Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

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Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

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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.

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

Go in depth with our full Canon SL3 Review.
How does it shoot? Canon SL3 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the SL3.

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Differences

Nikon D3500 advantages over Canon SL3

Less expensive
$597 vs $699
Save money for lenses or accessories
Larger sensor
APS-C vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

1550 vs 1070 shots
Capture more photos
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos

Canon SL3 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
External Mic Jack
Jack vs No jack
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Less shutter lag
0.09 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
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 100 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
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
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

Amazon
Adorama
Read D3500 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read SL3 User Reviews

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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

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Buy the Canon SL3

Body Only (Black)

Body Only (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm lens (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm lens (White)

All SL3 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

We haven’t finished our review of the Canon SL3, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
Read our Canon SL3 Shooter's Report

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D3500

Nikon D3400

$623
APS-C

Longer video battery life
Longer stills battery life

$497
APS-C

Less expensive

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D3400

Canon SL3

Nikon D3400

$624
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

$497
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D3400

Compared to Nikon D5600

Nikon D3500

Nikon D5600

$623
APS-C

Less expensive
Longer stills battery life

$898
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600

Canon SL3

Nikon D5600

$624
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$898
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D5600

Compared to Canon T7i

Nikon D3500

Canon T7i

$623
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

$700
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7i

Canon SL3

Canon T7i

$624
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$700
APS-C

NFC
More cross-type AF points

Compare Canon SL3 vs Canon T7i

Compared to 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

Canon SL3

Canon SL2

$624
APS-C

Shoot 4K video
Longer stills battery life

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
NFC

Compare Canon SL3 vs Canon SL2

Compared to Canon T7

Nikon D3500

Canon T7

$623
APS-C

Larger sensor
Built-in Bluetooth

$464
APS-C

Less expensive
Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7

Canon SL3

Canon T7

$624
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

$464
APS-C

Less expensive
NFC

Compare Canon SL3 vs Canon T7

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