When you’re just picking up the basics of photography, it can be difficult to decide which camera to start with. You don’t want to spend too much or too little, and you want to avoid getting overwhelmed with excess features while having a camera powerful enough to get the shot you need. Ultimately, making the right choice is about finding the perfect balance of affordability, simplicity, and features that can meet you at your skill level.

With its affordable price and long list of features, the Nikon D3500 is a great entry point for photography amateurs and dedicated enthusiasts alike. Take a look at everything that makes this camera stand out and decide for yourself whether it’s a good fit for you.

Affordability

If you’re camera shopping on a budget, the Nikon D3500 brings plenty to the table at a price that outstrips most of the DSLR market. You can usually pick one up for just under $600, leaving you plenty of extra cash leftover for an extra lens or two. While there are a number of other cameras that you can nab at a lower price, most of them won’t offer the performance and quality you find in this model.

Specs

This camera comes packed with a full 24 megapixels which, paired with a 23.5 by 15.6 mm sensor, means you can get all the fine details you’re looking for, even when zoomed. If you’re not sure what that means in practical terms, it equates to about 15 times the power of the average smartphone camera. When it comes to shooting in different light conditions, the 100 to 25,600 iso range gives plenty of options whether you’re outdoors or indoors.

Ease of Use

The controls of this camera are simple, with most of what you need within easy reach. The settings wheel on the top of the camera lets you quickly cycle through a selection of photo and video options quickly, while the 3-inch LCD screen on the back of the camera helps when adjusting brightness, focus, and other options. While the number of different settings is a bit pared back from more high-end cameras, it should be plenty for beginners to to take crisp, quality photos.

However, in addition to the straightforward interface, this camera goes the extra mile by offering an interactive “guide” shooting mode. This can be found via the rear LCD screen when taking a photo, and offers a totally interactive photography tutorial which is ideal for beginners. It can walk you through all of the settings and features as well as some of the finer points of the craft when you’re ready.

Extra Features

What makes this camera really stand out is the huge selection of high-tech features geared toward the needs of new photographers. In addition to the interactive guide shooting mode mentioned above, you can also take advantage of the auto-shoot mode. Using the camera’s 11 autofocus points makes it easy to get crisp, clear photos in almost any situation. Or, when you’re trying to capture fast action, simply press and hold the shoot button to take five full-resolution shots per second.

One of the best features for convenience is the Snap Bridge Sharing compatibility. This ensures all your photos and videos are automatically uploaded to your smartphone, tablet, or computer as soon as you take them, so you don’t have to worry about losing your data.

Portability

The Nikon D3500 weighs just under a pound and is about 5 inches wide, which puts it solidly in the middle range when it comes to size. That means if you’re taking it out and about, it stays lightweight enough to sling over your shoulder for hours at a time without worry. Even with a large telephoto lens attached, it is small enough to remain balanced and maneuverable.

We know Nikon had travel in mind when they designed this camera, as the durable outer construction is made to stand up to the occasional bump without worry. The company also offers a range of cases of different shapes and sizes, which can make it easy to transport your camera, lenses, and other accessories wherever you need.

The Final Analysis

There’s plenty more to say about the Nikon D3500, though the best test will be to give it a try for yourself. With all of its power, portability, and convenience features, it offers the perfect balance for new photographers who want to jump-start their career or hobby.