• APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon 70D advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
    19 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Less shutter lag
    0.07 vs 0.21 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More AF points
    19 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.7 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    6.7 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D3500 advantages over Canon 70D

  • Less expensive
    $597 vs $999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 920 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    6 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    615g vs 1233g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 65 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
  • 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
  • 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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  • Kit with 18-55mm VR lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm VR and 70-300mm lenses
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Review Excerpt

  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers full-time continuous autofocus (with phase detect at every pixel in framing area) for video and Live View still shooting; Full HD (1080p) video recording with pro-level features and quality; Improved resolution and good high ISO performance; Excellent Wi-Fi remote shooting with full exposure controls; 3-inch articulating LCD touchscreen.

  • Image quality only improved slightly over 60D; Dynamic range still lags behind competing models; May not feature enough upgrades to convince people to step up from 60D.

  • Read our Canon 70D 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 D7100

Canon 70D
Nikon D7100
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D7100

Nikon D3500
Nikon D7100
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Sony A77 II

Canon 70D
Sony A77 II
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 70D vs Sony A77 II

Nikon D3500
Sony A77 II
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony A77 II

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Canon 70D
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 70D vs Canon 7D Mark II

Nikon D3500
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon 7D Mark II

Compared to Nikon D7200

Canon 70D
Nikon D7200
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC

Compare Canon 70D vs Nikon D7200

Nikon D3500
Nikon D7200
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D7200

Compared to Canon SL2

Canon 70D
Canon SL2
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Canon 70D vs Canon SL2

Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL2

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