Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3500

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Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3500

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APS-H 518.9mm²
16.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Canon 1D Mark IV Review.
See real-world photos taken with the 1D Mark IV.

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

Go in depth with our full Nikon D3500 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D3500 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D3500.
Compare Nikon D3500 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D3500 conclusion.

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Differences

Canon 1D Mark IV advantages over Nikon D3500

Larger sensor
APS-H vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 5.70 vs 3.92 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
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
39 vs 1
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
Pentaprism viewfinder
Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
Less shutter lag
0.10 vs 0.21 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
More AF points
45 vs 11
More AF points improve autofocus
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster JPEG shooting
9.9 fps vs 5.1 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
Higher extended ISO
102400 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D3500 advantages over Canon 1D Mark IV

Less expensive
$597 vs $1900*
Save money for lenses or accessories
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Newer
6 years vs 15 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
More pixels
24.2 vs 16.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Bigger JPEG buffer
100 vs 46 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
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
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D3500 User Reviews

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Buy the Canon 1D Mark IV

Body Only

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Buy the Nikon D3500

Kit with 18-55mm VR lens

Kit with 18-55mm VR lens
Kit with 18-55mm VR and 70-300mm lenses

All D3500 Deals

Review Excerpt

Read our Canon 1D Mark IV Full Review

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.
Read our Nikon D3500 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Canon 1D Mark IV

Nikon D3X

$1900
APS-H

More cross-type AF points
Shoots 1080p video

$2500
35mm

Larger sensor
Fast startup

Compare Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3X

Nikon D3500

Nikon D3X

$709
APS-C

Built-in Bluetooth
Internal flash

$2500
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D3X

Compared to Nikon D3S

Canon 1D Mark IV

Nikon D3S

$1900
APS-H

External Mic Jack
Shoots 1080p video

$5200
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3S

Nikon D3500

Nikon D3S

$709
APS-C

Built-in Bluetooth
Internal flash

$5200
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D3S

Compared to Canon 7D

Canon 1D Mark IV

Canon 7D

$1900
APS-H

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$1499
APS-C

Less expensive
Internal flash

Compare Canon 1D Mark IV vs Canon 7D

Nikon D3500

Canon 7D

$709
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

$1499
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach
Top deck display

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon 7D

Compared to Canon SL2

Canon 1D Mark IV

Canon SL2

$1900
APS-H

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Canon 1D Mark IV vs Canon SL2

Nikon D3500

Canon SL2

$709
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL2

Compared to Canon SL3

Canon 1D Mark IV

Canon SL3

$1900
APS-H

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$632
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Canon 1D Mark IV vs Canon SL3

Nikon D3500

Canon SL3

$709
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

$632
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

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