What To Know
- The EOS 100D and D3500 both offer reasonably fast autofocus, but the D3500 may have a slight advantage in low-light situations due to its additional AF points.
- The EOS 100D can shoot up to 6 RAW images or 14 JPEG images in a single burst, while the D3500 can shoot up to 15 RAW images or 100 JPEG images.
- The Canon EOS 100D can record videos at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 30fps, while the Nikon D3500 can record videos at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60fps.
For aspiring photographers seeking their first DSLR, the Canon EOS 100D and Nikon D3500 emerge as formidable contenders in the entry-level market. Both cameras promise impressive features and capabilities, but which one truly stands out? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the specifications, performance, and key differences between the Canon EOS 100D and Nikon D3500 to help you make an informed decision.
Image Quality
Sensor: The Canon EOS 100D boasts an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Nikon D3500 features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Both sensors offer excellent image quality, with the D3500 having a slight edge in resolution.
ISO Range: The EOS 100D has an ISO range of 100-12800, expandable to 25600, while the D3500 has a range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200. The D3500 offers a wider ISO range, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions.
Autofocus
AF Points: The Canon EOS 100D has 9 AF points, while the Nikon D3500 has 11 AF points. Both cameras offer phase-detection autofocus, but the D3500 has more AF points, resulting in potentially faster and more accurate focusing.
AF Speed: The EOS 100D and D3500 both offer reasonably fast autofocus, but the D3500 may have a slight advantage in low-light situations due to its additional AF points.
Burst Shooting
FPS: The Canon EOS 100D can shoot up to 4fps, while the Nikon D3500 can shoot up to 5fps. The D3500 has a slightly faster burst rate, allowing you to capture more frames per second.
Buffer: The EOS 100D can shoot up to 6 RAW images or 14 JPEG images in a single burst, while the D3500 can shoot up to 15 RAW images or 100 JPEG images. The D3500 has a larger buffer, enabling you to capture longer bursts without interruption.
Video Capabilities
Resolution: The Canon EOS 100D can record videos at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 30fps, while the Nikon D3500 can record videos at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60fps. The D3500 offers smoother video recording with its higher frame rate.
Microphone: Both the EOS 100D and D3500 have a built-in microphone, but the D3500 also has an external microphone jack, providing more flexibility for audio recording.
Size and Weight
Dimensions: The Canon EOS 100D measures 4.9 x 3.7 x 2.4 inches (129 x 92 x 62 mm), while the Nikon D3500 measures 5.0 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches (127 x 97 x 70 mm). The D3500 is slightly larger and heavier than the EOS 100D.
Weight: The Canon EOS 100D weighs 11.5 ounces (320 grams), while the Nikon D3500 weighs 16.9 ounces (480 grams). The EOS 100D is significantly lighter than the D3500, making it more comfortable to carry and use.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Both the Canon EOS 100D and Nikon D3500 have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly transfer images and videos to your smartphone or computer.
Bluetooth: The Nikon D3500 also has Bluetooth connectivity, which enables you to connect to your smartphone for remote control and image sharing.
Battery Life
Battery Type: The Canon EOS 100D uses an LP-E12 battery, while the Nikon D3500 uses an EN-EL14a battery.
Battery Life: The EOS 100D has a battery life of approximately 380 shots, while the D3500 has a battery life of approximately 1550 shots. The D3500 offers significantly longer battery life, allowing you to shoot more images on a single charge.
The Final Verdict
Both the Canon EOS 100D and Nikon D3500 are excellent entry-level DSLRs that offer impressive features and capabilities. However, the Nikon D3500 emerges as the overall winner due to its higher resolution sensor, wider ISO range, faster burst rate, larger buffer, smoother video recording, and longer battery life. If you prioritize image quality, low-light performance, and battery life, the Nikon D3500 is the better choice. However, if you prefer a lighter camera with a more compact design, the Canon EOS 100D is still a solid option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which camera has better image quality?
A: Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but the Nikon D3500 has a slight edge due to its higher resolution sensor.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a wider ISO range, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera has faster autofocus?
A: Both cameras offer reasonably fast autofocus, but the Nikon D3500 may have a slight advantage in low-light situations due to its additional AF points.
Q: Which camera has a larger buffer?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a larger buffer, enabling you to capture longer bursts without interruption.
Q: Which camera has better video capabilities?
A: The Nikon D3500 offers smoother video recording with its higher frame rate and external microphone jack.
Q: Which camera is lighter and more compact?
A: The Canon EOS 100D is significantly lighter and more compact than the Nikon D3500.
Q: Which camera has longer battery life?
A: The Nikon D3500 offers significantly longer battery life, allowing you to shoot more images on a single charge.
