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

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Differences

Sony NEX-5T advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    392g vs 615g
    Lighter weight
  • 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)

Nikon D3500 advantages over Sony NEX-5T

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    6 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 11 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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

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Buy the Sony NEX-5T
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 16-50mm Lens
All NEX-5T Deals

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

  • 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 NEX-3N

Sony NEX-5T
Sony NEX-3N
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Sony NEX-3N

Nikon D3500
Sony NEX-3N
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony NEX-3N

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Sony NEX-5T
Samsung NX1100
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Samsung NX1100

Nikon D3500
Samsung NX1100
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Samsung NX1100

Compared to Sony A5000

Sony NEX-5T
Sony A5000
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Internal flash

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Sony A5000

Nikon D3500
Sony A5000
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony A5000

Compared to Canon SL2

Sony NEX-5T
Canon SL2
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection

Compare Sony NEX-5T 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

Sony NEX-5T
Canon SL3
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection

Compare Sony NEX-5T 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

Compare Other Cameras?