Canon EOS 700D vs Nikon D3500: A Tale of Two Entry-Level DSLRs

If you’re eyeing the world of DSLR photography, two stalwart entry-level contenders often surface: the Canon EOS 700D (aka Rebel T5i) and the Nikon D3500. Both are solid cameras targeting beginners and hobbyists who want to dive deep into photography without emptying their wallets on pro-level gear. Having tested thousands of cameras - from snappy mirrorless compacts to pro-grade beasts - this comparison will draw on hands-on experiences, technical analysis, and real-world performance insights to help you decide which DSLR fits your style, budget, and photographic ambitions.

Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty but keep things friendly and digestible: after all, cameras should unlock creative vision, not confound you with specs.

The Basics: How These Two Cameras Set the Stage

Before we set off on a deep dive (and yes, there will be charts and samples), here’s the quick lowdown:

• Canon EOS 700D released in 2013, replacing the 650D, features an 18MP APS-C sensor, articulating touchscreen LCD, and was a darling for creative beginners exploring exposure modes and video.
• Nikon D3500 launched five years later in 2018 as a direct step forward from the D3400, packing a sharper 24MP APS-C sensor, a compact and lightweight design, and a battery life that rivals entry-level DSLRs far above its price point.

Despite a five-year age gap, these cameras still compete fiercely at the bargain bin level and represent fine entry points for new DSLR users or those upgrading from older basics.

Canon 700D (L) vs Nikon D3500 (R) - Notice the Canon’s slightly chunkier grip and the D3500’s svelte form.

Design, Build, and Ergonomics: Which Feels Better in Your Hands?

When I first picked up the Canon 700D, its shape reminded me of the classic DSLR feel - solid, with generous grip contours. Nikon’s D3500, however, felt markedly lighter and more compact. We’re talking 580g vs 365g - that’s a noticeable difference for lugging gear around all day.

The Canon 700D has a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1040k dots, making it a champ for shooting from wild angles and peeling back the viewfinder veil to practice manual focusing. The Nikon D3500, on the other hand, features a fixed 3-inch TFT screen with 921k dots and no touch functionality - a significant concession if you’re used to smartphones or want quick menu navigation by tap.

On top, both stick with an optical pentamirror viewfinder covering about 95% of the frame, which is typical at this price. The Nikon edges out slightly better magnification (0.56x vs Canon’s 0.53x), translating to a somewhat clearer, crisp viewfinder image in my testing, especially useful in bright conditions.

Controls on the Canon are a bit more traditional and dense: dedicated buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and multiple function dials. Nikon simplifies things with fewer buttons and fewer clubs for your thumbs to bang against - great if clutter overwhelms you but restrictive if you crave quick, direct access.

Canon’s top layout is busier, packed with quick controls; Nikon keeps a minimalist approach.

Build quality? Both are polycarbonate composites - not weather-sealed or ruggedized. If you shoot outdoors, keep them protected.

Ergonomics Winner: Canon 700D for grip and touchscreen flexibility; Nikon D3500 for portability and simplicity.

Under the Hood: Sensor Tech and Image Quality

This is where the Nikon D3500 makes a clear splash: its 24.2MP APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm) trounces Canon’s 18MP (22.3 x 14.9 mm). That difference might seem small, but more pixels mean higher resolution images, sharper prints, and more cropping freedom.

Moreover, Nikon’s sensor eschews the optical low-pass filter (no anti-aliasing filter), aiming for pin-sharp detail at the risk of moiré, while Canon retains it to avoid artifacts but sacrifices some sharpness.

Both sensors use CMOS technology and respectable dynamic range for entry-level DSLRs - Canon’s at 11.2 stops, Nikon’s not officially DxO-mark-tested but expected to be similar or better given generation and pixel count advances.

ISO performance is where Nikon also flexes, with a max native ISO of 25,600 versus Canon’s 12,800. While both deliver stunning image quality up to ISO 1600 or 3200 in good RAW processing workflows, Nikon’s higher ceiling gives a leg up if you often shoot in dimly lit environments.

Keep in mind that Canon’s sensor has a 1.6x crop factor versus Nikon’s slightly milder 1.5x, impacting “reach” for telephoto shots (important for wildlife and sports).

Canon has an 18MP sensor with 1.6x crop; Nikon’s 24MP sensor and 1.5x crop deliver more detail.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Snapping in Action

While neither camera is made for Formula 1-level tracking, autofocus systems are crucial even in casual shoots.

Canon 700D packs a 9-point all cross-type phase detection AF system (at the central point), reliable and accurate but dated technology for 2013. It supports face detection in Live View and a hybrid system blending phase and contrast detection.

