• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A33 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    3 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.73x vs 0.57x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More AF points
    15 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.1 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon D3500 advantages over Sony A33

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    6 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 13 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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 D3500

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 D3100

Sony A33
Nikon D3100
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Nikon D3500
Nikon D3100
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Sony A55

Sony A33
Sony A55
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
Nikon D3500
Sony A55
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A33
Sony A35
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon D3500
Sony A35
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SL2

Sony A33
Canon SL2
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon SL3

Sony A33
Canon SL3
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
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