Nikon D3500 Review by Ken Rockwell
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- Nikon D3500 Review by Ken Rockwell
Full review & sample files at KenRockwell.com/nikon/d3500.htm
I got mine at www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
When you click on the links above to various merchants and make a purchase, this can result in me earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ken Rockwell® is a registered trademark. - Наука та технологія
I purchased a D3500 back in February. I'm a professional photographer, and other peers of mine thought I was nuts for trying to produce work with this little bad fella. They were speechless when I showed them the results from a couple of commissioned architectural photoshoots; they were so good, one client sent them to Whitewall to print them as large scale prints for the lobby at their office tower.
The image sensor in this camera is deceivingly fantastic; people underestimate it because of the camera price. The thing is, the only way to truly see what phenomenal images it is capable of is to forget about the kit lens and pair the camera with a top-of-the-line piece of glass.
Currently, I'm using it with the Tamron SP 24-70MM F/2.8 Di VC USD G2. Yes, it's a full frame lens (sue me) and it works perfectly with this cropped sensor D3500. With premium glass like this, this D3500 produces images as good as cameras five times more expensive.
Having said that, I've decided to put it up for sale due to three things it's missing, and which I do use ALL the time: #1 (and most important to me,) it has no bracketing settings (and obviously no bracketing button.) Manually bracketing your shots is a major pain in the ass, as you always end up moving the camera even if you're extra careful.
#2, it's impossible to put a vertical grip/battery pack on the D3500. I know the market segment this camera is aimed at mostly doesn't care about this, but it would make this camera easier to use.
#3, you can't use any dedicated remote controls or releases. Nikon forces users to do this via the SnapBridge app, and the implementation is so pathetically bad, it's pretty much useless.
If you don't use these features and all you need is superb image quality, go for the D3500. I'm bidding a very sad addieu to this amazing little bad boy and moving up to a D750. Getting my bracketing back!
YIP! If you can't get great shots with this camera, the problem is the photographer, not the camera.
@@KenRockwellTV Correct, Thats what gets a lot of people going is bringing up the skills of a photographer. If you are a bad photographer you will never take good photos even if someone gave you a say $10,000 camera.
I shoot Film and only film as of right now, im about to get into digital but I have been shooting film professionally for several years, I fill a niche in the market that nobody is doing and as such I get paid well for it.
I have never owned a digital camera in my life, Ive been so against it i disabled the camera on my smartphone by unplugging the cable inside the phone.
@@KenRockwellTV I’d love you’re opinion on a camera purchase I’m looking at the D3500, a used D5500, a used D7100 or even the Sony A6000. I would be shooting general stuff and maybe some budget portrait/events.
Many thanks
would you recommend a DSLR like this over a budget mirrorless like the A6000 ?
Thank you👍
Thanks Ken. Because of your review, back in '08, I bought a D90. 197,000 shots and still going. Maybe I'll get this when it dies.
Thank you Louis!
Wow!! So happy to see you on the tube! You’re the guy who inspired me to pick up this hobby and you’ve guided me through all of my purchases and techniques ever since. I met you at Adorama a few years back (when the Fuji x100s was just released) and you couldn’t have been nicer. Best of luck Mr. Rockwell!
Thank YOU!!!! I'm having a blast; making these videos is so much easier than actually having to write about it.
Thanks Ken for taking the time to narrate your review in UA-cam. I like both versions, web and video, equally. You are always very practical in your suggestions!
Thanks!
Great review as always, Ken. Nice job! I like the new video format, after reading your reviews for so many years on your website.
Thank YOU!!!! You rock, thanks for reading and watching.
great review which easily outperforms many other on youtube! I'm following your reviews (from Germany) in the web since Nikon D40, meaning over 10 years. Your databases, expertise and tests are highly valued for buying decisions. I still own the SB-400 for my P7800, the 5D, 40D, and T5i.
Thanks for the overall excited journey..
Thank you. Just getting started here.
Thanks Ken, Your reviews and materials on Nikon are always great and highly informative. Not to over state the case, but truthfully your informative camera reviews changed my life. I moved out of the dark ages from a Nikon N90 to a Nikon D3300 in 2014 - due in part to your wisdom - and was blown away! Since that time I upgraded to a D7100, bought my wife a D3200, and upgraded myself to a D500. Asa result of all these changes I've been able to revive my photography skills from earlier years and became a professional portrait photographer. While as of today I no longer shoot professionally, I do lots of shooting of pets and dog sports. Today shooting is no longer as much about gear but about proper technique and composition. The portrait company I worked for still shoots DX with D7100's and 18-140mm lenses, getting fantastic results! Anyway, your expertise along the way have been a huge benefit for me. Keep up the good work. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks Jeffery!!!!
