Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7 – Full Camera Reviews

Finding the best beginner’s camera can be a difficult choice. You will want something good enough to get you into the photography world, but nothing too expensive so you won’t waste your money if everything goes sideways. This leads to a further problem – good quality and inexpensive – it is not easy finding bang for the buck deals, especially in this profession.

But, looking at the arguably two most famous camera brands today – Canon and Nikon, and the job they have been doing over the years, it is possible to find such cameras in the vast sea of products they give to the world every now and then. To ease your concerns, and to save you a lot of time, here is what we think will be interesting for you.

Without further ado, here is a Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7 comparison review with (hopefully) everything you need to know about these two cameras before deciding to buy one. And buying one is certainly most recommended.

Nikon D3500 Review – Is Nikon D3500 the best value for money camera on the market?

We have been burying SLR cameras for so many years and hearing that they are big and obsolete. And when one holds a Nikon D3500 in their hands, they do not know whether to classify it as one of the last of its kind or simply point out that it is one of the smallest cameras on the market. Be that as it may, it certainly offers more quality for its price.

And this is possible for just around 500 dollars US – including the stabilized 18-55 millimeter zoom! An incredible camera for beginners, if you can find it on the market, that is. Not a lot of people will part ways with it, and the demand is always high. It may be a bit of a hasty conclusion that ends the usual mystery of testing, but with that budget right now you can’t find anything better on the market. So simple and easy.

This is not a surprise because previous generations already played this trick. But now the reduction in size and weight provides another argument for those looking for something small, simple, and cheap.

And it is that Nikon moves very well in that entry and a half range of APS-C SLR, with the 3000 and 5000 series always being a highly recommended option in this segment for performance and also for price and results.

Along the same lines, the D3500 arrives without too many novelties or strong emotions to contribute. In fact, that is almost the only reproach to make, although the design changes seem to be enough to justify a renovation that keeps the interior practically intact.

What’s New

The D3500 is small. Very small, in line with the Canon EOS 200D and, in any case, considerably lighter than many mirrorless cameras with the same sensor size. The good news is that it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy in your hands, and in fact, the grip and feel are excellent for its segment and price.

One main thing that we are not happy with is that the function button of its predecessor has disappeared. A bad note that forces us to simply go yes or yes through the menu to change almost any shooting setting.

Another fact to keep in mind for those who are in a hurry is that, as in other models and brands, the bet for a retractable lens helps to make the set more compact, but forces it to go a step further when starting the camera.

Performance and Quality

Considering that the changes are focused on the interior, everything we said at the time about the D3400 is applicable to this new model. And that has always been contextualized in its segment and price, which is just great news.

The 95% coverage viewfinder and 11-point focus are its weakest points. At least on paper because it is still surprising how correct this camera’s 3D tracking mode is for moving scenes. Not to brag about in front of the professional photographers but it can cope without too much trouble with some action.

We also like the wireless connection system via Bluetooth, which, once the camera and mobile are linked, can transfer images automatically and easily. Although the lack of Wi-Fi limits the functions a bit, we do now have the possibility of remote shooting from the mobile, although without a preview.

But the important thing, which is really surprising about this camera, is its image quality. There is no trick or surprise: it uses the same 24 megapixel CMOS as its little brothers.

Good color, good detail, great direct JPEGs, and a dynamic range – especially if we dare to work in RAW – which is simply spectacular for a 500 dollar camera.

Another of the few new features of the camera: if the autonomy of just over 1000 shots per charge of the D3400 seemed little, now the D3500 allows us to reach 1500 photos per charge. Wow, we can practically forget about the charger although, put to lighten Nikon camera, it would be nice to be able to charge it by USB.

Safe Option

With an autonomy that leaves any mirrorless person in awe, an image quality that we dare to place among the best APS-C thanks to its excellent CMOS, and a dynamic range that should make you go wild – this is one heck of a deal. For a 500 dollar camera, it is hard to think what more can you ask for from this modest but impressive SLR. This D3500 is an unbeatable option and the proof that, at least for now, SLRs still have something to say.

Specs

In the following section, we’ll provide you with a rundown of the essential specs for the more tech-savvy individuals.

Physical Characteristics

• The material of construction: Plastic
• Dimensions: 124 x 97 x 70 mm
• Weight:365 gr
• Sealed against dust and moisture: No

Sensor

• Size: APS-C (23.50 x 15.60 mm)
• Resolution: 24.0 megapixels (6,000 x 4,000)
• Proportions: 3:2

Optics

• Interchangeable Lenses: Yes
• Focal length: 18 to 55mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 27 to 82.5mm)
• Zoom range: 3x

Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type: Optical Reflex
• Viewfinder coverage: 95%
• Viewfinder Magnification Factor: 0.57x

Screen

• Screen Size: 3”
• Screen Resolution: 921,000 px
• Articulated screen: No
• Touch screen: No

