie | Single Image | Slideshow | Thumbnails | Histogram | | Highlights | Face zoom | Photo Slideshow| Movie Slideshow | Single Image |Thumbnails | Histogram | Photo info | Location data |
| Recording Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps),1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) | 1920 x 1080 ( 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps) |
| Maximum Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Maximum Resolution(Highest Frame Rate) | 1280 x 720 | 1280 x 720 |
| Maximum Frame Rate(Highest Resolution) | 24 FPS | 50 FPS |
| Maximum Frame Rate(Regardless of Reso.) | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Motion JPEG Frame Rate | 30.0FPS | 60.0 FPS |
| Timelapse | NO | NO |
Vlogging and Youtube videos comparison
Nikon D3500 is better for vlogging and youtube videos, as this camera provides better recording results due to 24 Megapixels. Furthermore, the 60FPS feature of the D3500 makes it a better choice for youtube videos.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 |
| 👍🏻 Face detection focusing | 👍🏻 Face detection focusing |
| 👍🏻 High Video Resolution (1920 x 1080 px) | 👍🏻 High Video Resolution (1920 x 1080 px) |
| 👍🏻 HD Recording | 👍🏻 HD Recording |
| 👍🏻 60 FPS | |
| 👎🏻 No external mic jack | 👎🏻 No external mic jack |
| 👎🏻 Fixed screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
Optics and Focus Comparison
One of the main differences between the Nikon D3100 and Nikon D3500 is optics and focus.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Digital Zoom | NO | NO |
| Optical Zoom | 3.0 x | 5.8x |
| Magnification ( Crop Factor) | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Maximum Aperture | 3.5 | 5.6 |
| Brightness Adjustment | YES | YES |
| Focal Length multiplier | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Autofocus Lock | YES | YES |
| Auto Focus Assist Light | Lamp | Lamp |
| Autofocus Assist Beam | YES | YES |
| AF Touch | NO | NO |
| AF Single | YES | YES |
| AF Continuous | YES | YES |
| AF Tracking | YES | YES |
| AF Selective | YES | YES |
| AF Center | NO | YES |
| AF Multi area | YES | YES |
| AF Live View | YES | YES |
| AF Face detection | YES | YES |
| AF Contrast detection | YES | YES |
| AF Phase Detection | YES | YES |
| AF in Recording Mode | YES | YES |
| Number of Focus Points | 11 | 11 |
| Autofocus Point Selection | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual |
| Manual Focus | YES | YES |
| Focus Adjustment | Auto | Auto |
| Filter Diameter | 2.64 in | 2.17 in |
| Image Stabilizer | Lens-based Only | Lens-based Only |
Screen and Viewfinder Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Screen Size | 3.00” | 3.00” |
| Screen Technology | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Screen Dots | 230,000 | 921,000 |
| Touch Screen | NO | NO |
| Flip-out Screen | NO | NO |
| Articulated LCD | NO | NO |
| Live VIEW | YES | YES |
| Viewfinder | Optical (Pentamirror) | Optical (Pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.8 x | 0.85 x |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95.0% | 95.0 % |
| Diopter Correction | YES | YES |
| Diopter Adjustment (D-D) | -1.7 to + 0.5 | -1.7 to + 0.5 |
| Eye Relief | 0.71 in | 0.71in |
| Field of View | 95.0% | 100% |
| Separate Info Display | NO | NO |
Nikon D3100 has a TFT LCD screen of 3.0’’ with 230,000 screen dots. The screen is operated through a control button, as it doesn’t provide a touch screen feature. This screen can not be flipped or adjusted, because it is fixed. The camera features an eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder and the viewfinder coverage is 95.0%.
Nikon D3500 has a TFT LCD screen of 3.0’’ with 921,000 screen dots. The screen is operated through a control button, as it doesn’t provide a touch screen feature. This screen can not be flipped or adjusted, because it is fixed. The camera features an eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder and the viewfinder coverage is 100%.
