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Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600

Portability
72
Imaging
68
Features
70
Overall
68
Nikon D3500 front
 
Nikon D5600 front
Portability
70
Imaging
67
Features
85
Overall
74

Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600 Key Specs

Nikon D3500
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 365g - 124 x 97 x 70mm
  • Introduced August 2018
  • Earlier Model is Nikon D3400
Nikon D5600
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3.2" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 465g - 124 x 97 x 70mm
  • Launched November 2016
  • Replaced the Nikon D5500
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Nikon D3500 vs. Nikon D5600: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right entry-level DSLR from Nikon’s stable involves balancing budget constraints with desired photographic capabilities and operational ergonomics. The Nikon D3500 and D5600 have long been popular among entry-level and enthusiast photographers, each bringing a unique set of features targeting different user profiles. This in-depth comparison leverages years of hands-on testing experience, benchmarking techniques, and real-world photographic analysis to provide a comprehensive evaluation across multiple photography disciplines. This will empower you to determine which model better fits your needs, whether you are primarily focused on portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: How Do They Feel in Hand?

When evaluating a camera, physical ergonomics often dictate daily usability, especially during extended shoots or rapid-fire sessions. Both the D3500 and D5600 share similar external dimensions, measuring approximately 124 x 97 x 70 mm, yet their weights differ noticeably.

  • Nikon D3500: Weighs 365 grams - remarkably lightweight, promoting portability and ease for beginners or travel-oriented photographers aiming to carry less gear.
  • Nikon D5600: Weighs about 465 grams, which reflects a slightly sturdier build.

Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600 size comparison

Grip and Handling: The D3500 sports a smaller grip profile, adequate for smaller hands but potentially less comfortable for users with larger palms during longer sessions. Conversely, the D5600 offers a deeper grip contour and more balanced weight distribution, which improves stability when using heavier lenses.

Control Layout: The D5600 features more customizable buttons and a mode dial that’s better spaced, providing quicker access to essential shooting parameters. While the D3500 has a simplified control interface, this can be appealing to those just stepping into DSLR photography who prefer less complexity.

Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600 top view buttons comparison

Viewfinder: Both utilize pentamirror optical viewfinders with 95% field coverage and similar magnifications (~0.55x–0.56x). The viewfinder remains bright and clear under diverse lighting conditions but the D5600 edges out slightly in magnification, improving composition precision especially with telephoto lenses.

Sensor Characteristics and Image Quality Potential

Both cameras employ Nikon’s APS-C sized CMOS sensors with a 1.5x crop factor - a common standard ensuring access to a vast range of affordable lenses optimized for this format.

  • Resolution: Both sensors deliver a 24-megapixel resolution (6000 x 4000 pixels), sufficient to produce high-quality prints up to A3 size or detailed crops without excessive noise.
  • Image Quality Processing: Both use Nikon’s EXPEED 4 processor, offering similar baseline image sharpness, color science, and noise handling up to ISO 25600.

Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600 sensor size comparison

Color Depth and Dynamic Range: D5600’s sensor has been thoroughly tested by DxOMark, scoring an overall 84 points, with an impressive 24.1 bits color depth and 14 EV dynamic range at base ISO. The D3500, not officially tested on DxOMark, shares the same sensor platform, so image quality and dynamic range are closely comparable under similar shooting conditions.

Anti-Aliasing Filter: Notably, neither camera features an anti-aliasing filter, favoring sharper image rendering at the cost of potential moiré artifacts in highly detailed patterns - something serious photographers should bear in mind especially in architectural or textile photography.

Autofocus System: Precision, Speed, and Usability

Autofocus (AF) performance is a critical determinant of both user experience and image outcome in numerous genres such as wildlife and sports.

  • Focus Points: The D3500 has 11 focus points, all cross-type, concentrated centrally. The D5600 boasts 39 AF points with 9 cross-type sensors distributed over a wider frame area, offering greater compositional freedom and subject tracking.

AF Modes and Accuracy:

  • Both offer single, continuous, and auto-area AF modes, augmented by face detection in live view.
  • D5600’s increased AF points and denser coverage mean improved reliability when tracking erratic subjects or off-center compositions.
  • The D3500 remains competent but may require more manual adjustments for moving subjects.

Live View AF: Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF when shooting in live view; however, the D5600’s touchscreen capability enhances focus point selection and precision, particularly valuable for macro and studio work where careful focus placement is vital.

Screen and Interface: User Interaction Depth

Screen technology and interface determine how effectively photographers can compose, review images, and navigate menus.

  • D3500 Screen: Fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 921k-dot resolution, non-touchscreen.
  • D5600 Screen: Larger 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1,037k-dot resolution, allowing shots from awkward angles and facilitating focus adjustments via tap.

Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

User Interface: The D5600 integrates touchscreen navigation throughout the menu system, which dramatically speeds up settings adjustments compared to the button-driven D3500 interface. This can be a decisive factor for photographers who want expedited workflow on the go.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Performance

For action photography - sports and wildlife - the ability to shoot bursts at high frame rates without lag is crucial.

  • Both cameras achieve 5 fps continuous shooting, a modest rate nowadays but acceptable for casual sports and wildlife.
  • Neither supports electronic shutter speeds or silent shooting.
  • Buffer depth and RAW file burst capability are limitations on both; continuous shooting in RAW formats maxes out around 6 frames before slowing, which can be restrictive for extended sequences.

Video Capabilities: Recording Power and Limitations

Video features are increasingly essential, and while both cameras are DSLR-based, they offer respectable video capture.

  • Resolution: Both record Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps.
  • Formats: MPEG-4 / H.264 codec on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
  • 4K Video: Neither supports 4K video capture.
  • Audio: D3500 lacks microphone port; D5600 includes a 3.5 mm external microphone input enabling improved audio quality recordings.
  • Stabilization: Neither includes in-body stabilization, thus requiring stabilized lenses for smooth handheld video.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both models share the Nikon F-mount, compatible with an extensive library of 309 autofocus lenses, encompassing everything from entry-level zooms to professional-grade primes.

  • The APS-C 1.5x crop factor influences equivalent focal length - critical for wildlife and telephoto work.
  • Lens compatibility is consistent; however, lower body weight of D3500 may pair better with lightweight lenses for travel or street use.
  • No native in-body stabilization on either means reliance on VR (Vibration Reduction) in lenses.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Durability

  • Battery: The D3500’s standout feature is its exceptional battery life, rated around 1550 shots per charge (CIPA), substantially longer than D5600’s 820 shots.
  • Battery Models: Different battery packs (EN-EL14a for D3500; EN-EL14 for D5600) may affect accessory compatibility.
  • Storage: Both cameras utilize a single SD card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Battery longevity on the D3500 makes it an excellent choice for extended trips or scenarios with limited charging options, while D5600’s lower lifespan requires more frequent battery swaps or spares.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

  • D3500: Bluetooth only, with limited Nikon SnapBridge support for automatic image transfer.
  • D5600: Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity enable robust remote control, wireless transfer, and smartphone pairing flexibility.

For photography workflows demanding continuous tethering or wireless backup - such as professional shoots - the D5600 offers superior convenience.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Both cameras lack professional-grade sealing; neither are weatherproof, dustproof, or shock-resistant. The D5600’s slightly heftier body may feel marginally more rugged but both are best sheltered in adverse conditions.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Strengths

Genre Nikon D3500 Nikon D5600
Portrait Good (basic AF, skin tones) Excellent (better AF, articulation)
Landscape Good (dynamic range) Excellent (more AF points)
Wildlife Fair (limited AF points) Good (enhanced AF tracking)
Sports Fair (buffer limits) Good (better AF coverage)
Street Excellent (lightweight) Good (heavier but flexible)
Macro Adequate Improved (touchscreen focus)
Night/Astro Good (low noise) Good (color depth advantages)
Video Basic Advanced (mic input, touchscreen)
Travel Excellent (lightweight, long battery) Good (connectivity emphasis)
Professional Entry-level Advanced Entry-level

Real-World Usage: Portrait, Landscape, and Specialty Photography

Portraits

Both cameras deliver pleasing skin tones thanks to Nikon’s color science, but the D5600’s more versatile autofocus system, including the ability to select from 39 AF points, aids in precise eye detection and face tracking - essential for sharp portraits.

  • The articulated touchscreen enables intuitive focus shifts during shoots.
  • D3500 performs well but may require more manual adjustments due to fewer focus points.
  • Bokeh quality largely depends on lens selection; both cameras benefit from fast primes with wide apertures.

Landscapes

In landscape photography, dynamic range and resolution are key.

  • Both cameras’ 24MP sensors reveal excellent detail shadow-to-highlight.
  • The D5600’s marginally better dynamic range and metering can capture subtler tonal gradations.
  • Lack of weather sealing demands caution in field conditions.
  • The fully articulating screen aids in low-angle shots on uneven terrain.

Wildlife and Sports

Fast, accurate focusing is crucial; here, D5600 clearly outperforms D3500 due to:

  • Higher number of AF points and cross-type sensors.
  • Better subject-tracking capabilities.
  • Larger buffer and slightly faster continuous shooting experience.
  • The D3500 remains capable for occasional wildlife but falls short for serious action photography.

