Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7: Which Camera Should You Choose?

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Nikon and Canon have been dominating the entry-level DSLR market for ages. They have been competing over turf bringing out new cameras and technology now and then.

The Nikon D3500 and Canon Rebel T7 (Also known as 2000D outside the US) are some of the budget-oriented cameras out there by these companies.

Both cameras have a lot to offer but the Nikon D3500 is one of the most preferable cameras for new photographers to dip their toes in the photography world for the first time.

This article was put together with a comprehensive comparison between the Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7 for a better understanding of what these cameras can do.

Nikon D3500 vs. Canon T7: Quick comparison Chart

Some key differences between Nikon D3500 VS Canon T7:

Nikon D3500 vs. Canon T7: Detailed Comparison

The Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 are both fantastic options to consider if someone wants to upgrade from a point-and-shoot camera or simply start capturing more high-quality images.

Both are intended for beginners as entry-level DSLR cameras, with simple interfaces and a variety of automatic shooting modes.

They do, however, have distinct strengths and shortcomings that can make one camera a better fit for a specific person’s needs. Let’s take a look at how these cameras perform.

Similarities between the two cameras:

• 3” Fixed LCD Screen.
• Built-in Pop-up Flash and Hot Shoe.
• No In-Body Image Stabilization.
• No Weather Sealing.
• Both Cameras Lack 4k Video Recording.

Let’s now talk briefly about the differences between the Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7:

Price:

Both the Nikon D3500 and the Canon Rebel T7 are entry-level DSLR cameras that are fantastic options for individuals looking to advance their photography without breaking the bank.

The Nikon D3500 is priced at $488. This camera has discounts and promotions running where the prices drop or a kit lens is included in the package for the same price.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 has an even more affordable price tag of only $344 for the body. The Camera bundled with a kit lens costs around $500. A kit lens is an important tool for beginners who don’t have or can’t afford a lens with a camera.

The Nikon D3500 on discounts is the better alternative among the two, so that wins the price round of things.

Build and Design:

The Nikon D3500 has a compact and light body. With the battery and kit lens, it weighs only 365 grams, making it one of the lightest DSLRs on the market.

The body of the Canon T7 is slightly larger and heavier than that of the Nikon D3500, weighing 475 grams with the battery and kit lens.

Let’s take a look at the two cameras side-by-side.

Both cameras are built in a durable polycarbonate shell that is well-constructed and comfortable to handle. The Canon T7 has a matte finish that looks very premium for its price.

The D3500 and the T7 feature a large grip that provides a stable and comfortable hold, and the buttons and functions are well-placed and easily accessible.

Let’s look at the dimensions of the two cameras for a better understanding of their size.

Both cameras have a 3-inch LCD screen with 921,000 dots, allowing users to see the shots clearly and in detail. While there is no touch or articulate screen, the buttons and controls are intuitive and simple to use, especially for beginners.

Here is another side-by-side image of the two cameras.

Overall, the slightly larger body of the Canon T7 may be more comfortable for those with larger hands, but it may also make it slightly less portable than the Nikon D3500.

The Nikon D3500’s smaller and lighter design makes it a fan favorite camera for a lot of users.

AF Points:

These budget DSLRs get a lot of backlashes for their lack of sufficient AF points. Both cameras here have entry-level AF systems.

The Nikon D3500 has 11 AF points with no cross-type points available. The Canon Rebel T7 comes with 9 AF points, 1 of which is cross-type.

Burst Shots:

Continuous shooting speed has a major impact on action-packed scenes or even portraits when they are being taken candidly. Both the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 have slow burst shot capability.

When talking about shooting RAW, the 3fps capable T7 can shoot 11 files before the buffer has to reload. The D3500 on the other hand can shoot up to 5fps which isn’t a big feat but here it beats the T7.

On the other hand, The T7 can shoot 150 JPEGs in one go while the D3500 can’t.

LCD Screen and Interface:

These cameras feature a 3” fixed LCD screen. However, the interface that Nikon uses is more geared toward beginners with interactive graphics. It shows a step-by-step guide on how each setting works when selected.

Battery Life:

This is a big difference maker between the Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7. The D3500 can shoot 3 times more photos on a single charge.

The Canon T7 can shoot up to 500 photos per charge while the Nikon D3500 can hold up upto 1500 shots.

ISO Range:

The Nikon D3500 offers an ISO range of 100-25600 which is a big deal for low-light photography with these budget DSLR cameras.

The Canon T7 offers an ISO range of 100-6400 which can be extended up to 12800. So, the lower limit of ISO is the same for both of the cameras.

However, the higher upper limit of the D3500 allows users to capture better images in low-light conditions. The Canon T7’s ISO performance during the night isn’t very good. Images have high contrast and there’s a lot of noticeable noise in them.

Resolution and Image Processing:

Both cameras are equipped with 24 MP APS-C CMOS sensors offering similar sharpness and detail in images.

However, the processing is different. The Nikon D3500 uses the EXPEED 4 image processor and the Canon T7 uses the DIGIC 4+ processor.

The EXPEED 4 processor is a proven performer that is used even in high-end cameras like the Nikon D810. This processor offers better noise reduction and a tad sharper image compared to the DIGIC 4+.

Video Performance and Microphone Input:

In terms of video recording capabilities, the Nikon D3500 can shoot 1080p videos at 60fps. The Canon T7 can only shoot 1080 videos at 30fps.

The Microphone input on the D3500 is mono while the Canon T7 offers stereo input. Neither camera has an external mic input jack.

These cameras weren’t designed to perform extraordinarily on videos but they offer decent performance.

Although both cameras perform identically, the Nikon D3500 has a slight edge over the Canon T7.

Connectivity:

This is where the Canon T7 shines brighter than the Nikon D3500. The D3500 does not offer any sort of wireless connectivity.

The Canon T7 on the other hand has built-in WiFI and NFC connectivity. Using the Canon Camera app lets users access photos on the camera for on-the-fly transfer and users can also control the camera from their phone.

Nikon D3500 vs. Canon T7: Verdict?

After comparing the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7, it’s obvious that both cameras provide great value for their respective price points. However, according to the analysis, the Nikon D3500 is the superior camera overall.

While the Canon T7 is a capable camera, it falls short in some ways when compared to the D3500. At a similar price point, the Nikon D3500 has a more beginner-friendly approach to it. The winner of this debate is the Nikon D3500, for anyone looking for a high-quality entry-level DSLR camera.

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