ISO Sensitivity

• ISO Sensitivity range: 100 – 25,600
• Auto ISO: Yes
• Exposure Metering Modes
• Matrix metering: Yes
• Central measurement: Yes
• Spot metering: Yes

Exposure Modes

• Program mode: Yes
• Shutter speed priority: Yes
• Aperture priority: Yes
• Manual: Yes
• Scene modes: Yes

Focus

• Autofocus: Yes
• Autofocus system: Hybrid phase detection and contrast detection
• Autofocus modes: Normal, Continuous, Tracking
• Focus points: 11

Shutter

• Minimum shutter speed: 1/4000 sec
• Maximum shutter speed: 30 sec
• Continuous shooting: 5 fps
• Self-timer: Yes
• Remote control: Wireless

Image Stabilization

• Image stabilization system: Optical

Flash

• Built-in flash: Yes
• External flash: Yes
• Synchronization speed: 1/200 sec

White Balance

• Number of presets: 12
• Manual adjustment: Yes

Image Formats

• JPEG format: Yes
• RAW format: Yes

Video

• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 (50/60 fps)
• Speaker: Mono
• Microphone: Mono

Memory Cards

• Format: SD
• Number of Slots: 1

Connectivity

• USB: 2.0
• HDMI: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• GPS: No

Advantages of the Nikon D3500

• Focus System AF 11 points
• Guide mode to guide the beginner
• Smaller (5mm less) and lighter (31g less) than the D3400
• Longer battery life (up to 1,550 shots)
• Smartphone connectivity
• Bluetooth technology

Disadvantages of the Nikon D3500

• Too similar to its predecessor – the Nikon D3400
• It does not have a folding or tilting screen
• Does not have a touch screen
• Does not record video in 4K quality

Canon Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D Review

The Canon EOS 2000D, also known as Rebel T7, is one of the more affordable DSLRs from the Japanese camera giant Canon. Aimed at anyone looking for a simple, reliable, and capable DSLR, it combines a host of features designed to help novice photographers get the most out of their photography for one low price. This is not a camera that stands out for having many details or “luxuries” – it simply has a solid core that allows you to develop your own creativity in photography.

Popular features include a DIGIC 4+ processing engine and a 9-point AF system, along with video recording in Full HD quality. The camera also uses the same EF-S mount as Canon’s other entry-level DSLRs, allowing you to mount the same collection of EF and EF-S lenses, not only from Canon but also from many other independent lens manufacturers (such as Tamron or Sigma).

This entry-level DSLR camera is a decent option for a first-time buyer, but it is far from the only, or better, model on the market for photographers with a little more knowledge.

Design and Performance of the Canon EOS 2000D SLR Camera

The EOS 2000D is not a radical reinvention of the 13000D. It’s not strictly a bad thing, but it is disappointing that features that are becoming the norm and standard in the DSLR market are not yet included in Canon’s entry model. The lack of 4K and a touchscreen are just two that come to mind.

Although there is no 4K video for vlogging, Full HD video recording is present. Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity are also present, but there is no Bluetooth, something that is similar to Canon’s other entry-level DSLRs, including the EOS 800D. This is a point where it takes a lot, as Bluetooth Low Energy allows cameras to maintain a constant connection with a smartphone for easy photo sharing.

The 2000D’s main change from its predecessor is the sensor. It’s still an APS-C CMOS device, but it’s now 24.1 megapixels, compared to 18 megapixels for the much older sensor in the 1300D.

We’ve seen this 24.1-megapixel sensor before, in the EOS 750D, but it’s a generation behind what was found in the 800D. If you are already shooting with a 1300D, it is unlikely that it will be enough to consider switching to this model. But if it’s your first DSLR, then you might appreciate the increased resolution, as it provides more scope for cropping your photos or printing them in larger sizes.

To keep costs down, the 2000D uses Canon’s old Digic 4+ processor, which is the same as the 1300D. The most recent Canon models, like the EOS M50, now use the Digic 8 processor, but still offer decent performance for basic photography.

You get a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400, which you can expand up to 12,800. Likewise, the 9-point AF system is identical – but sadly, it doesn’t make use of the dual-pixel AF found on other Canon DSLRs.

When in your hand, the 2000D doesn’t feel premium, but it is helped by a textured coating around the reasonably thick grip. The buttons are of a good size and well placed, with a large mode dial at the top of the camera. On the back of the camera, there are a bunch of self-explanatory buttons to control the various settings.

Canon EOS 2000 – The Screen and Viewfinder of one of the Cheapest Canon Cameras

A feature inherited from the 1300D is the optical viewfinder, which offers 95% frame coverage. Keep this in mind when composing your images, as something could slip on the edge of the shot.

Some people are adamant that optical sights are better than electronic ones. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, an optical viewfinder offers a bright, real-time view of what you’re seeing, minus lag or noise in low light. But it can’t show the changes you’re making in a shot in real-time unless you switch to live view on the screen.

Today we would take a high-resolution EVF on optical drives that leave bits out of the frame. But optical scopes are much more affordable and have battery life benefits as well.