Got me a D3100 with a 35mm f1.8 about 7 years ago, because of the review on your site. Still very happy with it, thanks!
Yip, it’s the same camera. The D3000 was horrible, and ever since the D3100 Nikon got it right. Thanks!
I throughly enjoyed this review, personally I loved the way you narrated your videos, keep it up :D
Thanks HK!
Great to see you on you tube, Ken! I had a D40 and learned how to use it through your website. Now I shoot professionally and still check your website before buying gear.
And that D40 was a terrific camera!
Please keep the vids coming.
Thank YOU!!! D3500 users guide video coming.
James Parkhill , I had a D40, terrific camera, I miss the CCD image output. So I bought a D200 mint, last serious CCD camera.
Asked for a D40 for Christmas because of your reviews...sparked a decade plus long love of photography. That D40 is still working great too. Thank you for your great work over the years.
Mine, too! Thanks!
Great complement to your reviews in your web, is great to listen to you : )
Thank you !
Ken I love your reviews I have been following you and using your page since my introduction to photography in 2009.
Thank you!!!!!!!!
@Ken Rockwell I bought my Nikon D40 and learned most of the basics from your page. Been moving forward ever since. I have shared your page with everyone I know that wants to learn.
10:31 Ken you're absolutely right! I do love this camera bigtime! I love it all the more since it's probably the last entry-level DSLR ever (at least from Nikon). Beautiful little thing. Wouldn't have bought it if it weren't for your splendid review! Best regards!
Thank you!
You, Sir, are a great inspiration to listen to! Thank you so much for this fascinating Review! Although I've bought the same camera, but still have and love the D200 that is altogether a different beast in settings... yet as it goes for the D3500, the 24.2 Mp sensor and the two kit lens (18-55 mm and 70-300 mm) included in the bundle are, for me, better and more than enough (at least for now).
Thanks!!
Good to see you on UA-cam (well, your hands at least!). Best sort out the sound consistency btw.
Crappy audio? No kidding! I’m just playing for now - all about content rather than polish.
Best of luck with your UA-cam channel Ken.
Thanks Mike!
Ken, I absolutely love your website and have just found you on UA-cam. I bought my first DSLR a couple of years ago, a Nikon D5500, which I love and which is similar to the D3500 but with the addition of a touchscreen. Could you say a few words on UA-cam about the D5500? Thanks for being the best, most down to earth, helpful, photographer, reviewer, teacher on the planet for us amateur enthusiast photographers.
Some day, next time I get my hands on one. Happy New Year and thanks!
holy shit man, i love the way you explain this, no bullshit cutting straight to the point. thank you. i will for sure be getting this now. thank you.
I’m all about to the point. No time for bs. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV yw man. Keep up with the grest videos! 💯
great review, very informative...thank you.
Thank YOU!!!!
I used to be a professional photographer from 2013 to 2017. I owned some of the best Canon cameras and lenses (1D4,5DIII, 6D, 7D, even the 1DX for a short period of time; 70-200 2.8 IS II L, 135 F2 L, 85 1.2 L, 50 1.2 L, MP-E 65 macro, 24-70 L I and II etc.). Then, I got into a business that is more related to my university formation, so I had to quit photography and I consequently sold all my equipment. But, I still love photography and I will always do so.
Last month, on Black Friday, I got an amazing offer for a D3500 + 18-55 VR + 70-300 VR kit. A friend of mine, owner of a photography store, sold me that kit for just 200 euros (brand new, with a 4-year Nikon Italy warranty!). Just irresistible.
So, after almost 3 years without using a DSLR, here we go again. Not a Canon anymore, but a Nikon, not a professional product, but an entry-level one. I was quite scared about that, it sounded like a huge regress for me. But I changed my mind.
