• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5300 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    210 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More AF points
    39 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus

Nikon D3500 advantages over Nikon D5300

  • Less expensive
    $597 vs $697
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 600 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    6 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    615g vs 1035g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.1 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    13 vs 4 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D5300
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-140mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All D5300 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3500
Kit with 18-55mm VR lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm VR lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm VR and 70-300mm lenses
All D3500 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality similar to more expensive DSLRs (like the D7100); Great dynamic range; Responsive all-around performer; Excellent Full HD video-shooting quality; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Built-in GPS; Compact and lightweight size; 18-140mm kit lens performs well for its type and has a very versatile focus length range.

  • AA-filterless sensor makes it more prone to moire; Burst speed slows with highest quality 14-bit RAW images; Live View mode not as good as some competitors; No external headphone jack; GPS receiver not very sensitive.

  • Read our Nikon D5300 Review

  • Great image quality for its class; Excellent high ISO performance for APS-C; Fast single-shot AF speeds; Compact, easy to use design; Incredible value at under $500 with lens.

  • 11-point AF system feels out-dated; Underwhelming C-AF performance; Below average viewfinder coverage accuracy; No touchscreen; Limited wireless features.

  • Read our Nikon D3500 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7100

Nikon D5300
Nikon D7100
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Nikon D7100

Nikon D3500
Nikon D7100
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Pentax K-3

Nikon D5300
Pentax K-3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Pentax K-3

Nikon D3500
Pentax K-3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Canon T6s

Nikon D5300
Canon T6s
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Canon T6s

Nikon D3500
Canon T6s
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon T6s

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon D5300
Canon SL2
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Canon SL2

Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL2

Compared to Canon SL3

Nikon D5300
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in GPS
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

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