Instead of continuing our photographic exploration prioritizing cameras already established in the market, today we'll make an exception to welcome a very recent DSLR: the Nikon D3500. Direct heir to the Nikon D3400, the D3500 keeps the strengths of its younger sibling and optimizes those aspects that definitely appeal to beginners and enthusiasts alike, reducing its weight and extending battery life. The best part? The Japanese manufacturer didn't break compatibility, and the vast majority of available accessories will work without problems.
Nikon D3500: The Art of Optimization
At first glance, it's probably difficult to find what makes the Nikon D3500 different. The sensor is the same as the one used by the D3400, with a resolution of 24 megapixels in 6000 x 4000, backed by the Expeed 4 image processor. ISO sensitivity extends from 100 to 25,600 (without available Boost modes), while shutter speed ranges from 1/4000 to 30 seconds. There are no changes regarding the screen either. Its size is 3 inches, it has a fixed design, and 921 thousand definition dots. The autofocus points remain at 11 (with 3D tracking), as does its 5 FPS Burst mode, and the viewfinder is a pentamirror with 95 percent coverage. So... where are the modifications?
First, Nikon decided to move the buttons to the right side, in an attempt to make operation easier with one hand (we left-handed photographers cry in a corner, but the change is reasonable). Then we discover that the Nikon D3500 body shares several points with the Nikon D5600, slightly reducing its dimensions (losing 6 millimeters of depth and 1 millimeter of height) without sacrificing grip capacity. This is also reflected in its final weight: comparing body to body, the Nikon D3500 (365g) is 30 grams lighter than the D3400 (395g). But the most important leap in quality is its efficiency. The Nikon D3500 manages to extract up to 1,550 shots from a standard EN-EL14a battery, almost 30 percent more than in the case of the D3400. Of course, that number requires leaving Bluetooth disabled (the only wireless connectivity option available) and being humble with other aspects of the camera, but that doesn't make it any less impressive. In summary, the press sees the Nikon D3500 as "a standard DSLR in the body of a mirrorless" (something at the level of the Canon EOS M5, perhaps?), and we agree with that.
When using the Nikon D3500, honestly there are no complaints. If you haven't had trouble assimilating the controls of the D3400 or the Nikon D3300, you'll master the D3500 in seconds, and as if that weren't enough, Nikon added more options aimed at beginners (yes, the Guide Mode is still there). We just need to highlight a smaller number of scene modes on its dial, with Portrait, Sports, Close-up, and Night portrait. At this point is when I usually share a direct link to the manual, but the Nikon D3500 is so new that its manuals haven't been digitized yet, and official sample images are conspicuously absent. The fact of using the same sensor as the D3400 allows us to get a fairly solid idea of its image quality, but we hope Nikon's marketing and support folks hurry up.
Accessories for the Nikon D3500
With an official price of 500 dollars (including an 18-55 lens), the Nikon D3500 offers one of the most balanced price-performance ratios, but that doesn't mean we can take it "naked" through life. Every entry-level DSLR grows once it receives the right accessories, and thanks to the fabulous compatibility of the 3000 series, it's not hard to find them.
Batteries and Power
With an average of 1,500 shots, the Nikon D3500 is one of the most efficient cameras, but we'd be making a mistake if we only stick with the battery that comes in the box. Also, the camera doesn't support USB charging, so it's a very good strategy to add a compatible EN-EL14a module, and a Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car. That way, any energy crisis will be eliminated at the root, with an investment of only 45 euros. (SKUs: "0712565902,VDTS-4604-CH-DI86")
Compatible Flashes
The built-in flash and its natural low-light performance don't let the Nikon D3500 down, but with any additional demand, the logical step is to add a flash. Luckily, Gloxy allows us access to professional hardware without burning the budget. The GX-F1000 is one of the best we've seen at 150 euros, and if you need to go down a step, its little brother GX-F990N doesn't disappoint at 99 euros.
Tripods and Supports
With 365 grams in its body, the Nikon D3500 is a true feather, however, the support of a good tripod should never be missing, especially in low-light situations, or when you want to play with exposure. At the top of the list, a classic: The Gloxy GX-T6662A Plus supports a maximum load of 10 kilograms, and extends more than a meter and a half. For closer and more complex situations, the answer is the Clampod Takeway T1, with a limit of 40 kilograms, and the ability to adapt to almost any surface. (SKUs: "0713869670,0712163592")
Backpacks
When thinking about entry-level cameras, the first thing we must understand is that the manufacturer doesn't prioritize resistance to the elements, and that makes its protection during transport fundamental. When considering a backpack for Nikon D3500, we can always follow the path of the Gloxy Pro AW, which for 45 euros fulfills all expectations of protection and storage space. Now, if you're not going to carry so many accessories, a good alternative is the Delta 400a Fancier bag, reinforced, padded, and very versatile. (SKUs: "GloxyPRO,Fancier400a")
Lenses
"Investment, not expense." That's how buying lenses is defined. Every euro you put on the table today will be carried over to the next camera, and thanks to the excellent compatibility of Nikon cameras, it's not unreasonable to acquire a professional wide-angle like the Irix Blackstone, or its little brother Firefly. Both are available in 11 and 15 millimeters, and their price-performance ratio in that space is impressive. On the other side, two excellent wild cards from the same manufacturer. On one hand, the Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II VC, lightweight, durable, and with a minimum focus of 49 centimeters that makes it viable for product photography. On the other, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 AF LD, ideal for nature and sports, with a spectacular price. Don't fall asleep, because they're flying off the shelves. (SKUs: "0713043558,0713043556")
To finish, two pieces of good news. The first: The Nikon D3500 represents a very acceptable advance, protecting its strongest aspects and optimizing the rest, without altering the final price. The second: The simple existence of the D3500 will make the price of the D3400 plummet. No matter which path you follow ("latest model" or "economy"), the result is the same: You win. Good luck!