This D3500 is just amazing for an entry-level product: great high-ISO management, stunning image quality, great battery life, great ergonomics, decent AF system... ok, it’s not so good for videos, but my iPhone 11 is just amazing for that and a lot more manageable. And God, those two cheap plastic lenses are just stunning … the best 18-55 I ever tried and that 70-300 VR is just unbelievable for being a low-end super telephoto lens (except for the plastic mount which I really hate). AF is ultra-fast and silent, VR works incredibly well and boy, they are razor sharp lenses.
Sure, a pro camera is still a pro camera and a pro lens is still a pro lens, and there’s no need for further explanation. The point is that Nikon has done a such a great job on these entry-level products that they can amaze even someone used with Pro-level equipment, and that’s great. This D3500 is perfect not only for beginners, but even for prosumers and (why not) for professionals when there’s no need for “pro” features. Yes, it sounds a little bit of an exaggeration, but if you think about it, there are a lot of scenarios in which a DSLR like the D3500 offers just everything you need.
I’m really glad to see that you like this little camera as well. Kenrockwell.com has always been my main
reference point and guide. I’m so happy that you decided to go on UA-cam too. YOU ARE A LEGEND.
Greetings from Italy.
PS I just added a 35 1.8G DX and a 50 1.8G to my new collection. Great lenses for a great price.
THANKS! Don't forget the classics: www.kenrockwell.com/tech/pro-camera.htm
Just subscribed Ken. The least I could do after years of so much good advice and humour too. I upgraded from film to d200 years ago and am ready to upgrade again. The d3500 looks a good candidate!
D3500 is a great little camera, but you’ll have to get it used. Look at this special today on the Canon T7 www.adorama.com/icat7k.html
I have never bought new anyway! I have spent hours reviewing cameras and suffered a few you tubers with crappy music back to front hats, tattoos, over the top presentation etc. Grumpy old man? Not me lol
Yes the 800d looks good too...
Great review...thank you!
Thank YOU!
KEN!!! So excited to have you on UA-cam! I've been using your website as a resource for my film photography for some time. Quick question, though. Are you still recommending the D800E in 2019? Thoughts?
Sure, D800E is a great camera. D850 just more refined, same camera underneath.
A great review!
Thank you!
very good ken. thanks
Thank YOU!!!!
Ken what lense would you get for shooting sports with some video within 200’ ? Thanks again
I currently use the kit lenses but they don’t work to well in low light and at night
This one is superb www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp.htm otherwise your choice of 70-200/2.8 might work better in low light www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80-200mm-history.htm the newest www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-200mm-f28-fl.htm is the best, while older used ones work almost as well form much less money www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-200mm-f4.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70200vr.htm etc
Excellent review, as always. For the next one I wish you'd put the camera on a ballhead or something. With your hands twisting and turning quite rapidly the small camera in close-up, people might get a bit dizzy watching it. And those fast movements in addition to ambient light reflections on the back screen might tire out the spectator's eyes.
Sorry. That’s why I have ultra high resolution studio shots on my website.
This appeals to me and reminds me of my old D40 I still have.I have better camera bodies now but really miss my D5600. The photos were great including Birds in flight. Great focus even on budget Nikons. Still enjoy your Photography knowledge and tips 12 years on 👍
Yes! The D3500 is the current iteration of Nikon putting everything they know into a small, light and inexpensive camera that just works. Thanks!
finally you are on youtube!
Yip, took my kids to get me here. Thanks!
Ken, you’re a God-given gift for photographers!
I use a D200 and a D7100 for digital and a Pentax ME for film. Now, I have 2 K-mount lenses that I totally love, a 135mm f/2.5 Takumar and a 55mm f/1.2 Porst. Is there any way I could use them on my Nikon DSLRs? Anyone? Thank you guys in advance! And have a better new year all of you!
Yes and no. You can get adapters from K to F rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5574731834&toolid=10001&campid=5336071501&customid=&icep_uq=Pentax K to Nikon F adapter&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg but they can't focus to infinity, or need internal glass optics to do that that make the sharpness poor. They do adapt great to mirrorless, but not to Nikon F SLR. Thanks for asking!
Ken Rockwell , thank you for your quick reply! I’d like to use those lenses for portraits, so I guess I don’t need infinity focus anyway. Happy new year!
Hi Ken, I have a question for you if you don't mind me asking. I asked a similar question under another video as well.
My budget is very limited. I have been researching the Nikon D3500 and it seems like a great starter DSLR and the price is right where I need it to be. As of only a few hours ago plans have changed. There is a chance I can get the PENTAX K-70 on an interest free installment plan.
