Nikon and Canon have had an unspoken rivalry between them for decades. Since both companies are well-known camera manufacturers, they continue to one-up each other in camera technology and specifications. You may have noticed that every time Nikon introduces a new camera, Canon tries to follow up with a more advanced model and vice versa.
The Nikon D3500 and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 are two nearly identical cameras. Because of this similarity, customers are often confused as to which one they should go for. If you are in the same boat and struggling to choose between the two options, you’ve come to the right place.
After giving you a brief description of both cameras and their key features, we’ll look at how they compare in terms of size and weight, image and video quality, durability, and battery life, among other things. But first and foremost:
Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7 – Quick Comparison
Our Pick: Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is a beginner-friendly DSLR camera. It has all of the fundamental features you would need for high-resolution photography. Despite the lack of advanced specifications, we believe the Nikon D3500 provides excellent value for money.
Compared to the Canon EOS Rebel T7, the Nikon D3500 comes out on top due to its outstanding results. It has a fast shutter speed of 1/320 seconds and can shoot 1080p videos at 60 fps.
When it comes to the Nikon D3500, battery life is a significant factor. The incredible battery duration of 1550 shots per charge makes this camera a certified game-changer since only a few beginner-standard cameras have such durable battery performance.
The Nikon D3500 comes with a Nikon F mount lens suited for everyday photography. However, if you want to improve the image quality, you can choose to invest in a better lens.
Overall, the Nikon D3500 is a worthwhile camera that can make your photography experience exciting and intriguing. It is an excellent option for a newbie to consider buying.
Here are some of the reasons we went with the Nikon D3500:
- Large viewfinder image
- APS-C sensor
- Works great in low light
- Excellent battery performance
- It comes with a kit lens
- Simple to use
- Fast and responsive
- Quick data transfer through Bluetooth
- 11 autofocus points
- Approximately ten stops of dynamic range
About the Nikon D3500
If you’ve ever used a Nikon camera, you’ll know there is little to complain about. The company plays it safe with its products and never lets its customers down.
For this purpose, every release is backed by a strategic planning process. Nikon chooses a specific market to target with each product and takes the respective economic conditions into perspective. As a result, the company offers a wide selection of affordable cameras, as well as several high-end options for professionals.
The Nikon D3500, launched in August 2018, is a great entry-level DSLR. It is one of the most budget-friendly cameras from a well-reputed brand. Due to this, many people prefer to buy it when they are starting out as photographers or simply want it for a part-time hobby. This camera truly serves the purpose well as it gives excellent image quality within a low budget.
The Nikon D3500 has exceptional battery power, making it even more practical for people who do not want to charge their camera daily. It is a lightweight camera, easy to carry around in a camera bag. The Nikon D3500 is super convenient to handle and provides fantastic value for customers. There are many essential features in the D3500 that most other cameras lack.
Nikon D3500 is a perfect camera for portrait photography. The 24.2-megapixel camera captures sharp and high-quality images. It lacks some features, for example, lesser autofocus points. However, on a low budget, this is a great camera to have with all these specifications.
The Nikon D3500 comes with a Bluetooth option through which you can quickly transfer data to your phone using Nikon’s Snapbridge app. Moreover, the Nikon D3500 also has a built-in flash to capture sharp and clear images even in low light. However, the Wi-Fi option is not available, which might have been a little faster than Bluetooth.
You should not consider buying it if you are into action photography or videography. But for standard photography, it is one of the best options available. It will be sufficient for your requirements in the beginning.
It is an all-around camera that, even after three years, many brands are still unable to meet its standards within the same price tag. Lastly, the Nikon D3500 is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about products by Nikon that instantly got the attention of photographers after its launch.
About the Canon EOS Rebel T7
A bit older than the Nikon D3500, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 was launched in February 2018. Equipped with all the necessary features, it will alleviate your photography skills to a better level. It is an entry-level or beginner’s camera that provides nothing fancy but all the valuable features. Although it is reasonably priced, the features that it provides are incredible.
Canon T7 is a lightweight camera, great for carrying around on your camping or hiking trips. In good lighting, the camera delivers sharp and bright image quality. To enhance the picture quality, you can customize the camera settings according to your preference. For example, you can customize the sharpness, saturation, and color tones for portrait photography as per the location.
It possesses good battery power that provides around 600 shots per charge. However, there are other cameras available on the market that offer way better battery time. The video quality it provides is average, neither too good nor bad with standard sound quality. It does not have a microphone or headphone port for better sound quality in videos.
