• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon J2 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    395g vs 615g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D3500 advantages over Nikon J2

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/200 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

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
All D3500 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 J1

Nikon J2
Nikon J1
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $500
  • 1 inch

Compare Nikon J2 vs Nikon J1

Nikon D3500
Nikon J1
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon J1

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J2
Nikon J3
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon J2 vs Nikon J3

Nikon D3500
Nikon J3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J2
Nikon S1
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch

Compare Nikon J2 vs Nikon S1

Nikon D3500
Nikon S1
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon S1

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon J2
Canon SL2
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon J2 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

Nikon J2
Canon SL3
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection

Compare Nikon J2 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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