It will cost me more long term but at least I don't have to shell out the full price right away.
Should I just stick with my plan to buy the D3500 anyway or start my hobby with the K-70? The K-70 looks like it has some issues with images turning out black after so many months or a year of use? Should this be something to worry about? Or should I just consider the D3500 as a long term camera? There won't be many opportunity's for camera upgrades in the near future for me so now I don't know what to do with this new development.
I may just go with the D3500 anyway. I don't know. What do you think?
Get the Nikon, even a used D3400 or older if you need to save more money (just avoid the D3000, but D3100 and newer are great). Forget Pentax, they are way behind. Pentax is as relevant in the DSLR and digital camera world today as cassette audio tape players in cars. Pentax just never had the budget or sales volume in digital to keep up. If you love Pentax, stick to what they do well: sport optics and used medium format film cameras. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Hey, Ken, thank you! Another UA-camr said the same about Pentax and I already kind of knew that so maybe I will stick with my original plan and get the D3500 because it seems more future proof and availability of kit/lenses will always be there.
I liked your cassette analogy. I still have my 8 track player that I bought in the seventies but of course rarely use it. Hah. I was more or less looking for some basic info before jumping into the DSLR world from the 35 mm film world.
Have a great weekend, Ken.
Hello Ken, thank you for the great content. Your website review influenced me to buy the Nikon D3500. I use it to shoot small weddings and events. I have noticed the kit lens is very good. Which other lens would you recommend I upgrade to. Budget 500 dollars
What’s wrong with the 18-55? It’s extraordinary! You might like the 35/1.8 for low light www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35mm-f18.htm or get a longer zoom (18-140, 18-200, 18-300 etc) if and only if you need it. Also the new 70-300 is awesome www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300mm-vr-afp.htm, but Only if 55mm isn’t long enough.
@@KenRockwellTV thank you very much. I love the 18 to 55. I will get the 35mm for low light.
I’d love your opinion on this camera too what were you using before ?
@@scottwesterman221 I was using the Nikon D3300. It was a very good camera for 350 dollars. The price has since gone upto 600 dollars. For that price, also consider the Nikon D5600
@@MELAVINKING how do you find the auto focus ? Is the image quality good enough too ? So many wedding/event photographers will only shoot/recommend full frame cameras.
Thanks
Hi, I’m really new to photography, would you say this is great for £300 plus a non vr lens, I’m so new that I don’t know what cameras are good or not. The reviews I’ve seen of this are pretty good
It comes free with the fantastic 18-55 VR AF-P for $397 USD with the 70-300mm, too: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1484747-REG/nikon_d3500_dslr_camera_with.html/BI/287/KBID/1037
Ken is a one off. No-one else in the camera media is as helpfully no-nonsense. I appreciate the theme that photos are ALL to do with your skill, not the hardware, provided the hardware delivers image quality, which this camera does. Everything else is a mixture of overkill or obsession with tech, and maybe a bit of convenience or snobbery. It doesn't take much of a brain to work out that image quality is reliant on two main things: a decent lens and a decent sensor. Everything else is white noise produced by manufacturers and slavishly followed by nerds. Long live the D3500!
I must add that I am sick and tired of photography review websites describing the D3500, patronisingly, as a "beginner's" camera. Actually, because it doesn't have all the convenience and hand holding "features" of far more expensive cameras, that makes it anything but. It's a fantastic piece of kit with basic controls. That doesn't make it "amateur", nor does it diminish the image quality. The whole photographic world is full to the brim of geeks who sit in front of silly desks telling us we MUST buy absurdly expensive gear that has nothing to do with taking decent pictures.
I had no problem licensing an image I shot on my 2006 Nikon D40 to a huge corporation for $4,000. It’s never the camera, always the photographer. Thanks!
Yes agreed... It's a terminology that seems to have crept in over the past decade or so... Pointless and as you say, patronising.
Hi there, Ken! Re: 7:26 - how do you check DoF in LV? I tried to increase/decrease the aperture in each and every manual mode (PASM) in live view but changing the F value does NOT affect the scene on the LCD one bit. Please help.
There should be an fn button you program to “preview.” Press that. Also, depending on the light, the Z may already be stopped down. I’m always having to look back into my lens to see if the diaphragm is stopped down.
