If you’re looking for a really cool feature in the Nikon D3500 that won’t make you yawn, look elsewhere.
While the rumors have been flying about the web for a while, you can confirm today that the Nikon D3500 is indeed real. The D3xxx series of cameras have always been their most entry level DSLRs and to that end, they basically take leftover product and rehash it into something more standard, basic and amateur. But one specific line from Nikon’s press release today is really grabbing our attention. Nikon put a brand new 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor inside the Nikon D3500. In an email with Nikon, they clarified that it is the same sensor that is in the Nikon D5600.
The previous Nikon D3400 has a 24MP sensor, and if anything this new sensor combined with the new EXPEED processor will most likely give off similar results to its higher end sibling. Most APS-C cameras on the market are using one variation of this sensor or another though.
So what’s the big deal about the new Nikon D3500 otherwise? Honestly, not a whole lot. The main features in brief are:
- 95% viewfinder coverage
- Flash sync of 1/200th
- 5fps shooting
- Mirror lock up only for sensor cleaning
- ISO range of 100-25,600
- 1/4,000 shutter speed
- 11 AF point with 3D tracking
- i-TTL with a 420-pixel RGB sensor
- 1080p 60p video recording in addition to all other recording rates. No 4K video
- 3 inch LCD
- 921K dot LCD
- Bluetooth for Snapbridge
- Battery life rated to 1,550 shots
Of course, it’s not a big deal for most readers here. We’d care a lot more about innovation and how Nikon could be working to change the game of photography up a bit. But for those of us with loved ones who ask about what camera they should get, the Nikon D3500 seems like a nice option to grab, leave in auto, shoot JPEG, and do your best Uncle bob impression at the next wedding. I’m not at all denying that it’s capable of creating great photos; with Nikon’s assortment of f1.8 prime lenses it’s going to take pretty stellar images. For said entry level consumer, know that it won’t boast weather sealing to protect their dear camera from beer spillage, the rain, or your kids spilling water near the camera and nigh giving you a heart attack.
The Nikon D3500 will be available in a two-lens kit option, including the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f4.5-6.3G ED, for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $849.95* in September 2018. A Nikon D3500 single-lens kit with the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR will also be available for (SRP) of $499.95* in September 2018.
