• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 32.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D3500 advantages over Canon 90D

  • Less expensive
    $597 vs $1349
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 3.23 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    615g vs 1216g
    Lighter weight
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 57 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon 90D advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More telephoto lens reach
    216 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Less shutter lag
    0.13 vs 0.21 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    32.5 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    45 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    27 vs 13 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 90D

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality for its class; Excellent high ISO performance for APS-C; Fast single-shot AF speeds; Compact, easy to use design; Incredible value at under $500 with lens.

  • 11-point AF system feels out-dated; Underwhelming C-AF performance; Below average viewfinder coverage accuracy; No touchscreen; Limited wireless features.

  • Highest resolution Canon APS-C camera yet; Great image quality; Faster 10fps burst shooting; Very fast autofocus; Dual Pixel CMOS AF in Live View; 4K video; 1080p120 slow-mo video.

  • Low-pass filter reduces fine detail from high-res sensor; High ISO performance isn't as good as some rival cameras; Video recording limited to 29:59.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 80D

Nikon D3500
Canon 80D
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Canon 90D
Canon 80D
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D3500
Nikon D3400
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Longer video battery life
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Canon 90D
Nikon D3400
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D7500

Nikon D3500
Nikon D7500
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $947
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Canon 90D
Nikon D7500
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $947
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Canon 90D
Canon SL2
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compared to Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
Canon 90D
Canon SL3
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
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