If you are on a hunt for an affordable camera, you must consider the Canon EOS rebel T7 as an option. It is incredibly affordable and valuable. In addition, you should consider getting this camera as your first camera through which you can experiment and learn photography.
All in all, the Canon T7 is an excellent choice that comes at an affordable price. It is a worthy investment if you are into photography as a hobby; this camera will be full of basic and advanced features. It lacks some modern features, but considering the price point, you can ignore these features easily.
Similarities between the Nikon D3500 vs. Canon T7
As discussed earlier, there are several differences between Nikon D3500 and Canon EOS Rebel T7. But they also have a few prominent similarities that we believe are important to discuss. Moreover, they will make your decision easier by providing you with an even clearer picture of the camera. So, let’s discuss the similar features of both DSLRs now.
Construction and Weatherproofing
Of course, you cannot expect such low-budget cameras to be extraordinary. Both the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 offer a standard-quality build. They have a decent and sturdy plastic that feels nice in the hands. They have firm grips to help you carry easily.
Despite such famous DSLRs, both the Canon T7 and the Nikon D3500 do not possess weather sealing. It is a massive downfall for both of the cameras because weather sealing is an essential feature. Since photographers have to do all kinds of photography in variable weather conditions, it is too disappointing that such huge brands are not paying attention to weather sealing.
Weather sealing is absent in both cameras. It means you cannot take your camera into extreme weather conditions, which can be frustrating for most photographers. If you have to do too many outdoor shoots, these cameras will be hard to use. You should consider getting a more expensive camera that provides weather sealing.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is crucial for clumsy people who cannot hold the camera firmly in one place. For example, if a person shakes his hands too much, there is a chance that he will ruin the picture. But nowadays, cameras have a built-in image stabilization feature where slight movements do not affect the picture quality.
There are imaging sensors that help to enhance the image stabilization abilities of a camera. It seems to be an essential feature in modern cameras.
Unfortunately, both DSLRs lack image stabilization which is an essential factor for capturing high-resolution pictures. Not providing image stabilization features is a massive problem for top-notch portrait photography, but they still deliver decent results. The overall picture result is almost the same for both the DSLR cameras.
You need to be more conscious while clicking pictures with these DSLRs because they will not hide the flaws in your photography.
However, simple photography such as landscape photography is one of the most common and beginner-level types of photography that every photographer needs to master. To be good at it, one needs to own a fantastic camera that helps them capture the true essence and colors of life through its lens.
Luckily, both DSLR cameras provide almost similar results for landscape photography. Since they have virtually identical quality sensors, they are good cameras for landscape photography.
Video Recording and a Fixed LCD Screen
Both the Canon EOS Rebel T7 and the Nikon D3500 have a fixed rear LCD screen. Nowadays, every new camera on the market possesses a tilt-swivel screen, but these two lack this feature. A tiltable LCD screen allows you to capture better videos and pictures.
The fully rotatable LCDs are essential for controlling the picture result in a better way. However, the LCD quality of both the cameras is quite good. Both show clear and sharp pictures for you to judge the settings of the camera.
Video recording is an essential factor to consider while buying a DSLR. Now that smartphones capture amazing 4k videos, it has become even more challenging for camera-producing companies. They are in a constant battle to provide more value to their customers.
So, in a DSLR camera, HD video recording is also a must. Luckily, the Nikon D3500 and Canon EOS Rebel T7 are capable of capturing good-quality full HD videos. The Nikon D3500 can shoot at a maximum of 60p, while the Canon EOS Rebel can capture videos at 30p maximum. Unfortunately, they cannot capture slow-motion videos or time-lapses.
Differences in Nikon D3500 vs. Canon T7
Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 have been in a constant battle since their release. They are made for beginners, which is why they are often compared to each other. So, we will discuss the notable differences in the features of both DSLRs to help you out.
Size and Weight
In the first look, both DSLRs might look quite similar. But there is more than just a glance; there are a lot of differences in terms of size and weight.
The Canon T7 is bigger than the Nikon D3500. With 101mm of height and 129mm of width, the Canon T7 feels bulkier in the hands. The Nikon D3500, on the other hand, has a height of 97mm and a width of 124mm. Therefore, it has a more compact size and feels comfortable in the hands.
