• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 50 - 100,000

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Differences

Nikon D3500 advantages over Leica SL2-S

  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Leica SL2-S advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    3 years vs 6 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    500 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    25.0 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    100000 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • 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.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5600

Nikon D3500
Nikon D5600
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Leica SL2-S
Nikon D5600
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • NFC

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Leica SL2-S
Canon SL2
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • NFC

Compared to Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
Leica SL2-S
Canon SL3
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Canon R6

Nikon D3500
Canon R6
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $2066
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica SL2-S
Canon R6
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • High resolution composite
  • $2066
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Canon R3

Nikon D3500
Canon R3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Internal flash
  • $5999
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Leica SL2-S
Canon R3
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $5999
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • On-sensor phase detect
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