@@KenRockwellTV D3500 doesn't have an Fn button, unlike D3400, sadly. Anyhow, I checked it and it turns out you can't actually check your depth of field in LiveView, as in: changing the aperture value does nothing to the image on the screen, even when you zoom (+ button) all the way in. Unfortunately, every time you want to preview your DoF in LV you have to set the desired F stop beforehand, prior to switching to LV. But I guess it's not that big of a deal. Would be nice to have that option but then again it's not a dealbreaker. Still a fantastic camera!
nice review mr ken
Thank you!
Great review, but Dude.... How much coffee did you drink first?
I’m naturally this fast when it comes to boring stuff like UA-cam reviews. Wanna get it done and get outta here - no BS and to the point.
cool review I SUBSCRIBED
Thanks!
I have one of these and I love it, but Im looking at getting the Oshiro 135mm lens, is it compatible with my Nikon D3500 ?
Never heard of Oshiro. I only use camera brand lenses. Avoid everything else. Thanks!
Hi there Ken,
What do you mean "lens for free"? Body-only options are like 100$ cheaper, at least where I live. Also, I noticed there's a bit of a time gap between your standard kit Nikon and Canon lenses which warrants my question: which one would you suggest is sharper corner-to-corner today in 2020? 18-55G Nikkor AF-P VR? Or perhaps Canon 18-55 1:4.0-5.6 STM IS? Thanks in advance.
I’ve found the Nikon 18-55s more universally sharp over the years compared to Canon 18-55, but everything is so sharp today that’s the last factor about which you should worry.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks a lot. Coupled with your splendid review of d3500, this makes me lean toward the Nikon. Would love to just stay with my Sony a3000 (probably cheapest and most basic APS-C sized camera ever) but unfortunately there are no affordable quality E mount lenses, and the Sony 18-55 kit lens is nowhere near that of Nikon or Canon when it comes to sharpness.
www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/sony/e-18-55mm-f3.5-5.6-oss-sel1855/review/
That settles it. Nikon it is :-)
but if you wanted to do serious photography work, portraits, landscapes etc do you think a budget dslr is better than a budget mirrorless camera like the A6000 ?
Pictures are the same. Dslr vs Mirrorless Cameras are completely different. When you do this for a living you realize the biggest differences are in how easy it is to get the image with one camera or another. Thanks!
I am using Nikon D100, D50, D3000 because i love those CCD sensors. Images are tack sharp when paired with the latest 18-55mm VR II and 55-200mm VR II.
Thanks! Newer cameras (sinc3 2007) are even better.
@@KenRockwellTV Indeed, D3500 is tempting, even lighter than so many mirrorless cameras out there!
I’ve had this for five years now and like it a lot. Two things on this thing would make me happy as a pig in mud- a second command dial, and a real penta-prism. Otherwise, very few negatives. Awesome camera.
Thanks!
Hey Ken, would you say there is a significant weight difference between this and a D5600?
D3500: 14.6 oz/415g with battery and card. D5600: 16.3 oz./463g with battery and card. Not significant to me, only about 10%. Thanks!
My first experience with the D3000 series was the D3100 back in 2010 and I wasn’t a huge fan. But the D3300 and later models have all been superb entry level DSLRs. Nowhere else can you get such a high level of image quality for such a modest investment.
Exactly, D3000 was Nikon's worst DSLR ever, and I LOVE my D3300. THANKS!
@@KenRockwellTV Is it worth upgrading from a D3000 to a D3500 for image quality purposes? Or it mostly just fixes the D3000's slow performance issues?
My wife bought me this camera for Christmas, I'm glad she did her research cause she picked a great camera!
Happy New Year and thanks!
Ken loved you work since d40 days, im moving away from a sony a6500 to a nikon DSLR again, cause it rubish!! What you think 5600 or 3500 for a basic shooter?????
I’d skip DSLRs, they’re obsolete. Nikon Z50 is a cool little camera www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm; get it with the 16-50 or 18-140mm and you’re done - or go Canon R series. Thanks!
@KenRockwellTV a d50 from 2005 ??? Can you check that number thanks
I said Z50 - but I'd go Canon R50 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r50.htm instead or similar depending on what you're trying to do @@andyscott0
@kenrockwell would you choose this camera over a Sony A6000 ? if so why ?