As the D3500 is notably smaller, it is also lighter. It weighs 415 grams, while the Canon T7 weighs 475 grams. So, it is easier to carry D3500 during hiking or other harsh conditions. Moreover, it does not feel bulky in the hands and fits nicely in your grip.
Though the differences appear meager, they can still have a noticeable impact on the performance of any photographer. So, always ensure that you are comfortable with the weight and size of the product that you are getting.
Image Quality
The Nikon D3500 has an excellent 24.2 Megapixel sensor. Such an impressive sensor captures excellent quality, sharp, and clear pictures because it has more individual pixels. The Canon T7 also has around 24 Megapixel sensors with fewer individual pixels, which results in lower image quality when compared to the Nikon D3500. In addition, the two cameras come with a hot shoe that allows external flash, viewfinders, rangefinders, etc.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 provides extra editing features for portrait photography, i.e., contrast, sharpness, saturation, and color tone adjustments. The Nikon D3500 lacks these additional features. Having these editing features, Canon gives complete control to the photographer to capture his desired shot in the best way possible.
With 11 focus points and an average continuous shooting rate, the Nikon D3500 wins in sports photography results. It provides better image quality, which is why it is great for sports photography. The Canon EOS Rebel T7, on the other hand, has nine focus points and a slow continuous shooting rate, which results in lower-quality images than the Nikon D3500.
For random and daily photography, the Nikon D3500 is better because it is lighter in weight and has longer battery timing. Therefore, you do not need to charge it every day, and it is easier to carry too. On the other hand, the Canon T7 is heavier in weight and possesses shorter battery timing, so the Nikon D3500 is preferable for daily photography.
LCD Display Interface and Microphone
In terms of interface, the Nikon D3500 is better because it provides more control through its LCD while capturing pictures. However, the Canon T7 has a touch screen LCD that might be difficult for beginners to handle.
If Canon thinks of changing its interface to an easier one and plans to make it more convenient for users, this camera may get a higher rating than its competitors. But right now, it lacks the user-friendly interface that attracts beginners.
Nikon D3500 has a standard quality built-in microphone, but the Canon EOS Rebel T7 has a stereo microphone that provides better video sound quality. Both DSLRs do not have a microphone port, so you cannot even attach an external microphone to them. As a result, you cannot even avoid the background noise in the video.
Even though a microphone port is essential for video recording to get the best video footage, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 has a slight edge over the Nikon D3500 because it has a better mic and better sound quality.
Focus Points
Autofocus points are essential in any good quality camera because they can provide better picture quality. In portrait photography, they play an even more important role by focusing on the main object and capturing pictures with a blurry background.
But since the Nikon D3500 and Canon EOS Rebel T7 are for beginners, they have a relatively low number of AF points. The Nikon D3500 has 11 focus points with zero cross-type AF points. The Canon EOS Rebel T7 has nine focus points with one cross-type AF point.
So, both the DSLRs are pretty much the same in terms of focus points since both lack an autofocus system. If you are an experienced and professional photographer, then none of these might be your choice. But for a beginner, these cameras are great.
Wireless Connectivity
Transferring the pictures from the camera to the phone or any other device is such a hassle. But thanks to the apps provided by Nikon and Canon that allow smooth and efficient data transfer through wireless connectivity. Using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, you can transfer the pictures quickly in no time.
Canon and Nikon have apps that you can download on your phone and connect to your camera. Once you capture a picture, you can immediately transfer it to your phone using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Nikon D3500 has Bluetooth features, but it lacks Wi-Fi. The Canon EOS Rebel T7, on the other hand, provides Wi-Fi connectivity. It might be difficult for some people, but you can quickly transfer the data once you get the hang of it. Wi-Fi is better and quicker because it is more advanced.
You can get any of the cameras depending upon the data transfer method that you prefer. For example, both the Nikon D3500 and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 provide fast methods. All you have to do is download their specific apps on your smartphone. The app connects you to the DSLR directly, and you can immediately transfer the pictures to your phone.
Battery Life
Here comes the most significant difference between the two cameras, their battery power. It is undoubtedly the most crucial factor in a DSLR that it has a good battery that lasts a long time.
Nikon D3500 does not disappoint its users because it provides a longer battery duration. The battery has a power of 1230 mAh, and it helps to complete full-day shoots. It has a removable and rechargeable battery, but it does not support wireless charging. The camera indicates the level of battery constantly. According to CIPA, it can capture 1550 shots after a full charge, which is remarkable battery life.
