Nikon D3500 Vs M10: The Battle Of The Budget-friendly Cameras
What To Know
- The Nikon D3500 is a DSLR camera, which means that it has a traditional SLR design with a mirror and a pentaprism viewfinder.
- The M10, on the other hand, is a mirrorless camera, which means that it doesn’t have a mirror or a pentaprism viewfinder.
- If you’re looking for a camera with a wide selection of lenses, a traditional SLR design, and good image quality, then the Nikon D3500 is the better choice.
Nikon D3500 and M10 are two of the most popular entry-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras on the market. They offer a great balance of features, performance, and affordability, making them ideal for beginners and hobbyists. But which one is the better choice for you? In this detailed comparison, we’ll put the Nikon D3500 and M10 head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D3500 and M10 both feature APS-C sensors, which are known for their good image quality and low-light performance. However, there are some key differences between the two sensors. The D3500 has a resolution of 24.2 megapixels, while the M10 has a resolution of 20.1 megapixels. This means that the D3500 can capture more detail in your photos.
In terms of image quality, the D3500 and M10 are very similar. Both cameras produce sharp, detailed images with good color reproduction. However, the D3500 has a slight edge in low-light performance, thanks to its higher resolution sensor.
Lens Selection
One of the biggest advantages of DSLR cameras is their wide selection of lenses. Nikon offers a wide range of lenses for the D3500, from wide-angle to telephoto zooms, and prime lenses. This gives you the flexibility to shoot a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits to wildlife.
The M10, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of lenses. Nikon offers a few native lenses for the M10, but you can also use adapters to mount other Nikon lenses. However, this can be a bit more cumbersome and expensive.
Autofocus
The Nikon D3500 and M10 both feature autofocus systems that are designed to be fast and accurate. The D3500 has a 11-point autofocus system, while the M10 has a 39-point autofocus system. This means that the M10 has more autofocus points, which can be helpful in low-light conditions or when shooting moving subjects.
In practice, both cameras autofocus quickly and accurately. However, the M10’s additional autofocus points give it a slight edge in low-light conditions.
Video Recording
The Nikon D3500 and M10 both offer video recording capabilities. The D3500 can record video at 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, while the M10 can record video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second.
The M10’s 4K video recording capability is a big advantage over the D3500. However, it’s important to note that 4K video files are much larger than 1080p video files, so you’ll need a lot of storage space if you plan on shooting a lot of 4K video.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Nikon D3500 is a DSLR camera, which means that it has a traditional SLR design with a mirror and a pentaprism viewfinder. The M10, on the other hand, is a mirrorless camera, which means that it doesn’t have a mirror or a pentaprism viewfinder. Instead, it uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
The D3500 is a bit larger and heavier than the M10, but it also feels more solid and durable. The M10 is more compact and lightweight, making it easier to carry around.
Both cameras have a good selection of buttons and dials, which makes them easy to operate. However, the D3500’s buttons and dials are a bit larger and easier to use than the M10’s.
Price
The Nikon D3500 and M10 are both very affordable cameras. The D3500 typically sells for around $500, while the M10 typically sells for around $600.
Which camera is right for you?
The Nikon D3500 and M10 are both great cameras for beginners and hobbyists. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that you should consider before making a decision.
If you’re looking for a camera with a wide selection of lenses, a traditional SLR design, and good image quality, then the Nikon D3500 is the better choice. If you’re looking for a camera that’s compact and lightweight, has 4K video recording capability, and is easy to use, then the Nikon M10 is the better choice.
Which Camera is Better for Beginners?
Both the Nikon D3500 and M10 are good choices for beginners. However, the D3500 has a few advantages that make it a better choice for beginners.
- Larger sensor: The D3500’s larger sensor produces better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- More lenses: The D3500 has a wider selection of lenses available, which gives you more flexibility to shoot different types of photography.
- Traditional SLR design: The D3500’s traditional SLR design is easier to use for beginners than the M10’s mirrorless design.
Which Camera is Better for Travel Photography?
The Nikon M10 is the better choice for travel photography. It’s more compact and lightweight than the D3500, making it easier to carry around. It also has a longer battery life, which is important when you’re traveling.
Which Camera is Better for Video Recording?
The Nikon M10 is the better choice for video recording. It can record 4K video, while the D3500 can only record 1080p video. The M10 also has a better autofocus system, which is important for video recording.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?
A: The Nikon M10 has a better autofocus system than the D3500. It has more autofocus points and is more accurate in low-light conditions.
- Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Nikon D3500 is better for low-light photography than the M10. It has a larger sensor, which produces better image quality in low-light conditions.
- Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: The Nikon D3500 is better for beginners than the M10. It has a larger sensor, a wider selection of lenses, and a traditional SLR design that is easier to use.
