Sony DSLR-A580 vs Nikon D3500

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Sony DSLR-A580 vs Nikon D3500

Leave Feedback

APS-C 369.7mm²
16.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Sony DSLR-A580 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the DSLR-A580.

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

Go in depth with our full Nikon D3500 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D3500 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D3500.
Compare Nikon D3500 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D3500 conclusion.

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSLR-A580 advantages over Nikon D3500

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
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
More cross-type AF points
3 vs 1
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
More AF points
15 vs 11
More AF points improve autofocus
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster JPEG shooting
7.1 fps vs 5.1 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon D3500 advantages over Sony DSLR-A580

Lens selection
Excellent vs Good
Better lens selection gives you more options
Fast startup
~0.40 vs 0.8 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

1550 vs 1050 shots
Capture more photos
Newer
6 years vs 14 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Shoots 1080p video
Yes vs No
You'll want this if you shoot video
More pixels
24.2 vs 16.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Bigger JPEG buffer
100 vs 32 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
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

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
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
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

Amazon
Adorama
Read D3500 User Reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony DSLR-A580

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

Read our Sony DSLR-A580 Full 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 Sony A55

Sony DSLR-A580

Sony A55

$900
APS-C

Higher effective ISO
Longer stills battery life

$734
APS-C

Built-in GPS
External Mic Jack

Compare Sony DSLR-A580 vs Sony A55

Nikon D3500

Sony A55

$709
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$734
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony A55

Compared to Sony A33

Sony DSLR-A580

Sony A33

$900
APS-C

Higher effective ISO
Longer stills battery life

$540
APS-C

Less expensive
External Mic Jack

Compare Sony DSLR-A580 vs Sony A33

Nikon D3500

Sony A33

$709
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$540
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony A33

Compared to Sony A35

Sony DSLR-A580

Sony A35

$900
APS-C

Tiltable Screen
Higher effective ISO

$567
APS-C

Less expensive
External Mic Jack

Compare Sony DSLR-A580 vs Sony A35

Nikon D3500

Sony A35

$709
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$567
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony A35

Compared to Canon SL2

Sony DSLR-A580

Canon SL2

$900
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Lens selection

Compare Sony DSLR-A580 vs 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

Compared to Canon SL3

Sony DSLR-A580

Canon SL3

$900
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$632
APS-C

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A580 vs 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

Compare Other Cameras?