Nikon Updates Entry-Level DSLR

2018.08.30

Nikon just unveiled an update to their most basic DSLR. The new D3500 follows closely the D3400 with a nearly identical feature set yet in a slightly smaller body while significantly improving battery-life to a whopping 1550 shots-per-charge.

These seemingly minor changes take aim at winning over would-be-buyers of mirrorless cameras whose primary advantage is size. While the Nikon D3500 is nowhere near as compact as an APS-C mirrorless, it is incredibly light and quite comfortable to hold. The weakest point of mirrorless cameras though is battery-life since their pipeline requires the sensor to be continuously powered. In contrast a DSLR such as this one can last significantly longer.

The core of the Nikon D3500 remains a proven 24 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor which delivers high image-quality and resolves fine details thanks to the absence of an anti-alias filter. This is paired with an EXPEED 6 process which allow this DSLR to shoot continuously at 5 FPS for over 100 JPEG images. The D3500 is Full HD capable too at a frame-rate of 60 FPS.

The new Nikon D3500 is scheduled to be available next month for $499 USD or $669 CAD, including a very basic AF-P DX 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G VR lens. A two-lens kit will also be available for $849 in the US, while a body-only model for Canada will retail for $569 CAD. Follow this link to the Nikon D3500 specification page for pre-order and buying links when they become available.

• Digital Camera