Nikon D3500 offers an 11-point AF system (cross-type info is vague), including face detection and subject tracking - plus eye detection to a degree, which helps nail portraits. Its Expeed 4 processor provides smooth autofocus in stills and video.

Both handle 5fps continuous shooting, adequate for beginner sports or kid-action photography but not high-end bursts.

In my shooting, Nikon’s AF performance was notably more accurate and consistent when tracking moving subjects or shooting in low light - likely due to improved algorithms and sensor efficiency.

That said, Canon’s touchscreen AF selection is a real convenience, especially when composing videos or off-center images.

Playing with Screens and Interfaces

The Canon EOS 700D’s touchscreen puts it in a different league for usability at this price. Whether it was changing ISO mid-shoot or setting focal points without fumbling buttons, the tactile feedback brought a modern vibe to a 2013 entry DSLR.

Nikon sticks to the basics here: no touchscreen, fixed LCD, and a streamlined menu system aimed at beginners without overwhelming features.

Canon’s articulated touchscreen vs Nikon’s fixed, button-driven LCD.

If you primarily shoot through the viewfinder and prefer physical controls, the Nikon might feel like a breath of fresh air. For those used to smartphone-like interface fluidity, Canon’s 700D remains more inviting.

Lenses and Mount Ecosystem: Which One Scales Better?

Both cameras use tried-and-true lens mounts: Canon with EF/EF-S and Nikon with the F-mount. This translates to a massive pool of glass, including affordable third-party lenses, fast primes, and professional optics.

Canon’s EF-S mount suits APS-C sensors perfectly; it has about 326 native lenses available (including EF full-frame glass). Nikon’s F-mount, with 309 APS-C specific lenses plus full-frame options, is equally impressive.

If you plan to stick to entry-level glass, both offer stellar kits:

• Canon’s popular EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit delivers image stabilization (which neither camera body offers) and quiet stepping motors for video.
• Nikon packs the AF-P 18-55mm VR lens in most kits, with vibration reduction.

Neither body has in-body image stabilization, so lens IS/VR is essential if you crave shake reduction for handheld low light or video.

Battery Life and Storage: Just How Much Shooting Can You Handle?

The Nikon D3500 absolutely smokes the Canon in battery life, rated for 1550 shots per charge versus 440 on the Canon. To put this in human terms: Nikon will last nearly 3 days of heavy usage (or a week of moderate shooting) without recharge, while Canon requires a few battery packs or daily charging on extended outings.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and a single card slot - standard fare.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures at a Bargain

With the Canon 700D, you gain 1080p video capped at 30fps and a handy articulating touchscreen to frame creative shots. The Canon also supports an external microphone input, a boon for vloggers or entry filmmakers looking to capture decent sound.

The Nikon D3500 records 1080p at up to 60fps and 50fps - offering smoother slow-motion capture - but sadly lacks a microphone jack. Also, no touch screen and fixed LCD make video setup less nimble.

Canon’s H.264 and Motion JPEG options predate some codec efficiency, while Nikon sticks to MPEG-4 and H.264, common today.

If video is a core need, Canon still leads for ease and audio input.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera fares for specific photography disciplines, drawing on hands-on testing results and sample images.

Portrait Photography

• Canon 700D: Its accurate skin tones, aided by Canon’s color science, and face/eye detection AF make it pleasant for casual portraits. The articulating screen enables creative high or low-angle shots. However, with only 9 AF points, precise eye tracking is limited.
• Nikon D3500: The higher-resolution sensor captures finer detail, and improved AF handles eye detection better for tack-sharp portraits. The lack of a touchscreen and fixed LCD reduces compositional flexibility.

Winner: Nikon edges out for sharp portraits; Canon wins for compositional flexibility.

Landscape Photography

• Canon 700D: Decent dynamic range and 18MP resolution suffice for casual landscapes. The articulated screen is handy for low-angle shots through grass or rocks.
• Nikon D3500: Improved sensor resolution and dynamic range give superior detail and post-processing headroom. Slightly larger sensor area helps with light gathering.

Weather sealing is absent on both, so be cautious.

Winner: Nikon for resolution and dynamic range.

Wildlife Photography

• Both cameras struggle in heavy telephoto sports/wildlife fields due to limited burst speed and basic AF arrays.
• Nikon’s 1.5x crop factor and better autofocus tracking offer marginal advantages.
• Canon’s 9-point AF can feel restrictive.

Winner: Nikon, with caveats.

Sports Photography

• 5fps continuous shooting equalizes burst rates.
• Nikon’s AF tracking and exposure performance in low light (thanks to higher ISO ceiling) push it ahead.
• Canon’s touchscreen can aid focus point selection quickly but lacks predictive AF.

Winner: Nikon for speed and tracking.

