What To Know
- The EXPEED 4 image processor is more powerful than the EXPEED image processor, and it provides the D3500 with a number of advantages, including faster processing speeds, better image quality, and more advanced noise reduction capabilities.
- The pentaprism viewfinder of the D90 is brighter and clearer than the pentamirror viewfinder of the D3500, which gives it an advantage when shooting in low-light situations.
- The Nikon D90 has a battery life of 850 shots, while the Nikon D3500 has a battery life of 1550 shots.
The Nikon D90 and Nikon D3500 are two popular entry-level DSLR cameras that have been a favorite among amateur photographers for years. Both cameras offer a range of features and capabilities, making them ideal for capturing stunning images. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Key Differences Between Nikon D90 and Nikon D3500
| Feature | Nikon D90 | Nikon D3500 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 12.3MP CMOS | 24.2MP CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED 4 |
| ISO Range | 200-3200 (expandable to 6400) | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000s to 30s | 1/4000s to 30s |
| Continuous Shooting | 4.5 fps | 5 fps |
| Autofocus | 11-point AF system | 11-point AF system with 3D tracking |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism | Optical pentamirror |
| LCD Screen | 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT | 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT with vari-angle |
| Video Recording | 720p at 24 fps | 1080p at 60 fps |
| Battery Life | 850 shots | 1550 shots |
| Price | Discontinued | $499 |
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D90 has a 12.3MP CMOS sensor, while the Nikon D3500 has a 24.2MP CMOS sensor. The higher resolution of the D3500 means that it can capture more detail in images, especially when shooting at high ISO settings. However, the D90’s larger sensor size gives it an advantage in terms of low-light performance, as it can produce images with less noise at higher ISO settings.
Image Processor
The Nikon D90 uses the EXPEED image processor, while the Nikon D3500 uses the EXPEED 4 image processor. The EXPEED 4 image processor is more powerful than the EXPEED image processor, and it provides the D3500 with a number of advantages, including faster processing speeds, better image quality, and more advanced noise reduction capabilities.
ISO Range
The Nikon D90 has an ISO range of 200-3200, which can be expanded to 6400. The Nikon D3500 has an ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to 51200. The wider ISO range of the D3500 gives it an advantage in low-light situations, as it can capture images at higher ISO settings without introducing excessive noise.
Shutter Speed
Both the Nikon D90 and Nikon D3500 have a shutter speed range of 1/4000s to 30s. This range is sufficient for capturing a wide variety of subjects, from fast-moving action to slow-moving landscapes.
Continuous Shooting
The Nikon D90 has a continuous shooting speed of 4.5 fps, while the Nikon D3500 has a continuous shooting speed of 5 fps. The faster continuous shooting speed of the D3500 gives it an advantage when shooting fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife.
Autofocus
Both the Nikon D90 and Nikon D3500 have 11-point AF systems. However, the D3500’s AF system includes 3D tracking, which gives it an advantage when tracking moving subjects.
Viewfinder
The Nikon D90 has an optical pentaprism viewfinder, while the Nikon D3500 has an optical pentamirror viewfinder. The pentaprism viewfinder of the D90 is brighter and clearer than the pentamirror viewfinder of the D3500, which gives it an advantage when shooting in low-light situations.
LCD Screen
Both the Nikon D90 and Nikon D3500 have 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD screens. However, the D3500’s LCD screen is vari-angle, which allows it to be tilted and rotated for easier viewing from different angles.
Video Recording
The Nikon D90 can record 720p video at 24 fps, while the Nikon D3500 can record 1080p video at 60 fps. The D3500’s higher video resolution and frame rate give it an advantage for shooting videos, especially for those who want to capture fast-moving action.
Battery Life
The Nikon D90 has a battery life of 850 shots, while the Nikon D3500 has a battery life of 1550 shots. The longer battery life of the D3500 gives it an advantage for those who plan on shooting for extended periods of time.
Price
The Nikon D90 is discontinued, but it can still be found used for around $300. The Nikon D3500 is currently available new for $499.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D90 and Nikon D3500 are both great entry-level DSLR cameras that offer a range of features and capabilities. The D90 is a good choice for those who want a camera with good low-light performance and a bright, clear viewfinder. The D3500 is a good choice for those who want a camera with a high-resolution sensor, a vari-angle LCD screen, and excellent video recording capabilities.
Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. If you’re not sure which camera is right for you, I recommend visiting a local camera store and trying out both cameras before making a decision.
What’s in the Box?
Nikon D90
- Nikon D90 camera body
- AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens
- EN-EL3e rechargeable battery
- MH-25 battery charger
- UC-E17 USB cable
- AN-DC3 strap
- Software CD-ROM
Nikon D3500
- Nikon D3500 camera body
- AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens
- EN-EL14a rechargeable battery
- MH-24 battery charger
- UC-E20 USB cable
- AN-DC3 strap
- Software CD-ROM
What People Want to Know
Q: Which camera has a better sensor?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a higher resolution sensor than the Nikon D90, which means that it can capture more detail in images.
Q: Which camera has a better image processor?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a more powerful image processor than the Nikon D90, which gives it a number of advantages, including faster processing speeds, better image quality, and more advanced noise reduction capabilities.
Q: Which camera has a wider ISO range?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a wider ISO range than the Nikon D90, which gives it an advantage in low-light situations.
Q: Which camera has a faster continuous shooting speed?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a faster continuous shooting speed than the Nikon D90, which gives it an advantage when shooting fast-moving subjects.
Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a more advanced autofocus system than the Nikon D90, which gives it an advantage when tracking moving subjects.
Q: Which camera has a brighter viewfinder?
A: The Nikon D90 has a brighter viewfinder than the Nikon D3500, which gives it an advantage when shooting in low-light situations.
Q: Which camera has a vari-angle LCD screen?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a vari-angle LCD screen, which allows it to be tilted and rotated for easier viewing from different angles.
Q: Which camera has better video recording capabilities?
A: The Nikon D3500 has better video recording capabilities than the Nikon D90, as it can record 1080p video at 60 fps.
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Nikon D3500 has a longer battery life than the Nikon D90, which gives it an advantage for those who plan on shooting for extended periods of time.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Nikon D3500 is more affordable than the Nikon D90, as it can be purchased new for $499.
