Nikon D3500 vs. Canon T7: The Complete Comparison
In this article, we break down the differences between the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7, so you can decide which camera and brand is the best fit for you.
The Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 are both entry-level DSLR cameras that are great for beginner photographers and enthusiasts who are ready to upgrade into the DSLR category.
Nikon and Canon are two top camera brands in the photography industry, so their entry-level cameras are a great place to start for beginners who are ready to jump into the world of DSLR photography.
While these cameras seem pretty similar for entry-level devices and start at similar price points, there are a few differences that can help determine which is the better option. To help you find the best fit for your needs, we break down the key details and show a side-by-side detailed comparison of each camera.
Check out the key details and our in-depth comparison to see which of these beginner cameras would be the best fit.
Key Details at a Glance:
Here are the side-by-side specs of the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7:
| Nikon D3500 | Canon T7 | |
| Price | New: $396.95 | New: $399.00 |
| Release Date | 8/29/2018 | 2/26/2018 |
| Sensor | 24MP APS-C CMOS | 24MP APS-C CMOS |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Articulating LCD Screen | No | No |
| LCD Screen Size | 3 | 3 |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2359k | 920k |
| Lens Type | Nikon F Mount | EF/EF-S Mount |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 5.0 fps | 3.0 fps |
| Video Resolution | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 |
| Weather sealed | No | No |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Dynamic Range | Not Tested | 100-6400 |
| Low Light ISO | Not Tested | 12,800 |
| Battery Life | 1550 Shots | 500 Shots |
| Time Lapse Recording | No | No |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Selfie Friendly LCD | No | No |
| Wireless Connection | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connection | Yes | No |
| Microphone Port | No | No |
| AE Bracketing | No | Yes |
| Smartphone Remote | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| External Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Lenses Available | 305 | 321 |
| Dimensions | 124x97x70mm | 129x101x78mm |
| Weight | 365g | 475g |
10 Tips to SELL Your Used Camera Gear FAST
In-Depth Comparison
While the key specs may give you an idea of what each camera is equipped with, a detailed comparison of the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 can help you see how those specs function.
The Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 are both entry-level DSLR cameras that are made for beginners and enthusiasts who want to familiarize themselves with the DSLR camera game.
While there are many entry-level DSLR cameras to choose from, the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 showcase two of the most recognizable brands in the photography industry, which is great for beginning photographers.
Design & Battery Life
Image via Apotelyt
One of the major differences between these two cameras is the body design. As most photographers know, Nikon and Canon are well-known brands with their own classic designs for their cameras, and the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 are no exception.
The Nikon D3500 is an extremely portable and compact camera, which is great for photographers who want to be able to work easily with their camera on the go. The Canon T7 is a bit heavier than the Nikon D3500, but it is still a compact option.
Both of these cameras feature a 3’’ LCD fixed screen, which makes taking pictures from different angles more difficult at times. Neither the Nikon D3500 or the Canon T7 have touchscreen LCD or articulating screens.
Image via Digital Camera World
The Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 both utilize an OVF, which allows photographers to have a better view of what they’re shooting, and they allow a “Live View” feature on their LCD screen.
Another big difference between these two cameras is the battery life. While both of these cameras get exceptional battery life for an entry-level DSLR, the Nikon D3500 can last for 1550 shots. The Canon T7 gets about 500 shots per battery, so if being able to run on a long-lasting charge is important to you, then the Nikon D3500 wins big.
Autofocus System & Continuous Shooting Performance
The Nikon D3500 features an 11-point autofocus system, while the Canon T7 works with a 9-point system. Both of these systems are adequate for focusing needs in beginning photography, but the Nikon D3500 has a few extra points to help photographers out.
When it comes to speed, the Nikon D3500 also has the upperhand, as it features a 5.0 fps continuous shooting speed, and the Canon T7 clocks in behind at 3.0 fps. While neither of these cameras are equipped with speeds for action and sports photography, the Nikon D3500 is faster for those wanting a bit more flexibility with subjects in motion.
Image Quality
Both the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 feature a 24MP APS-CMOS sensor, and produce solid images for the entry-level market. The Nikon D3500 has an ISO range of 100-25600, so it can perform in low light conditions.
Image Sample from the Nikon D3500:
Image via DPReview
The Canon T7 has a slightly smaller range at 100-6400, which can be expanded to 100-12800. While both of these cameras are impressive for entry-level gear, the Nikon D3500 outperforms in low light situations.
Image Sample from the Canon T7:
Image via Canon Camera News
The Nikon D3500 has no AA (anti-aliasing) filter, which means it has the ability to retain finer details, and the Canon T7 does feature an AA filter, so it has less moire in some images.
Connectivity Features
A defining difference between these cameras is their approach to connectivity features. Even with most entry-level cameras now, it’s common to have WiFi or Bluetooth connections, which makes transferring pictures to devices easy.
The Nikon D3500 features Nikon’s SnapBridge technology, which uses a smartphone app and Bluetooth to seamlessly connect devices for image transfer. Although this feature can come in hand, the Nikon D3500 does not have a WiFi connection, which can be a drawback for those wanting to connect with devices in other ways than Bluetooth.
The Canon T7 takes a WiFi and NFC approach to device connection, which gives it the upper hand compared to the Nikon D3500. Since Nikon D3500 can only connect to devices with the SnapBridge app, the Canon T7 is better for those wanting to share images and connect easily with other devices.
The Verdict
Overall, the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 are great entry-level DSLR cameras that come at a good price point for beginners. Each camera can act as a solid introduction to their brands, which is great for photographers who are ready to become acquainted with high-end cameras.
The Nikon D3500 packs in a lot of standard Nikon features, and does a good job at hitting all of the important points for entry-level shooting. It is fast, compact, and has a long-lasting battery, making it the perfect choice for photographers who are constantly on the go.
The Canon T7 brings its own set of advantages to the game, as it has better connection features, while still holding its own with speed, design, and portability. Although the Canon T7 is a great choice, the Nikon D3500 wins out between the two when it comes to getting the most for the price.
10 Tips to SELL Your Used Camera Gear FAST