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

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Differences

Nikon D3500 advantages over Canon EOS M50 II

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More telephoto lens reach
    83 mm vs 72 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon EOS M50 II advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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
  • Newer
    4 years vs 6 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • 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

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

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
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Buy the Canon EOS M50 II
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 15-45mm & 55-200mm Lenses
  • Kit with 15-45mm Lens
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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

The Competition

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 EOS M50 II
Nikon D5600
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon EOS M50 II vs Nikon D5600

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 EOS M50 II
Canon SL2
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon EOS M50 II vs Canon SL2

Compared to Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

Canon EOS M50 II
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon EOS M50 II vs Canon SL3

Compared to Fujifilm X-T200

Nikon D3500
Fujifilm X-T200
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Fujifilm X-T200

Canon EOS M50 II
Fujifilm X-T200
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon EOS M50 II vs Fujifilm X-T200

Compared to Nikon Z 30

Nikon D3500
Nikon Z 30
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon Z 30

Canon EOS M50 II
Nikon Z 30
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Newer

Compare Canon EOS M50 II vs Nikon Z 30

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