Nikon, as we are all aware of, is one of the prominent players in the realm of DSLR cameras. The company recently launched its new entry-level DSLR without much hoopla. How does D3500 compare with the predecessor the D3400? Let us compare the two devices (Nikon D3500 vs D3400) and understand what improvements does the D3500 pack in on the new offering.
Nikon D3500 vs D3400 –Â A Close Comparison
Well, both Nikon D3500 and D3400 are entry-level DSLR cameras and have many things in common. However, the D3500 being the upgrade and a newly launched device has a few features different from the predecessor. We will compare the two cameras based on a few key parameters.
The Sensor
In terms of the sensor compatibility, the D3500 comes with the same 24 MP pixel count as on the D3400. Both of them offer the same APS-C sensor and do not provide the optical low pass filter.
On the specification sheet, we observe the D3500 having a 24.78 MP resolution as compared to the 24.72 MP on the D3400. Though technically slightly different, this should not have any major effect from the practical perspective.
However, the D3500 may be a good option given it is new and comes with better sensor configuration.
| Features / Particulars | Nikon D3500 [amazon_link asins=’B07GW23M7T’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’eaa26332-b528-11e8-90c5-ddb1b079ea08′]
| Nikon D3400 [amazon_link asins=’B01KITZKDE’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f4f13d92-b528-11e8-bd54-510335ea1f4d’]
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| Sensor size | 24.78 MP | 24.72 MP |
| Format | DX | DX |
| Sensor Size | 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm | 23.5 mm x 15.6 mm |
| Resolution | 6000 x 4000 pixels | 6000 x 4000 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
The Physical Properties
| Features / Particulars | Nikon D3500 [amazon_link asins=’B07GW23M7T’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’eaa26332-b528-11e8-90c5-ddb1b079ea08′]
| Nikon D3400 [amazon_link asins=’B01KITZKDE’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f4f13d92-b528-11e8-bd54-510335ea1f4d’]
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| Physical Dimensions | 125 x 98 x76 mm | 124 x 98x 69.5 mm |
| Weight | 365 grams | 395 grams |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
As can be seen from the above table, both D3500 and D3400 have the same physical dimensions. However, the weight of the D3400 is a little more. It could be a key consideration when you consider portability.
The Design
From the design point of view, you are bound to find a few differences between the D3500 and D3400. The grip on the D3500 is a little better than that on the D3400. This should be quite helpful when you use the camera. Moreover, a better grip can also translate into better handling when you are using long or front heavy lenses with your camera.
There have been a few other changes as well concerning the design. The buttons you found on the left-hand side of the LCD screen on the D3400 have been shifted to the top and right-hand side. This aids in a better ergonomics. The flash button that resided on the front on D3400 has now stands moved to the rear.
The Complete Specification Sheet
| Features / Particulars | Nikon D3500 [amazon_link asins=’B07GW23M7T’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’eaa26332-b528-11e8-90c5-ddb1b079ea08′]
| Nikon D3400 [amazon_link asins=’B01KITZKDE’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’foi04-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f4f13d92-b528-11e8-bd54-510335ea1f4d’]
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| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 sec | 1/4000 sec |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 5 fps |
| ISO sensitivity | 100 to 25600 | 100 to 25600 |
| Number of Auto Focus points | 11 | 11 |
| LCD Screen size | 3.0 inch digital | 3.0 inch digital |
| Screen resolution | 921000 dots | 921000 dots |
| Battery | EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery | EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
| Battery Backup | 1550 shots per charge | 1200 shots per charge |
| Video resolution | 1920×1080 FullHD 1280×720 HD 720p 640×480 VGA | 1920×1080 FullHD 1280×720 HD 720p 640×480 VGA |
| Video recording frame rate | 60p,50p,30p,25p,24p, 720p 60/50fps | 60p,50p,30p,25p,24p, 720p 60/50fps |
| Stereo audio recording | No | No |
| Optical Zoom for Video | Yes | Yes |
| Effective magnification | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Focus Modes | Automatic, Phase Detection and manual | Automatic, Phase Detection and manual |
| Longest shutter speed | 30 sec | 30 sec |
| White balance modes | Auto Manual Incandescent Fluorescent | Auto Manual Incandescent Fluorescent |
| Exposure Compensation | +/-5 | +/-5 |
| Optical Image Stabilisation | No | No |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Connection ports | HDMI and USB 2.0 | HDMI and USB 2.0 |
| Media Storage supported | SD SDHC SDXC | SD SDHC SDXC |
Which One Should You Go For?
Well, both the Nikon D3500 and D3400 come with almost similar features and functionalities. You can opt for any of them and expect the same features across them.
A few slight differences you may observe on the new Nikon D3500 include
- Better Battery Capability – The battery backup per charge is quite good compared to the Nikon D3400. You get 1550 shots per charge as compared to the 1200 shots per charge on the Nikon D3400.
- An Enhanced Grip – As we already explained, the grip has been improved, and it can be a better option towards handling. It can also be helpful if you are using heavier lenses.
- New Button layout – The button layout on the camera has been changed and now placed quite ergonomically. You can now concentrate on the subject before you rather than fiddling with the buttons.
- Guide Mode for new Users – This will help the new users to get used to the functionality of the camera. It will help you learn the functioning easily.
- SnapBridge Function – The Bluetooth based file transfer mode helps to transfer your images and videos straightaway without any need to connect to your computer. It can also be used for remote trigger functionality as well.
The Concluding Thoughts
Well, that was the complete comparison between the two capable DSLR cameras from Nikon. We will recommend you opt for the new variant given the additional features that it comes with. But, in case you are considering upgrading your current Nikon D3400 for a new Nikon D3500, we would not find a good option as such.
As you can observe from the above comparison chart and another discussion we carried out, the new D3500 is almost equivalent in every aspect (that should matter the most) to the three-year-old Nikon D3400. From that perspective – upgrading from a D3400 to a D3500 may not be a great idea. You may either wait for an upgrade from Nikon or go with any other option.
Have you used either the Nikon D3500 or D3400? If you have, you can share your thoughts and experiences with us. This will help our readers and us in understanding the differences and practical usability of a few best Nikon masterpieces.