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

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D3500 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Less expensive
    $597 vs $899
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Canon T8i 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
  • 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
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More AF points
    45 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon T8i
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All T8i 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

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D3500
Nikon D3400
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Longer video battery life
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D3400

Canon T8i
Nikon D3400
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D3400

Compared to Nikon D5600

Nikon D3500
Nikon D5600
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1032
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600

Canon T8i
Nikon D5600
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1032
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D5600

Compared to Pentax KP

Nikon D3500
Pentax KP
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Pentax KP

Canon T8i
Pentax KP
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Pentax KP

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL2

Canon T8i
Canon SL2
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon SL2

Compared to Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

Canon T8i
Canon SL3
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon SL3

Compare Other Cameras?