In that regard, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 disappoints a bit because it has a shorter battery time. It has a battery power of 1020 mAh, and after every full charge, it can capture up to 500 shots. The number of images per charge is way too low compared to the Nikon D3500. In addition, it has a removable and rechargeable battery that does not support wireless charging, just like the D3500.
The Nikon D3500 is an effortless winner in the battery category. It’s the kind of camera you’d take on a camping trip where you’d have to live for a few days. The Nikon D3500 will be an excellent piece of photography gear due to its long battery life.
APS-C Sensor
The APS-C sensor is the thing that sets a DSLR apart from a smartphone’s camera. It is an essential factor that decides the picture resolution. So let’s start the sensor comparison between the Nikon D3500 and the Canon EOS Rebel T7. The sensors differ slightly in both cameras.
The Nikon D3500 has a 24-Megapixel sensor resolution, which is a CMOS sensor type. It has an APS-C sensor size with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm. The sensor area of the Nikon camera is 366.6mm, and the maximum resolution is 6000 x 4000. The max native ISO of the Nikon D3500 is 25600, which is excellent for sharper images. You can even manually set the ISO levels.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 does not have a vast difference in terms of sensors. It also has a 24-megapixel sensor resolution. There is an APS-C sensor with fewer dimensions than the D3500, i.e., 22.3 x 14.9 mm, and the sensor area is 332.27mm2, which is also less. The maximum resolution is 6000 x 4000, which is the same as the Nikon D3500. The max native ISO of the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is only 6400, which is way less than the D3500.
Finally, the Nikon D3500 is the winner here as well. It has a better APS-C sensor which allows better image quality. So you will get sharper images by using it.
Continuous Shooting
For capturing fast-moving objects, professional cameras need to have fast continuous shooting speed. Therefore, the camera should capture a maximum number of frames per second to capture any moving object seamlessly. It is an important feature that many cameras lack because they cannot be used in sports photography, etc.
As beginner-level cameras, the Nikon D3500 and Canon EOS Rebel T7 do not have the continuous shooting speed that a top-notch professional camera has. Their rate is quite average, and it could have been better.
The Nikon D3500 has a fast shutter speed as compared to the Canon EOS Rebel T7. It also has a quicker frame per second rate, as it can deliver five fps. On the other hand, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 captures three frames per second only, which is why it lags in continuous shooting.
Continuous shooting is vital in sports photography or any other creative type, so you need to ensure your camera has good fps speed. You will deliver tremendous results to your clients if your camera is suitable for continuous shooting. In this category, the Nikon D3500 wins, so you can consider getting it.
Which Camera Should You Pick? Nikon D3500 or Canon EOS Rebel T7
The competition between the Nikon D3500 and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is inevitable because they possess many identical features. These DSLR cameras add value to the photographer’s life by taking his photography skills to a new level. But which one is better and worth investing money in?
According to our research and observation, we would recommend you get the Nikon D3500. Between the Nikon D3500 and the Canon EOS Rebel T7, the D3500 provides better picture quality with excellent battery life. It has a compact size and weight, which makes it easier to carry. You will not get tired if you have to hold it for a longer time. It comes with a standard Nikon F mount lens that you can upgrade as per your choice.
The image sensor is also better, providing an improved picture and video quality than the Nikon D3500. It can even capture high-resolution pictures in low light, so you do not have to worry about lighting much. There is a built-in flash, and you also have the option of attaching an external flashlight.
Even though both cameras are specific to entry-level photography, the value that Nikon D3500 provides is almost unmatchable. It is a blessing for beginners who want to practice and become better and more prominent with time. This camera has the potential to teach you the skills that you need.
So, if you want a reliable camera to start your photography journey, you should consider the Nikon D3500. It indeed possesses several semi-professional features, even though it is just a beginner DSLR camera. Moreover, considering the price of this DSLR camera, it is worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Canon camera is equivalent to the Nikon D3500?
None of the cameras can be an exact, plagiarized version of the Nikon D3500. But the camera that comes extremely close to the features of the Nikon D3500 is the Canon SL2.
Here are some of the similarities between the Canon SL2 and the Nikon D3500:
- Sensor resolution of 24 Megapixels
- Continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second
- 3 inch LCD
- Optical viewfinder
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Good low-light ISO
- Full HD video recording
- Lacking image stabilization and weather sealing
Though it has many features that the Nikon D3500 lacks, it is still the most equivalent DSLR camera to the D3500.
