• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • 35.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Fujifilm X100S 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.7 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

Nikon D3500 advantages over Fujifilm X100S

  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 1.9 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 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    6 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 153k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Less shutter lag
    0.21 vs 0.32 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.57x vs 0.50x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 16 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    13 vs 8 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X100S

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3500

Review Excerpt

  • Attractive, retro rangefinder-style design; Improved (excellent) still image quality that's even better thanks to second generation X-Trans sensor technology; Great, sharp f/2 35mm-equivalent lens; Overall better operation and performance than the X100; Addition of phase-detect pixels makes bright light autofocusing faster.

  • Low-light AF slow and inconsistent; Video quality, even at 60p, compromised by moire and lack of image stabilization; Combined four-way pad/Command dial means AF control points cumbersome to change; Too easy to bump control dials and change settings accidentally (especially the EV dial).

  • 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 X100

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
Nikon D3500
Fujifilm X100
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Integrated ND filter

Compared to Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100T
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • External Mic Jack
Nikon D3500
Fujifilm X100T
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100F
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon D3500
Fujifilm X100F
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon SL2

Fujifilm X100S
Canon SL2
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon SL3

Fujifilm X100S
Canon SL3
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
Compare Other Cameras?