Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Last updated May 2026
Key specs at a glance
Resolution
24.2 MP
Sensor
APS-C
ISO max
25,600
Burst
5 fps
IBIS
No
Weight
365 g
Battery
1550 shots
Sensor size
Nikon D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Nikon F mount
90
First-party
180
Third-party
270+
Total available
Mount introduced 1959
Body size
Nikon D3500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
124 × 97 × 70 mm · 365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
Best for
Use-case scores
Scored algorithmically from verified specs. 10 = best in class.
Portrait
Limited3.5/ 10
- · 24.2MP — solid resolution
Sports & Action
Limited0.5/ 10
Video & Hybrid
Limited0.0/ 10
Landscape
Limited1.5/ 10
Travel
Good6.0/ 10
- · 365g — ultralight for all-day carry
- · 1550 shots/charge — all-day shooting
Wildlife
Limited1.0/ 10
- · APS-C crop gives extra reach for telephoto
Vlogging
Limited2.0/ 10
- · 365g — easy to handhold for selfie video
Pros
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✓ Lightweight
Cons
- – No 4K
- – Basic AF
- – Discontinued
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Full specifications
Verified specs · Nikon D3500
Sensor
Resolution24.2 MP
Sensor typeDX-format CMOS
Sensor size23.5 × 15.6 mm
AA filterYes
Processor
ProcessorEXPEED 4
ISO
ISO min (native)100
ISO max (native)25,600
ISO max (expanded)25,600
Shutter
Shutter typeMechanical focal-plane
Max mechanical speed1/4000 sec
Max electronic speedN/A
Autofocus
AF systemMulti-CAM 1000 phase-detect AF
AF points / zones11
AF low-light limit-1 EV
Eye AFNo
Animal / bird AFNo
Burst
Burst (mechanical)5 fps
Burst (electronic)5 fps
Pre-Capture / Pre-ReleaseNo
Video
Max resolutionFull HD
4K max frame rate0 fps
Internal RAW videoNo
CodecsH.264/AVC
Stabilization
In-body stabilizationNo
IBIS effectiveness0 stops
Body
Weight365 g
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)124 × 97 × 69.5 mm
Weather sealingNo
Battery
BatteryEN-EL14a
Battery life (CIPA)1550 shots
Storage
Card slots1
Card typesSD UHS-I
Viewfinder
Viewfinder typeOptical pentamirror
EVF magnification0.85 ×
LCD
LCD size3 in
LCD typeFixed TFT LCD
TouchscreenNo
Connectivity
USBUSB 2.0
HDMIMini HDMI (Type C)
Wi-FiNo
BluetoothYes
Microphone jack (3.5mm)No
Headphone jack (3.5mm)No
Lens Mount
Lens mountNikon F