Nikon D3500 vs. Nikon D3400: The Ultimate Comparison

In this article, we compare the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon D3400 by highlighting their similarities and differences so you can decide which camera is the best fit for you.

With companies constantly coming out with new models and updated gear, it can be hard to determine which camera will work best for your needs. Luckily, we did the work for you and broke down the comparisons between the Nikon D3500 vs. Nikon D3400.

Take a look at the side-by-side details of each camera, and read through the in-depth analysis to see which is a better fit for you!

• Key Details at a Glance
• Details Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Details at a Glance

Here are the side-by-side key specs of the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon D3400:

	Nikon D3500	Nikon D3400
Price	New: $399.95, Used: ~$342	New: $499.95, Used: ~$313
Release Date	8/29/2018	8/17/2016
Sensor	24MP APS-C CMOS	24MP APS-C CMOS
Viewfinder	OVF	OVF
Articulating LCD Screen	No	No
LCD Screen Size	3	3
Viewfinder Resolution	921k	921k
Lens Type	Nikon F Mount	Nikon F Mount
Continuous Shooting Speed	5.0 fps	5.0 fps
Video Resolution	1920×1080	1920×1080
Weather sealed	No	No
Image Stabilization	No	No
Battery Life	1550	1200
Time-Lapse Recording	No	No
Touchscreen	No	No
Selfie Friendly LCD	No	No
Wireless Connection	No	No
Bluetooth Connection	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
AE Bracketing	No	No
Smartphone Remote	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	Yes	Yes
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Lenses Available	305	305
Dimensions	124x97x70mm	124x98x76mm
Weight	365g	395g

In-Depth Comparison:

At a glance, the key specs can give you an idea of which camera will fit your needs better, but here we provide a deeper analysis to highlight the main differences between each camera and understand how these features function within each camera.

Design

Known for being great beginner DSLR camera models, both of these cameras feature the classic DSLR camera design, with a chunkier feel than mirrorless cameras and easy to access buttons and functions. Although these cameras follow the basic DSLR blueprint, there are a few design differences between the two to keep in mind.

The Nikon D3400 is older by two years, and weighs 395g (without a battery and memory card), while the Nikon D3500 utilizes a sleeker design, weighing only 365g (without a battery and memory card).

The dimensions vary slightly between the cameras as well, with the Nikon D3400 being 124x98x76mm and the Nikon D3500 being 124x97x70mm. The mere millimeters in size difference may not make much of a difference between the cameras, but it attests to how the Nikon D3500 is produced to compete with the modern DSLR market by using a sleeker design.

The Nikon D3500 utilizes a more substantial grip, which will assist with handling and using heavier lenses. This difference is important to keep in mind because neither of the cameras offer image stabilization, so small improvements to grip design can make a difference in image quality.

Overall, the design differences are small, but the Nikon D3500 focuses on utilizing a smaller design that may contribute to steadier images due to a better grip design.

Image Quality

The Nikon D3500 and D3400 are often seen as starter DSLR cameras due to their cheaper

price point and features, but they’re a great choice for the solid image quality and performance.

Image example from the Nikon D3500:

Image via DPReview

Both cameras feature an ISO range of 100-25600, and they are known for having great noise performance. While they both utilize the same sensor, it is important to note the Nikon D3500 uses a newer technology in its sensor. Since it’s a revamped model, the newer sensor technology may contribute to subtle differences in performance.

Image Example from the Nikon D3400:

Image via Have Camera Will Travel

Both models do not use an anti-aliasing filter, which allows for sharper images and performance. Another important aspect of both cameras is the lack of image stabilization. Neither camera provides image stabilization, so it’s good to keep in mind when trying to use heavy or long lenses.

Battery Life

One of the defining differences between the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon D3400 is the battery life. Each camera has good battery life for the price point, but the Nikon D3500 pulls ahead due to its revamped technology.

The Nikon D3500 has a battery life of 1,550 shots, while the older Nikon D3400 has a battery life of 1,200 shots. With a 300 shot difference in functionality, the Nikon D3500 is the better choice if battery life is an important feature for you.

Built-In Flash

Image via Focus Camera

Both the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon D3400 have external flash mounts, which are typically what is used by photographers, but these models also have built-in flash functions.

The main difference between these built-in flash features is the range, as the Nikon D3500 has a 7m range, while the Nikon D3400 has a range of 12m.

If you plan on utilizing the built-in flash function frequently, the Nikon D3400 may be a better option for you.

Video

Both of these cameras have 1920×1080 video resolution, which results in decent video quality. However, neither of these models have a microphone port, so audio quality comes from the built-in microphone, which means the audio may not be great.

The lack of image stabilization may also have effects on the video quality, but both models would encounter this issue.

Miscellaneous

Since the Nikon D3500 is a newer model, it does have a few advantages compared to the Nikon D3400 in terms of technology compatibility. The Nikon D3500 comes with a built-in guide mode making it user-friendly for beginner photographers.

The Nikon D3400 and the Nikon D3500 are both Bluetooth compatible, but the Nikon D3500 allows the Bluetooth to work as a remote through the SnapBridge app.

Final Thoughts

Both the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon D3400 are great beginner cameras for those wanting to get started in DSLR photography, as well as great options for budget-friendly DSLR cameras. The design of the Nikon D3500 has been revamped, so it’s sleeker and lighter in weight than the Nikon D3400.

The Nikon D3500 and the Nikon D3400 produce similar quality images, however the sensor in the Nikon D3500 utilizes newer technology, which can lead to better quality. The Nikon D3500 also has a higher battery life, which is one of the main differences between the two models, and can be seen as a reason to opt for the Nikon D3500.

Overall, both cameras are a great value, and your choice may come down to whichever you can find with the best price deal. The Nikon D3500 is a newer model with some technology updates, but the Nikon D3400 works well for a beginning DSLR as well.