Totally different kinds of cameras. I think most people might prefer the a6000 which I think costs more.
@@KenRockwellTV but if you wanted to do serious photography work, portraits, landscapes etc do you think a budget dslr is better than a budget mirrorless camera like the ones mentioned?
I personally don't like noise over ISO 1600 on this camera. The way you change ISO on this camera is messy. Video is a bit of an issue, but if you will edit it, you will be able to get shots in manual focus for few seconds, and it will look alright(60fps in 1080 will give you a slow-mo option). Forget the auto-focus on this camera, it loses the subject easy(pro video is manual focus anyway). Also AF on pictures is not really usable for me. I would recommend you use single point and learn where to focus, you will get awesome results. I got this on great deal as well, anyone who wants to get into DSLRs this camera is really good and affordable. Also the lenses are great as mentioned by others here. Love your site and great to see that you also put out videos here.
Thanks! Works great for me.
excellent, very clear sharp video , could you also do canon M 50, canon SL3 , canon EOS R OR could you do video like how to master manual mode or camera mode , how you take great pictures in general, for some reason , all of your pictures on your web site look sharp, very colorful and pleasing, you must have secret sauce on how to take great picture, please share your picture taking method with us on youtube
Some day. Thanks!
Hi Ken! Would you still think it is a good camera option in 2024 for beginner?
Yes, it's cheap and works GREAT if you can find one, usually used. Today I'd look at the Canon EOS R50 as current, inexpensive and advanced camera sold new www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r50.htm
Can you setup iso 160 in manual mode on this camera?
Yes. Thanks!
Is it good for capturing moving animals like fish splashing and flying birds
Yes, it's pretty fast to focus. Thanks!
Hey Ken, thanks for you're great work! I'm tryng to find a cheap 18-200 lens with autofocus for this camera but I'm struggling with it... I'm not familiar with the Nikon system and it's impossibile for me to figure out out some exact lens around this focal range, I was looking at sigma but I'm not sure It it can be used with AF.
Sigma is junk. Only use Nikon lenses or you’ll lose much of the performance for which you pay. Here’s the 18-200 kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-200mm-ii.htm and today most people prefer the 18-300 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-300mm-vr.htm
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks a lot for the reply! The autofocus will work on the D3500 even with the version one of the 18-200 VR I?
Persona yes, the D3500 autofocuses with all AF-S lenses, which includes both versions of the 18-200. As you’ve noticed, both versions are the same other than the zoom lock on the newer version.
@@KenRockwellTV thanks a lot Ken! You've helped me a lot. Now and a ton of other times :)
I purchased this last year, I do wish they made a remote shutter release, but otherwise I'm ok with it. I do wish it has a pentaprism rather than the mirror, cost is a factor for me. I had been thinking of going mirrorless but found that Nikon's smaller DSLR's were quite a bit cheaper.
Yes, these baby dslrs are steals. I forget offhand today on Christmas, but I suspect the d3500 lets you use a free app as a remote. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV I chose this model based on what you said on your website.And yes the app is usable, but I hate carrying around a smartphone when I used to have remotes that are the size of thumb drives.
Excellent... I wonder if you do Pentax reviews? That would be great
I do, see www.kenrockwell.com/pentax/index.htm pentax’ best days were the 1970s. They fell behind with autofocus, and their digital camera feel like they’re 20 years behind the times. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV thanks for your feedback.. I really appreciate it
I keep hearing people say that mirror less cameras only have 300 odd shot batteries. 🤔 I have an Olympus O-MD E-M10 and I have taken over 1000 images on 1 battery.
Back in 2013 you only got a couple of hundred shots per charge. Modem Mirrorless does much better.
It is okey if i pair it with sigma art 18-35 f1.8 lens?
No. Sigma makes junky lenses that probably won’t still be working well after ten years. They’re sort of throw aways. If money is tight, I always buy used Nikon over new Tamron or Sigma. Thanks!
SIGMA lenses are excellent.
Very fast , sharp and produces high quality pictures. 👍🇮🇳
Would you recommend this over the cannon rebel t6?
Its all personal preference. If you love Canon, go Canon, if not, I tend to prefer the little Nikons and the full-frame Canons.
Ken Rockwell thank you for the advice! I went with the Nikon. Great review👍🏻
Brill. One thing to be aware of, Ken, is that your voice constantly goes in and out, muffling, as you turn away to read whatever review notes you're reading, talking into your shirt/sholder, hehe.
