Introducing the Nikon D3500 DSLR: A Beginner’s Dream

The Nikon D3500 DSLR has emerged as my go-to camera, and in the time I’ve spent with it, it has taught me two crucial lessons. First, my aspirations to become a great photographer are inversely related to my skill in the field. Second, high-quality equipment isn’t necessary for producing exceptional photos, but it certainly helps. Despite my many attempts, the picture that accompanies this review is not a stunning sunrise or sunset, an action shot from a local game, or an urban wildlife portrait. Nevertheless, the caption for all these could easily have been “Shot with the Nikon D3500.” Alas, such masterpieces have eluded me, much to the fault of the wielder rather than the camera. The Nikon D3500 is ideal for individuals searching for a camera that can make them look like professional photographers, even if they lack knowledge about aperture, shutter speed, or ISO. My journey with this camera has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, and I’ve even taken a few photos that I consider “masterpieces,” regardless of their unsuitability for public display or the unintentional manner in which they were shot.

User-friendly features are the most surprising aspect of the Nikon D3500. This camera is so straightforward that even someone like me, who has a photography ability equivalent to Henri Cartier-Bresson’s cricket skills, managed to operate it without referencing the manual. The buttons are as simple as a toddler’s coloring book, facilitating easy navigation. Moreover, I accidentally discovered the ‘burst mode’ while attempting to change the battery. The D3500 is excessively light, almost as if holding a cloud with a lens. In addition, the battery life is impressive, able to handle an extensive amount of photographs. The Auto mode is the D3500’s top feature for beginners. This mode transforms the device into a point-and-shoot camera similar to a mobile phone, managing the technicalities and creative aspects of light and exposure, allowing users to focus on framing their composition without worry. Although it also offers action, portrait, and macro presets that automatically adjust settings to match these conditions, granting users freedom to exploit their creativity. Then as users begin to learn and want more control, the camera adapts to meet their needs.

One overlooked aspect of the D3500 is its 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor. Although basic mobile phone cameras offer 40Mp resolutions, the camera’s 24Mp far exceeds the capabilities of any mobile phone camera in terms of picture clarity. However, its autofocus can be challenging to use, especially when capturing moving subjects, and its Full HD 1080/60p video function doesn’t match up to its claim. Nevertheless, at a price of Dh2,350 with the 18-55mm lens, the Nikon D3500 is a fantastic entry-level DSLR for beginners and casual photographers.