The display has no touch functionality, a disappointment for a camera that launched in 2018, but an understandable decision made by Canon to keep the 2000D as affordable as possible.

Likewise, the display is also the same as the 1300D: a fixed 3.0-inch 920k-dot panel. Not being able to tilt or articulate it is less than useful for “unnatural” (or selected) angles, but the viewing angle is reasonably good, and the screen itself is bright and clear.

EOS 2000D SLR Performance

You can see that the  9-point AF system from 2000D has been present for some time and it is really beginning to show its aging now. Clustered around the center of the frame, the 9 dots don’t give you much to work with, so you’ll probably find that you spend a lot of time focusing and recomposing if your subjects are somewhere off-center.

In terms of performance, only the center point is of the most sensitive crossover type. You’ll want to activate this point as light levels drop, but otherwise, the other focus points do a decent job of staring at the subject in daylight.

You can activate the screen for shooting in live view, but since the 2000D doesn’t use dual-pixel CMOS AF, don’t expect focus speeds to be lightning fast. Still, it’s a good choice for still objects and macro-type subjects – or anything you can shoot with the aid of a tripod.

If you have any intention of filming action or sports scenes, the 2000D is a pretty poor choice. It offers just 3fps of footage, which means you’re likely to miss the key pieces of the action.

The 2000D’s battery life is 500 shots. This is an area where DSLRs still have an advantage over compact system cameras of similar specifications and prices. There is enough power to last you at least a couple of days on average shooting. However, keep in mind that the Nikon D3500, the 2000D’s main rival, has more than triple the battery life of the 2000D with 1500 shots.

Canon 2000D camera video and image quality

As mentioned above, the 2000D has a sensor of 24Mp, which is a 6Mp increase over the 1300D sensor. Although this camera may not possess brilliant and top-notch specs that you can find on the market (for a much greater price), it still provides decent images, particularly in good lighting conditions.

Full HD video plays very well too, and while it’s unlikely to be a camera that will particularly appeal to videographers, for those who just want to watch a few home videos and the like, it’s a good alternative to the phone.

Specs

Sensor

• Sensor type: APS-C CMOS (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
• Resolution (MP): 24.1 MP
• Image size (px): 6000 x 4000 pixels

Processor

• Processor Type: DIGIC 4+

Focusing

• Focus type: Auto-focus with phase and contrast detection
• AF system (points): 9 AF points with phase detection (one cross, center)

Lens

• Lens range (mm): 18 – 55 mm
• Aperture (f/): f/3.5 – 5.6
• Stabilization: Optical image stabilization IS
• Filter size: 58 mm
• AF servomotor: Micromotor

Recording

• Photography (mods): Auto predefined modes and manual controls
• Video recording (resolution): 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps
• Burst: 3 fps
• Sound: Linear PCM
• File type: JPEG, RAW; MOV, MPEG-4 AVC / H.264

Exposure

• ISO sensitivity: 100 – 6400 (expandable up to 12800)
• Exposure compensation: -5 – +5 EV in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV increments
• Shutter speed: 30 – 1/4000 s

Screen

• Screen type: Fixed TFT LCD
• Coverage: 100%
• Screen diagonal (inch): 3”
• Screen resolution: 920,000 points

Viewfinder

• Viewfinder type: Optical (pentamirror)
• Magnification: 0.8x

Flash

• Synchronization: 1/200 s
• Exposure compensation: -2 – +2 EV in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV increments
• Built-in flash range (m): 9.20 m
• External flash foot: Yes

Other Features

• Wi-Fi function: Yes, with NFC support
• Weather-resistant: No
• Sealing: No
• GPS data entry: No

Memory

• Internal memory: No
• Memory card type: SD, SDHC, SDXC

Connections

• Interface: USB, HDMI, AV cable, Wi-Fi

Power Supply

• Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion LP-E10
• Battery life: Approximately 500 shots
• Charger / AC adapter: Battery charger LC-E10

Advantages of the Canon EOS 2000D camera with WiFi

• Easy to use. Logical and well-arranged controls
• Access to a lot of different goals
• A small and light body
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• High-resolution sensor
• Battery life is good
• Compatibility with a wide variety of lenses (own brand and third party)

Disadvantages of the EOS 2000D

• The LCD screen is not touch-sensitive and cannot be moved
• Does not support 4K video, only 1080p video
• The optical viewfinder shows only 95%
• The outdated 9-point AF system
• Shooting in bursts of only 3 frames per second
• Plastic finishes
• The ‘live view’ has a slow focus
• The lack of Canon’s dual-pixel CMOS AF technology (found in newer models)

A Final Word From Run Gun Shoot

All in all, you can see why these two cameras are great for beginners – they are very good, but not that expensive. Of course, for some people parting ways with 500 bucks can be a problem, and finding cheaper cameras is definitely an option. Just not that good of an option.

D3500 and T7 are not the best you can find out there, and further research may bring something up that’s an even better deal. But with Canon and Nikon – you simply cannot miss.