Jump to content

Welcome to NikonForums.com
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!
Photo

D3500 worth it?


  • Please log in to reply
9 replies to this topic

#1
Bornin1992

Bornin1992

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 3 posts
  • Country Flag

Hi, all, 

 

I am replacing a Fujifilm XQ2 with a DSLR. I can purchase either a D3200 for $192 USD, or a D3500 for $398 USD. 

 

Is the D3500 worth twice the cost of the D3200? 

 

Cheers,

 

Bornin1992



#2
Snorky

Snorky

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 267 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationDeep Space 9

Welcome to the forum. :)

 

I would assume the D3200 price is for a used model so there will be no warranty... but if it's new in the box, go for it. 

 

Both cameras are crop sensor models with 24.2 MP resolution. The D3500 offers some upgrades but overall they are both excellent DSLRs with great features..

 

To save money, I'd be tempted to buy the D3200 if it was new or in pristine condition with no physical damage.



#3
ScottinPollock

ScottinPollock

    Forum Veteran

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 648 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationWest Slope Northern Sierra Nevada

The D3500 will have better image quality and lower noise, but at the cost of sensor cleaning, acc. terminal, audio in, and support for the ML-L3 remote.

 

If you can, look for the D3300, which maintains the above features (they were pulled from the D3400) and has better image quality and lower noise.



#4
Bornin1992

Bornin1992

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 3 posts
  • Country Flag

Welcome to the forum. :)

 

I would assume the D3200 price is for a used model so there will be no warranty... but if it's new in the box, go for it. 

 

Both cameras are crop sensor models with 24.2 MP resolution. The D3500 offers some upgrades but overall they are both excellent DSLRs with great features..

 

To save money, I'd be tempted to buy the D3200 if it was new or in pristine condition with no physical damage.

Thanks! 

No, the D3200 is new from a pharmacy, presumably with warranty. I live in Canada, but I converted the prices for easier reference. With my credit card, there would be a two year extended warranty.

 

The D3500 will have better image quality and lower noise, but at the cost of sensor cleaning, acc. terminal, audio in, and support for the ML-L3 remote.

 

If you can, look for the D3300, which maintains the above features (they were pulled from the D3400) and has better image quality and lower noise.

 

As above, I found this D3200 new at a retail location. I doubt I will be able to find the D3300. While I do not expect you to be familiar with the XQ2, do you think the image quality of the D3200 would be better or equivalent? I ask because the XQ2 worked fine for picture quality.



#5
ScottinPollock

ScottinPollock

    Forum Veteran

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 648 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationWest Slope Northern Sierra Nevada
I have no doubt the D3200 will be better than the Fuji. The big question is whether you will miss the features that were pulled from the 3400/3500. If not, go with the newer camera.

#6
Snorky

Snorky

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 267 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationDeep Space 9

the D3200 is new from a pharmacy, presumably with warranty. I live in Canada, but I converted the prices for easier reference. With my credit card, there would be a two year extended warranty.

 

I would question getting it new for the amount you quoted as upon further searching... I've found used or refurbished ones selling for that price (and more).

 

Is the D3200 in an original Nikon box? With battery and charger? Was it a return?

 

Another possibility--it might be a gray market camera (Google for more information regarding gray market goods). In that case, you would likely receive no warranty at all from Nikon. Check it out to be sure.



#7
Bornin1992

Bornin1992

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 3 posts
  • Country Flag

I would question getting it new for the amount you quoted as upon further searching... I've found used or refurbished ones selling for that price (and more).

 

Is the D3200 in an original Nikon box? With battery and charger? Was it a return?

 

Another possibility--it might be a gray market camera (Google for more information regarding gray market goods). In that case, you would likely receive no warranty at all from Nikon. Check it out to be sure.

Yes, the D3200 is in an original Nikon box with all the accessories. It does not look like it is a return or refurbished unit. I ended picking it up in case it sold, and there is a warranty card in it (carbon paper) with distributor listed as "Nikon Canada Inc."



#8
Snorky

Snorky

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 267 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationDeep Space 9

Sounds like you got a good deal then.



#9
fallout666

fallout666

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,098 posts
  • Country Flag
  • Locationcfl area of space coast

if i where you look at getting new D5300 way better camera then ones post and can get for great price now since around $400 or less  for brand new body. also can do way more then what D3500 will give you. since camera will let do more also fact if want to go manual or any of other setting P/A/S or manual mode. that just starter camera for someone new to photography. with D5300 it will take you to next level. 



#10
gomario

gomario

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 3 posts
  • Country Flag

The D3200 is really good for that price. But if you really want to see an improvment, go all the way up to the D5300. Anything below $400 for a D5300 is a good price and you won't have to bother upgrading for a while. After the D5300, rather use the money to buy decent lenses.