Flash comparison(Built-in and External)
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Built-in Flash | YES | YES |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 s | 1/200 s |
| Flash Range | 12m( at ISO 100 ) | 7m( at ISO 100 ) |
| Flash modes | Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye correction, and rear-curtain with slow sync | Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off |
| Flash Metering System | i-TTL | i-TTL |
| External Flash | YES | YES |
| External Flash Connection | Hot shoe | Hot shoe |
Design Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Body Type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Body Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Anti-dust System | YES | YES |
| Weather Sealing | NO | NO |
| Colors | Black | Red | Black | Red |
Dimensions and Weight Comparison
You can also check the pictorial representation of the dimensions.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Weight ( with Battery and memory card ) | 505 g (1.1lb / 17.81oz ) | 415 g (0.91 lb / 14.6 oz) |
| Weight ( Body Only ) | 455 ( 1 lb / 16.04 oz ) | 365 g ( 0.80 lb / 12.9 oz) |
| Height | 2.95 in ( 75 mm ) | 3 in ( 75.5 mm ) |
| Width | 4.88 in ( 124mm ) | 4.88 in ( 124 mm ) |
| Depth | 3.78 in ( 96mm ) | 3.9 in ( 98 mm ) |
Nikon D3100 has a height of 2.95 in ( 75mm ), a width of 4.88 in (124mm ), and a depth of 3.78 mm ( 96mm ).
Nikon D3500 has a height of 3in ( 75.5mm ), a width of 4.88 in (124mm ), and a depth of 3.9 mm ( 98mm ).
Audio Features Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Built-in Microphone | YES | YES |
| Microphone Type | Mono | Mono |
| Voice Recording | YES | YES |
| Audio System | Mono | Mono |
| Supported Audio File Formats | Linear PCM | Linear PCM |
Storage Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Compatible Memory Cards | SD | SDHC | SDXC | SD | SDHC | SDXC |
| Storage Type | SD | SDHC | SDXC | SD | SDHC | SDXC |
| Memory Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Camera File system | DCF 2.0 | EXIF 2.21 | DPOF 1.1 | DCF 2.0 | EXIF 2.3` | Pictbridge |
| Internal Storage | NO | NO |
| Maximum Memory card Size | 64 GB | 512 GB |
| Dual Memory Card Slots | NO | NO |
Nikon D3100 has only one memory card slot that is compatible with SD, SDXC, and SDHC memory cards. The maximum card size can be up to 64GB. Furthermore, Nikon D3100 does not possess any internal storage as well as dual memory card slots.
Nikon D3500 has only one memory card slot that is compatible with SD, SDXC, and SDHC memory cards. The maximum card size can be up to 512GB. Furthermore, Nikon D3500 does not possess any internal storage as well as dual memory card slots.
Power Comparison
Nikon D3100 has an advantage over Nikon D3500 in terms of battery lasting time.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Power Source Type | AC | Battery | AC | Battery |
| Battery Life (CIPO) | 550 shots ( CIPA ) | 1550 shots (CIPA) |
| Battery Technology | Lithium-Ion(Li-Ion) | Lithium-Ion(Li-Ion) |
| Battery Model | EN-EL14 | EN-EL14a |
| Number of Batteries Supported | 1 | 1 |
| AC adapter Included | YES | YES |
Nikon D3100 supports an AC adapter and rechargeable EN-EL14 battery of Li-ion that can last up to 550 shots each charge. The battery model that Nikon originally offered with this camera was EN-EL14. Nikon D3100 has only one battery slot.
Nikon D3500 supports an AC adapter and rechargeable EN-EL14a battery of Li-ion that can last up to 1550 shots each charge. The battery model that Nikon originally offered with this camera was EN-EL14a. Nikon D3500 has only one battery slot.
