• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Fujifilm X-A5 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $499 vs $597
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer video battery life
    90 vs 75 minutes
    Capture more video
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    40 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    23 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.8 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.7 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D3500 advantages over Fujifilm X-A5

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 3.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 450 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    83 mm vs 68 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Less shutter lag
    0.21 vs 0.33 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • 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 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X-A5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3500

Review Excerpt

  • Impressive overall image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Very good dynamic range from RAW files; Full HD video at 60 fps; Good battery life.

  • Slower-than-average AF speed; 4K video capped at 15fps; Very slow startup to first shot time with new power-zoom kit lens; Sluggish single-shot cycle times.

  • 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.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-A3

Fujifilm X-A5
Fujifilm X-A3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
Nikon D3500
Fujifilm X-A3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon EOS M6

Fujifilm X-A5
Canon EOS M6
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $399
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC
Nikon D3500
Canon EOS M6
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $399
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon SL2

Fujifilm X-A5
Canon SL2
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon EOS M100

Fujifilm X-A5
Canon EOS M100
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC
Nikon D3500
Canon EOS M100
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon SL3

Fujifilm X-A5
Canon SL3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
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