• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 21.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon 5D Mark II advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.41 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 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
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.71x vs 0.57x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More AF points
    15 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D3500 advantages over Canon 5D Mark II

  • Less expensive
    $597 vs $2999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 850 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    6 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    615g vs 1588g
    Lighter weight
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.1 fps vs 3.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.1 fps vs 3.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Canon 5D Mark II
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-105mm f/4 lens
All 5D Mark II Deals

Your purchases support this site

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

  • 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 5D Mark II
Nikon D3X
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More dynamic range

Compare Canon 5D Mark II 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 D600

Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D600
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 5D Mark II vs Nikon D600

Nikon D3500
Nikon D600
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D600

Compared to Canon 6D

Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 6D
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Less shutter lag
  • More AF points
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 5D Mark II vs Canon 6D

Nikon D3500
Canon 6D
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon 6D

Compared to Canon SL2

Canon 5D Mark II
Canon SL2
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Canon 5D Mark II 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 5D Mark II
Canon SL3
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Canon 5D Mark II 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

Compare Other Cameras?