Nikon, historic manufacturer in the world of SLR cameras, launches the D3500, the logical successor to the D3400. Located at the entry level, the D3500 targets neophytes wishing to switch from smartphones to a “real” easy-to-access camera.
Nikon offers the D3500 to those who have the desire to part with their smartphone to improve their photographs. This model manages to produce good quality images. Very responsive, the device has an ergonomics that takes its inspiration from its elders and is positioned as a smooth gateway into the world of reflex cameras or photography in a more general way. However, the lack of customization and entry-level choices will quickly show their limits for those who want to go further.
Points forts
- Build quality.
- Image quality.
- Very good responsiveness.
- Guide mode for beginners.
- Built-in flash.
- Connection with SnapBridge.
Weak points
- Screen neither swivel nor touch.
- USB-C absent.
- Lack of detail in video.
- No microphone jack and mono sound on video.
- Limited video mode.
- Unable to customize orders.
- Lacks important controls and shortcuts for some photographers.
- Limited buffer memory.
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
An alternative
We can blame it for its narrow optical sight, its nine-collimator autofocus in optical sight, the absence of automatic flash extraction or its very average video mode. But we must all the same recognize that this EOS 250D has a good image quality and above all a fast hybrid autofocus. Add to that the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the menus which make the EOS 250D an entry-level SLR perfectly suited for amateurs looking for an upgradeable product. Its autofocus puts it in a better place than the Nikon SLRs, but it remains to be seen whether the choice of a SLR is wise as the progress on the side of mirrorless cameras is there.
