Nikon Debuts the New D3500: Its Lightest and Most Portable Entry-Level DSLR Yet

Just one week after debuting its brand new mirrorless system — in the form of the Z6 and Z7 cameras — Nikon has just announced a brand new addition to its entry-level DSLR line. Welcome the D3500, which replaces the company’s widely popular D3400. 

The 24.2-megapixel unit is more portable, smaller, and less expensive than its predecessor (with the included 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens, it comes in at ), and includes a 30 percent expanded battery life for even longer shooting time, with up to 1,550 shots on a single full charge. 

Like the D3400, the D3500 includes an upgraded CMOS image sensor (which the company announced is 15 times larger than that of a smartphone) and an ISO range of 100-25,600, and is able to produce crisp images in low-light settings. It also includes Full HD (1080/60p) video capability, and can shoot up to five frames-per-second. 

The unit has an 11-point autofocus (AF) system, which means you can capture fast-moving objects — like your kids and pets — while keeping them in-focus continuously. 

“The Nikon D3500 is ideal for consumers who are looking to easily capture the kinds of images that their smartphone simply cannot match, and share them seamlessly with family and friends,” Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc., announced in a statement. “The D3500 reaffirms our commitment to releasing convenient DX-format DSLR options for those just discovering photography.”  

The camera’s built-in Guide Mode literally guides you through taking the shot you’re looking for, and the Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Nikon SnapBridge app make it simple and quick to virtually share your images, moments after capture. 

The D3500 is available now for preorder, with an AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens (), or with an additional AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3G ED Lens (in addition to the 18-55mm) for ().