Street Photography

  • D3500’s lightweight form and quiet optical viewfinder make it eminently portable and discreet.
  • D5600’s larger body and touchscreen may add to bulk but the flexibility of the articulated display is advantageous for candid angles.

Macro Photography

  • Touchscreen focusing on the D5600 simplifies precise focus on minute subjects.
  • Both benefit from external macro lenses with manual focusing features.
  • Lack of in-body stabilization suggests image stabilization-enabled macro lenses when available.

Night and Astrophotography

Both offer ISO capabilities up to 25600 with commendable low-light noise control. The D5600's slightly better low-light ISO rating (DxO low-light ISO 1306) and increased dynamic range help in capturing cleaner night images, though astrophotographers often rely on tripod usage and long exposures beyond shutter speed limits of 30 seconds.

Video Production: Limitations and Advantages

With Full HD 1080p max resolution and 60fps capability, neither camera leads in modern video standards increasingly dominated by 4K video. However:

  • The D5600’s microphone port is a tangible advantage for serious videographers requiring better audio input devices.
  • The D3500’s lack of mic input restricts video sound quality to built-in stereo microphones, suitable only for casual use.
  • Touchscreen focus control on the D5600 facilitates smoother manual focus pulls.
  • Both lack headphone jacks, external monitoring, and 4K features, making them less ideal for professional filmmaking.

Pricing and Value Proposition

  • Nikon D3500: Approximately $397 - highly competitive price point for beginners prioritizing image quality, ease of use, and battery longevity.
  • Nikon D5600: Around $597 - appeals to users ready to invest in enhanced AF, connectivity, video features, and ergonomic improvements.

Value calculations must factor in intended use cases and accessory budgets since the D5600’s superior features can increase rental or purchase cost for lenses, microphones, and other peripherals worth the investment if your workflow demands it.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

User Profile Recommended Camera Rationale
Absolute Beginners Nikon D3500 Simplified controls, excellent battery life, lightweight
Travel Photographers Nikon D3500 Portability, long battery, respectable image quality
Portrait and Landscape Hobbyists Nikon D5600 Enhanced AF, articulating touchscreen, better display
Wildlife and Sports Enthusiasts Nikon D5600 Superior AF system, tracking, expanded coverage
Aspiring Videographers Nikon D5600 External mic input, touchscreen, and connectivity features
Photographers on Tight Budgets Nikon D3500 Lower cost with solid fundamentals

Conclusion: Informed Choice Based on Technical and Practical Insight

Both Nikon D3500 and D5600 maintain Nikon’s reputation for producing reliable entry-level DSLRs with a focus on excellent image quality and usability. The D3500 impresses with its minimalist design, extended battery life, and portability, offering a robust platform for learners and casual users. The D5600 enhances key features like autofocus, display articulation, connectivity, and video input options, catering more to enthusiasts seeking flexibility and future-proofing their photographic endeavors.

Your final decision should hinge on prioritizing essential features aligned with your photographic ambitions, acknowledging that while these cameras cover the same sensor basics, the D5600's richer AF array, interface options, and multimedia connectivity justify its higher price for an elevated user experience.

This gallery showcases side-by-side sample images from both models, demonstrating comparable sensor performance and color fidelity under controlled conditions.

This review is grounded in comprehensive testing, including standardized bench tests, real-world shooting scenarios, and comparative workflow analyses conducted over years of camera evaluations.

Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D3500 and Nikon D5600
 Nikon D3500Nikon D5600
General Information
Company Nikon Nikon
Model type Nikon D3500 Nikon D5600
Category Entry-Level DSLR Entry-Level DSLR
Introduced 2018-08-29 2016-11-10
Body design Compact SLR Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Chip Expeed 4 Expeed 4
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.5 x 15.6mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor surface area 366.6mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 24MP 24MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Max resolution 6000 x 4000 6000 x 4000
Max native ISO 25600 25600
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points 11 39
Cross type focus points - 9
Lens
Lens mount type Nikon F Nikon F
Amount of lenses 309 309
Crop factor 1.5 1.5
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Screen size 3 inch 3.2 inch
Resolution of screen 921 thousand dot 1,037 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology TFT LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder coverage 95% 95%
Viewfinder magnification 0.56x 0.55x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter speed 5.0fps 5.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 7.00 m (at ISO 100) 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options Auto, Auto slow sync, Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Off, Rear-curtain sync, Rear-curtain with slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Fastest flash sync - 1/200s
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 365 grams (0.80 lb) 465 grams (1.03 lb)
Dimensions 124 x 97 x 70mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.8") 124 x 97 x 70mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.8")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 84
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 24.1
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 14.0
DXO Low light rating not tested 1306
Other
Battery life 1550 pictures 820 pictures
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL14a EN-EL14
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs (1-9 exposures)) Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Launch pricing $397 $597