• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Fujifilm X-T1 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    46 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.14 vs 0.21 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.77x vs 0.57x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.3 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.2 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    23 vs 13 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • 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-T1

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $597 vs $1699
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 1.4 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 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    6 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 30 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
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Fujifilm X-T1
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All X-T1 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

  • Excellent image quality; Solid, weather-sealed body; Retro design that actually makes sense in a digital camera; Very low viewfinder lag for single-servo shooting; Fast burst shooting with great buffer depths; In-camera Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Exposure compensation dial is easily bumped; Four-way controller buttons are hard to press; Significant viewfinder lag for burst shooting; No raw files above ISO 6,400; Default settings strongly limit JPEG dynamic range

  • Read our Fujifilm X-T1 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 Fujifilm X-E2

Fujifilm X-T1
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Fujifilm X-T1 vs Fujifilm X-E2

Nikon D3500
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Fujifilm X-E2

Compared to Samsung NX30

Fujifilm X-T1
Samsung NX30
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Fujifilm X-T1 vs Samsung NX30

Nikon D3500
Samsung NX30
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Samsung NX30

Compared to Fujifilm X-T10

Fujifilm X-T1
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Fujifilm X-T1 vs Fujifilm X-T10

Nikon D3500
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Fujifilm X-T10

Compared to Canon SL2

Fujifilm X-T1
Canon SL2
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Fujifilm X-T1 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

Compared to Canon SL3

Fujifilm X-T1
Canon SL3
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Fujifilm X-T1 vs Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • 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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