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Nikon D3500 Vs. Samsung S21 Ultra: The Ultimate Camera Shootout

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • While the Nikon D3500 is a traditional DSLR camera, the Samsung S21 Ultra is a cutting-edge smartphone with advanced photography capabilities.
  • In this blog post, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison between the Nikon D3500 and Samsung S21 Ultra to help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
  • The Samsung S21 Ultra, on the other hand, has a fixed lens setup with a versatile focal range of 24mm to 100mm.

The Nikon D3500 and Samsung S21 Ultra are two highly popular devices that cater to different photography needs. While the Nikon D3500 is a traditional DSLR camera, the Samsung S21 Ultra is a cutting-edge smartphone with advanced photography capabilities. In this blog post, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison between the Nikon D3500 and Samsung S21 Ultra to help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon D3500 features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the Samsung S21 Ultra boasts a 108-megapixel 1/1.33-inch sensor. The larger sensor size in the Nikon D3500 offers better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field, allowing for more creative control over your shots. On the other hand, the Samsung S21 Ultra’s higher megapixel count provides greater resolution and detail, especially when cropping or enlarging images.

Lens System

One of the key advantages of DSLR cameras like the Nikon D3500 is their interchangeable lens system. This allows you to swap lenses to suit different shooting scenarios, such as wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for wildlife, and macro for close-ups. The Samsung S21 Ultra, on the other hand, has a fixed lens setup with a versatile focal range of 24mm to 100mm. While this limits your lens options, it offers convenience and versatility for everyday shooting.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting

The Nikon D3500 employs a 11-point autofocus system, while the Samsung S21 Ultra utilizes a laser autofocus system with 100 autofocus points. The Samsung S21 Ultra’s superior autofocus system provides faster and more accurate focusing, especially in low-light conditions. Additionally, the S21 Ultra offers impressive burst shooting capabilities of up to 20 frames per second, compared to the D3500’s 5 frames per second.

Video Capabilities

Both the Nikon D3500 and Samsung S21 Ultra can shoot videos in 4K resolution. However, the S21 Ultra offers more advanced video features, including 8K video recording, 240fps slow-motion video, and cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio. The S21 Ultra also boasts better video stabilization and a dedicated Pro Video mode for greater creative control.

Display and User Interface

The Nikon D3500 features a 3-inch LCD screen, while the Samsung S21 Ultra has a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The S21 Ultra’s display offers higher resolution, brighter colors, and a wider viewing angle. Additionally, the S21 Ultra’s intuitive user interface and touch-screen controls provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience.

Connectivity and Portability

The Nikon D3500 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer and remote control. The Samsung S21 Ultra offers a wider range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. It also supports 5G connectivity for faster data transfer speeds. In terms of portability, the S21 Ultra is more compact and lightweight than the D3500, making it easier to carry around.

Price and Availability

The Nikon D3500 is a budget-friendly option, typically priced around $400-$500. The Samsung S21 Ultra, on the other hand, is a high-end device with a price tag of around $1,200-$1,400. The availability of both devices may vary depending on your location and retailer.

In a nutshell

The Nikon D3500 and Samsung S21 Ultra are two excellent devices for photography enthusiasts with different needs and preferences. The Nikon D3500 offers a traditional DSLR experience with interchangeable lenses and superior low-light performance. The Samsung S21 Ultra, on the other hand, provides cutting-edge technology with its advanced autofocus system, 8K video capabilities, and user-friendly interface. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements, budget, and shooting style.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which device is better for low-light photography?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a larger sensor, providing better low-light performance.

Q: Can I use the S21 Ultra for professional photography?
A: While the S21 Ultra has advanced photography features, it may not be suitable for professional photographers who require the flexibility and control of a DSLR camera.

Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The Samsung S21 Ultra has a larger battery capacity and more efficient power management, resulting in longer battery life.

Q: Can I connect external microphones to both devices?
A: Yes, both the Nikon D3500 and Samsung S21 Ultra have external microphone ports for improved audio recording.

Q: Does the S21 Ultra support RAW image capture?
A: Yes, the Samsung S21 Ultra supports RAW image capture, providing more flexibility for post-processing.

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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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