God bless you Sir!
Thanks for catching this. Fixed in newer videos.
Hi Ken,
Thanks to your website I purchased the D90 in 2008 with the 18-200VR.
I love your website because unlike most tech websites, yours is not outrageously biased to the most expensive product.
Right now I'm considering replacing my D90 and after checking your web I thing that the D3500 could be the right camera because it is so cheap here (200€ for the body).
My biggest concern is the lack of the second wheel for adjusting aperture on M mode. I saw that this can be achieved by holding a push button and rotating the shutter wheel but I'm not sure if this will be very convienient. I can live without the LCD, as I have the info on the viewfinder.
The lack of automatic sensor cleaning is also a concern.
I would also like your oppinion if you don't mind in a couple of things:
-Is it worth replacing the 18-200 (first gen) by the 18-300 (second gen)? I would have to pay around 200-300€ for the upgrade.
-I want a low light lens for night photo as the 18-200 is not very good at night. I read that for DX cameras the 35mm f1.8 is better than the 50mm f1.4 (and also lighter and cheaper!) Does the 0.4 stop really make a difference? (Considering I have the focal lenght of both covered on the 18-200, the purchase would only be based on low light performance per dollar)
Thanks!
The two 18-200s are the same. Get the 35/1.8, easier to hold at slower speeds than 50mm.
@@KenRockwellTV thanks!
Nothing at all wrong with the review, but I had to laugh 2.25 secs into the video when you were discussing battery life, and that it 1,500 shots would last weeks! That battery life wouldn't last me two days with the amount of photos I take! LOL I am an AVID photographer though! Still a great review!
If you shoot that much you’d get even more shots on a charge. Stopping to play the LCD burns more power than just keeping on shooting.
My D40 must be same age,need this to replace.
Yip, this is the current version of 2006’s D40. Thanks!
I just found your site & channel after getting a D3000 the other day. I was horrified to read that the D3000 was the worst DSLR Nikon has ever made. 😮
I'm a photography n00b and paid $100 for the camera with the (non VR) 18-55 II-ED, 55-200 ED lenses, plus all other things in the kit including case. Hope I did OK. 😀
Great site and I'll binge your videos.
Edit: Corrected lens type to 18-55.
For $100 you got a steal. When I reviews it it was a whole lot more. The photos are great, but the internal procsssor takes too darn long for impatient shooters like me to wait. You did great
@@KenRockwellTV
Phew... ☺
Now it's time to learn what all the 'stuff' in the camera can do.
I'm just a regular Point-Shoot / Cell Phone photographer.
The only problem I have with my D3200 is that doesn't not have HSS🙁But is perfect, I don't like to call it an entry camera, is pro for me with the correct lens.
Ps:Mine has sensor cleaner, is terrible that this one doesn't have it
I forget since I never use HSS, but I believe that’s a feature which is in your flash, not the camera. If it’s important, investigate a better on-camera flash. Thanks!
My flash has HSS but my camera doesn't support it, is about the shutter curtain of the camera. I understand that both have to be compatible, but if no that would be great.
Love your positivity about missing stuff. :) I am however not that positive and are at least very confused by everything Nikon is doing with this line in past 6 years or so. Feels like Nikon pulled out few features with every new edition starting with d3300. My old d3200 had mic jack, gps, optional wifi, flash sync, fn button, sensor cleaning, clean hdmi and image looked litle bit more natural in my opinion without that fake sharpness caused by removing Anti-aliasing filter. I know they all strugling with money and smartphones are eating them alive, but arent they supose to push even harder specially on this level of custumers that are spoiled with alien tech on their smartphones?
I agree, personally I prefer my D3300, but you can't buy those new today. After shooting Nikon since 1983 I've come to realize that why I whine about what they take out in each model, there is more news stuff that goes in, like Bluetooth. Too bad I don't use bluetooth; SnapBridge is a dog.
@@KenRockwellTV I bought D3500 because D3200 was my first camera. So i got litle sentimental when i got one very cheap. I must say that this is much nicer to hold and more pleasure to use then my Sony a6300. Plus that i have like 4 batteries for that Sony but just one for this one and you honestly do not need any more. Love it so far for taking photos. Cheers!
Ken, are you a Nikon or Canon man?