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Connectivity Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3500 | |
| Built-in WIFI | NO | NO |
| GPS | NO | N/A |
| Bluetooth | NO | YES |
| Bluetooth Version | N/A | 4.1 |
| HDMI | YES | YES |
| HDMI ports quantity | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI connector Type | Mini | Mini (Type-C ) |
| USB port | NO | YES |
| USB Version | 2.0 (280 Mbit/sec) | 2.0 (280 Mbit/sec) |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi connected | Optional |
| Remote Control | YES | YES |
| PictBridge | YES | N/A |
| Snapbridge | NO | YES |
| NFC | NO | NO |
| AV Output | YES | NO |
| Firewire | NO | N/A |
| Microphone Port | NO | YES |
| DC-in jack | YES | N/A |
| Tripod Mounting Support | YES | YES |
Nikon D3100 camera has no built-in WIFI, microphone port, and Bluetooth, rather it has an HDMI port. Thus, the camera cannot be connected wirelessly to other devices.
Nikon D3500 camera has no built-in WIFI, rather it features Bluetooth. Thus, you can connect your camera to other devices with Bluetooth. Furthermore, it also has an HDMI port and USB port.
Common Weaknesses of Nikon D3100 and Nikon D3500
These are the features that both of these cameras lack:
- No built-in body Image stabilization
- No flexible screen
- No environment sealings
- No option to fine-tune Autofocus
- No AE bracketing
Common Strengths of Nikon D3100 and Nikon D3500
These are the features that both of these cameras possess:
- Built-in Flash
- External Flash shoes
- RAW support
- Face detection focus
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nikon D3100
Advantages/pros
These are the features that are liked by the user:
- Compact and lightweight
- Image quality is excellent.
- Excellent build quality and ergonomics
- Simple to use
- Shoots HD video with autofocus.
- Dedicated Live View switch and Movie Record button on the camera body
- The drive mode switch cuts down on menu access.
Disadvantages/Cons
These are the features that are not liked by the user:
- Difficult to maintain body balance.
- Manual with a limitation (but builtin guide is useful)
- No exposure bracketing.
- Poor implementation of Live View
- LCD with a low resolution
- In movie mode, autofocus creates noise.
- LCD display that is fixed
- In tungsten lighting, Auto and Incandescent white balance modes are very warm.
- Older “screw-drive” AF lenses will not autofocus.
- Expensive
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nikon D3500
Advantages/pros
These are the features that are liked by the user:
- Compact
- Lightweight
- 24 MP resolution
- No Anti-aliasing filter
- Excellent image quality
- Built-in Bluetooth and SnapBridge Connectivity
- Affordable
- 5fps continuous shooting
- Automatic image transfer via Bluetooth
Disadvantages/Cons
These are the features that are not liked by the user:
- Fixed LCD omits touch support
- Contrast-based live view focus is not ideal for video
- No 4K video
- No mic input
Conclusion
In this comparison of the Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3500, Nikon D3500 is better than its competitor in many aspects. Despite having a similar sensor size, Nikon D3500 offers higher image resolution and a higher native ISO range.
Furthermore, video recording with Nikon D3500 brings better results due to 24 Megapixels. 1080/60p feature is a great addition in this camera that beats the other competitors. Thus, Nikon D3500 performs better for photography and videography.
FAQs
Is Nikon D3500 good for beginners?
The Nikon D3500 is the best DSLR camera for a beginner if you’re ready to enhance your photography talents and buy your first DSLR camera. Its best-in-class 24-megapixel sensor captures clear images with a wide dynamic range, allowing details to be seen in both bright and dark areas, and it performs well in low-light circumstances.
Is the Nikon D3500 good for night photography?
YES. The Nikon D3500 allows you to set shutter speeds up to 30 seconds and also features a Bulb mode that allows you to set exposure periods of virtually any length, which is great news if you’re serious about night photography.
Is Nikon D3500 good for photography?
YES. It has a simple design with a fixed rear screen and no 4K video, but it has all the manual controls that a beginner photographer will need, and the image quality is excellent. All of this earns the D3500 a spot on our best cameras for beginners and best student cameras lists.
Is the Nikon D3100 good for wildlife photography?
The D3100 isn’t a fantastic camera for wildlife, and you’ll want to upgrade at some point. Wildlife photography can quickly become prohibitively expensive. Another option is to purchase a bridge camera with a zoom range of 30-50x.
Can Nikon D3500 shoot in RAW?
YES. You have the option of shooting in RAW, JPG, or RAW+JPG. This format is supported in Nikon D3500.