Street Photography

• Canon’s 700D is larger and heavier - less discreet for unnoticed candid shots - but the articulating touchscreen affords compositional creativity.
• Nikon’s smaller, lighter body sings here, perfect for pockets or small bags.
• Both perform well in low light up to ISO 3200.

Winner: Nikon, for portability.

Macro Photography

• Neither has specialized macro features - no focus stacking or focus bracketing.
• Canon’s touchscreen helps nail precise focusing; Nikon’s increased resolution aids detail capture.
• Lack of IBIS (in-body image stabilization) means tripod use or stabilized lenses is needed.

Winner: Draw, dependent on lenses.

Night/Astro Photography

• Nikon’s high ISO extends usability deeper into the night with cleaner images.
• Canon’s lower ISO ceiling requires longer exposures or compromise on noise.
• Neither camera features dedicated astro modes or live bulb exposures.

Winner: Nikon for ISO handling.

Video

• Canon wins hands-down with articulating touchscreen and mic port.
• Nikon’s higher FPS options give flexibility, but no mic input is a drawback.

Winner: Canon.

Travel Photography

• Nikon’s smaller size and extraordinary battery life are ideal for travel.
• Canon’s more flexible LCD screen adds compositional options but can be fragile.
• Both use the ubiquitous SD card format.

Winner: Nikon for convenience and stamina.

Professional Work

• Neither is aimed at professional grade workflows.
• Canon files are 18MP, Nikon 24MP – professional usage favors Nikon for resolution.
• Both shoot RAW for post-processing.
• Nikon’s excellent battery life and lightweight might factor into a secondary or learning body.

Winner: Nikon for capability, Canon for video niche.

Canon 700D screen back Nikon D3500 screen back

Sample shots: Left (Canon 700D) and Right (Nikon D3500). Note the Nikon’s crisper detail and color fidelity.

Connectivity, Wireless and Battery Revisited

Canon’s 700D offers Eye-Fi wireless card support - not exactly manufacturer-built WiFi - which can be clunky to set up and less secure than native solutions.

Nikon’s D3500 lacks WiFi entirely but has Bluetooth LE for easy image transfer to Nikon’s SnapBridge app, a smoother low-power connectivity solution ideal for quick social media sharing on the go.

Battery types differ: Canon uses LP-E8 (around 440 shots), Nikon employs the EN-EL14a (rated over triple that). This makes the Nikon in many scenarios a win by miles, unless you like lugging extra batteries.

Canon (blue) vs Nikon (green): Nikon shines in core imaging and battery; Canon scores with usability and video.

Detailed breakdown reveals Nikon ahead in resolution, battery, and autofocus; Canon tops touchscreen and video usability.

Price and Value: The Bottom Line on Your Budget

At retail - Canon 700D hovers around $650 used or new at times; Nikon D3500 retails near $400. That $250 jump in price for Canon nets you touchscreen, mic input, and slightly more versatile ergonomics but sacrifices sensor resolution and battery life.

If budget is tight and image quality is the priority, Nikon offers unbeatable value for money. For those keen on video, experimental angles, or touchscreen ease, Canon still makes excellent sense.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Canon EOS 700D if…

• You want an entry-level DSLR with a fully articulating touchscreen.
• Video creation with external microphone input is important.
• You enjoy experimenting with angles and touch navigation.
• You don’t mind carrying a heavier camera.

Choose the Nikon D3500 if…

• Image quality and resolution matter most.
• You want a lightweight, pocketable DSLR for travel or street.
• You crave excellent battery life that outlasts many mirrorless cameras.
• Budget is tight but you still want a newer generation sensor and fast AF.

Final Thoughts From Someone Who’s Held Thousands of Cameras

While Canon’s 700D is a delightful old-school DSLR with unique touchscreen mojo missing in many pro DSLRs of its time, the Nikon D3500’s sharper images, superior battery life, and fuss-free design make it the reigning champ for pure photography enthusiasts seeking bang-for-buck performance.

Neither will satisfy professional action shooters or videographers beyond casual use, but for beginners and hobbyists committed to learning DSLR fundamentals, either camera is a worthy companion.

Personally, if I had to pack light and shoot long days with crisp images, the Nikon D3500 wins hands down - especially for stills. However, for a new content creator experimenting with video and offbeat angles, the Canon 700D remains a charming choice with its touchscreen and mic port.

Ultimately, test both if possible, feel their clubs for your thumbs, try their viewfinders, and consider your photographic goals. Shoot what inspires you - these cameras are great starters for a rewarding journey.

Happy shooting!

Note: The following images shown throughout this article depict side-by-side comparisons, sample shots, and performance charts referenced above to help you visually appreciate the differences and strengths described.

This review was crafted with over 15 years of camera testing knowledge and hands-on experience worldwide, synthesized to guide you honestly and practically.