I shot other cameras before, but went to Ricoh medium format in 1971 at age 9. Shot Minolta from 1973 (age 11). Converted to Nikon in 1984 (sold Minolta) and still shoot it today. Made the upgrade to LEICA in 2008 when the M9 cost less than the price-bloated D3X. Went to Canon in 2012 when the 5DMk III was so much better than the D810, hallelujah. Made the ultimate upgrade to Hasselblad in 2015. I shoot whatever I shoot based in what I’m shooting and where. For a small, inexpensive DSLRs the Nikons have always been my favorites. For full frame it’s Canon, and of course I always have my iPhone and Fuji X100F. When you do this for a living you use whatever tool makes it easiest to get what you need, and the cost of cameras is much less than the capital investment in most other businesses. Get what you need.
My mom is still happily and successfully using her d3000, I’ve been offering to buy her a new camera for years ha ( I’m a D810 user myself)
She’s tough! As you’ll see I crowned the D3000 as Nikons worst DSLR ever, a brown crown which it still wears to this day. Thanks!
Ken Rockwell I absolutely remember reading that review of yours ha!! I am SERIOUSLY considering buying her a d700 ( less than $400 used on BH) or a D7100 for her birthday
Even with my Sony A7RIV, I still find the budget Nikons more fun to shoot honestly
Because they are! They are better designed and much less gets in the way between you and a great picture than with the clumsy Sonys.
@@KenRockwellTV absolutely. Sony for the spec sheet, Nikon and Canon and Fuji for the fun of it :)
Although I moved on and shoot 600mm f4's and D810/D3/D4/D5's now, I have to give this series credit because a D3200 was the camera that really brought me into photography all the way back in 2012. I think this is still a worthy entrance into real cameras, together with maybe a used D3 and a 50 1.8D.
Thanks!
*Interesting review:* I have the older D3200 with 18-105mm zoom. I didn't ask for it; the camera was an unwanted gift for somebody else, passed on to me several years ago. The written review for the D3200 looks rather accurate (kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3200.htm). The D3200 does include a socket for an external microphone, BTW. My own recommendation for anybody who gets one of these (for whatever reason) is there is no need to get anything else until it breaks, and that might be a very long time. The worst thing about these cameras is the manual, which is the length of a short novel, and will kill all interest in photography before the reader reaches page 18.
I love the 3200. Great camera. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Agreed, I got lucky there with my unsolicited D3200.
Sort the sound out Ken ..echo and harsh ..interesting to hear your voice slow down a touch
A lavalier microphone would be great.
@@matiaserp I tried my Sennheiser and I didn't like it as much. Thanks! I know the audio id choppy at best
Try Settings > Playback Speed > 0.5. As a native New Yorker I have things to do and need to get outta here and make real money and shoot rather than sit around talking about it, so I just go my natural speed since it's easy to slow it down if you prefer.
Does this completely different video sound better? ua-cam.com/channels/I5j_awvFmHbB_pP-eZhFlw.html
Ken, know your competition on youtube - you need to talk and address your audience as humans, which means don't talk fast like you have done a line of cocaine, show your face and address people calmly and with more integrity. There are PLENTY of channels here doing the same thing, fro knows photo for example, who don't talk like salesman and more like humans addressing their audience face to face, in a much warmer way. I love your website and I want you to be successful, just my input Ken.
A you can see, I'm just playing around learning and screwing up for now. Thanks for watching; it's only going to get better.
I will say the kit lenses for this camera are shite, there is now no front function button so to change iso is a ball ache. Sensor is good but the metering and focusing are very average. The viewfinder is truly awful hence the price but as a camera It can produce good pictures, your average modern smart phone is probably better. Buy a prime lens, 35mm is a lot sharper, make sure your white balance is correct and shoot in RAW & Fine, you should be able to make a better job in RAW than the onboard processors ability to produce a decent jpeg. I will be upgrading to a D500 and better glass as a matter of urgency as I'm pissed off with average results. If you want to have a look at some pictures taken with his camera then look at my Instagram page davegeorge112
Thanks! For the price, I love it. More per dollar.
your images look fine, Lol. I'm getting the D3500 for astronomy/sky/and deep sky use (deep sky will be through my telescope obv). as I am on a tight budget.
you need to enhanced the audio for your videos. Hope you decide to stay at youtube.
You're telling me! Working on that.