2. Is the Nikon D3500 worth buying?
The Nikon D3500 is undoubtedly one of the best entry-level cameras. It has all the essential features that are required in a primary camera. The DSLR comes with an affordable price tag, which is the highlight of this fantastic camera. It even comes with a kit lens.
With excellent image sensor resolution and an optical viewfinder, it is a steal of a deal. In addition, it has a built-in flashlight and even allows external attachments for extra flash. The flashlight makes it easier to capture pictures in low light.
It has 11 focus points that help the overall autofocus system to produce better images. The battery is another notable feature of the camera, which is fantastic. Several highly-priced cameras even lost the battle of the battery to the Nikon D3500 because it is extraordinary.
All in all, it is worth buying a camera that justifies each penny that you pay for it. It is an excellent investment if you want to experiment and learn more about photography and pursue it as a career in the future.
3. Is Nikon or Canon better for beginners?
Both Nikon and Canon are known for producing excellent photography gear. Their products are famous worldwide, so these are some of the first brands that come to our mind when we think about cameras. Their products are perfect for all kinds of photography, including wildlife photography, sports photography, etc.
Canon and Nikon both pay close attention to the details of their DSLR cameras. They try to come up with various types of cameras with variable features and prices. So even if you are on a tight budget for your camera, you will still get something according to your choice and preference.
For any brand, customer satisfaction is the topmost priority, which is precisely what Canon and Nikon try to accomplish. They try to add value to their users’ lives by providing them with great products at all times.
There is a wide range of cameras under the brand names of Nikon and Canon that are specifically made for beginners. Not just one or two cameras; there are many. You can compare all the cameras according to their features and get the best one that fits your budget. It can be confusing to decide on one camera among a sea of others, but you will determine it with some research.
So, go ahead and choose a beginner-level camera from either of the brands, Nikon or Canon. Then, depending upon your needs, you can get any camera, and you will not be disappointed.
4. Is Nikon discontinuing the D3500?
No, Nikon is not discontinuing its D3500 model. There have been a lot of rumors about it because Nikon has discontinued the sale of the Nikon D3500 in Japan. The camera comes under the ‘old products’ category on the Japan website.
But, for now, Nikon does not plan to discontinue the D3500 around the world. The decision is only for Japan, and in the rest of the world, it is still in stock and getting sold. So, right now, you do not need to worry about it. Even if Nikon plans to discontinue it in the future, we believe it will come out with even better and reliable options.
5. What are the must-have features of a DSLR camera?
The most important and number one factor that decides the quality of a DSLR is its picture quality and resolution. A DSLR needs to be different from a smartphone because it has to be used for professional photography at the end of the day. Nobody wants to spend so much money on a product that cannot even compete with their smartphone’s camera quality and standard.
After picture quality comes to the autofocus points, they are essential for sharper and clearer images with blurry backgrounds. The battery is another factor to consider; the longer battery time, the better. Lastly, it depends on the buyer’s preference because he needs to decide which features are necessary.
6. Should a beginner invest in an expensive camera?
As a beginner, it is recommended to use the most basic and easy-to-use camera. It becomes easy to learn new skills and tricks if you get a beginner-friendly camera. Moreover, you will get to experiment a lot which is the best thing.
Price is an essential factor that determines exactly what suits your budget and requirements. So, always perform comprehensive research about the products that are available on the market.
However, if you get an expensive camera that you do not need at the moment, then you will always be terrified of experimenting with it. Your super expensive camera will become a hindrance to your learning. So, it is better to invest in an affordable and simple camera if you want to be a fantastic photographer in the future.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the camera you use depends on your requirements. The features that you need in your camera are the main deciding factor. Therefore, you need to ensure that all those features you have shortlisted are present in the camera you choose. Moreover, you need to decide what kind of a photographer you are and whether you need an entry-level camera. Otherwise, you might need to upgrade your camera too soon.
Today, we compared the two most competitive cameras that possess many things in common. The Nikon D3500 and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 are both highly rated cameras, and they truly deliver the highest quality pictures despite being so affordable. Due to their immense popularity, we compared their features to make your decision quick and easy.
If you still do not have the energy to come up with a conclusion, then this detailed comparison will benefit you in every way. So, go through this guide thoroughly, and get the best entry-level camera, the Nikon D3500, for yourself without being confused.
