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Nikon Z30 Vs D3500: The Battle Of The Entry-level Mirrorless Cameras

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • The Z30 is a better value for the money, as it offers a number of features that the D3500 lacks, such as a hybrid autofocus system, 4K video recording, and a flip-out touchscreen.
  • If you are looking for a more modern camera with a hybrid autofocus system, 4K video recording, and a flip-out touchscreen, then the Nikon Z30 is the best choice for you.
  • If you are looking for a more traditional DSLR with a longer battery life and a more comfortable grip, then the Nikon D3500 is the best choice for you.

When it comes to entry-level cameras, two of the most popular options are the Nikon Z30 and the D3500. Both cameras offer a great balance of features and affordability, making them ideal for beginners and hobbyists alike. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for you than the other.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Nikon Z30 and the D3500, comparing their key features and specifications. We will also provide our recommendations on which camera is the best choice for different types of photographers.

Sensor and Image Quality:

The Nikon Z30 features a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the D3500 has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. Both sensors are capable of producing high-quality images, but the D3500 has a slight edge in terms of resolution.

However, the Z30’s sensor has a few advantages over the D3500’s sensor. First, the Z30’s sensor is back-illuminated, which means that it is more efficient at capturing light. This results in better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range. Second, the Z30’s sensor has a higher maximum ISO of 25600, compared to the D3500’s maximum ISO of 12800. This means that the Z30 can be used in even darker conditions without sacrificing image quality.

Autofocus:

The Nikon Z30 features a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus. The D3500, on the other hand, has a traditional phase-detection autofocus system.

The Z30’s hybrid autofocus system is faster and more accurate than the D3500’s phase-detection autofocus system. This makes the Z30 a better choice for photographers who shoot moving subjects, such as children or pets.

Video:

The Nikon Z30 is capable of shooting 4K UHD video at 30p, while the D3500 can only shoot 1080p Full HD video at 60p. The Z30 also has a number of other video features that the D3500 lacks, such as a built-in microphone jack and a flip-out touchscreen.

Design and Ergonomics:

The Nikon Z30 is a mirrorless camera, while the D3500 is a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs, making them easier to carry around. They also have a more modern design, with a larger touchscreen and electronic viewfinder.

The D3500, on the other hand, has a more traditional DSLR design. It is larger and heavier than the Z30, but it has a more comfortable grip and a longer battery life.

Price:

The Nikon Z30 is priced at $700, while the D3500 is priced at $600. The Z30 is a better value for the money, as it offers a number of features that the D3500 lacks, such as a hybrid autofocus system, 4K video recording, and a flip-out touchscreen.

Final Note:

The Nikon Z30 and the D3500 are both great entry-level cameras. However, the Z30 is the better choice for photographers who want a more modern camera with a hybrid autofocus system, 4K video recording, and a flip-out touchscreen. The D3500 is a better choice for photographers who want a more traditional DSLR with a longer battery life and a more comfortable grip.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The best way to decide which camera is right for you is to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a more modern camera with a hybrid autofocus system, 4K video recording, and a flip-out touchscreen, then the Nikon Z30 is the best choice for you. If you are looking for a more traditional DSLR with a longer battery life and a more comfortable grip, then the Nikon D3500 is the best choice for you.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Which camera has a better sensor?

A: The Nikon D3500 has a higher resolution sensor, but the Nikon Z30’s sensor has a number of advantages, such as better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range.

Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?

A: The Nikon Z30 has a hybrid autofocus system that is faster and more accurate than the Nikon D3500’s phase-detection autofocus system.

Q: Which camera can shoot 4K video?

A: The Nikon Z30 can shoot 4K UHD video at 30p, while the Nikon D3500 can only shoot 1080p Full HD video at 60p.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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