• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon SL2 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
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.08 vs 0.21 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D3500 advantages over Canon SL2

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 650 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 22 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    13 vs 5 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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

  • Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.

  • Read our Canon SL2 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 D3400

Canon SL2
Nikon D3400
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D3400

Nikon D3500
Nikon D3400
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Longer video battery life
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D3400

Compared to Nikon D5600

Canon SL2
Nikon D5600
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D5600

Nikon D3500
Nikon D5600
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600

Compared to Canon T7i

Canon SL2
Canon T7i
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More AF points

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon T7i

Nikon D3500
Canon T7i
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7i

Compared to Canon T7

Canon SL2
Canon T7
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $439
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon T7

Nikon D3500
Canon T7
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $439
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7

Compared to Canon SL3

Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SL2 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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