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  • Writer's pictureJeff Palicki

Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7: A Pro Photographer's Comparison

Updated: Jan 22, 2023

When it comes to entry-level DSLR cameras, the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 are two of the most popular options on the market. Both cameras offer excellent image quality and features, but there are some key differences that may make one camera a better choice for you over the other. In this article, I'll take a closer look at the technical differences, ergonomics, controls, and overall shooting performance of the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7.


Technical Differences Between the Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7

The Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 are very similar in terms of technical specifications. Both cameras have a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, although the Nikon D3500 has a slightly higher resolution. Both cameras also have a similar ISO range, with the Nikon D3500 going up to 25600 and the Canon T7 going up to 6400. However, the Nikon D3500 has a slightly faster continuous shooting speed at 5fps compared to the Canon T7's 3fps.


Nikon D3500 Specifications vs Canon T7 Specifications




Nikon D3500 Ergonomics vs Canon T7 Ergonomics

In terms of ergonomics, the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 are both comfortable to hold and easy to use. The Nikon D3500 has a slightly larger grip and a deeper thumb rest, which may make it more comfortable for those with larger hands. The Canon T7, on the other hand, is slightly smaller and lighter, which may make it more comfortable for those who prefer a smaller camera.


Canon T7 Controls/Buttons vs Nikon D3500 Controls/Buttons

Both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 have similar control layouts and buttons. However, the Nikon D3500 has a dedicated ISO button, which may be more convenient for those who frequently change their ISO settings. The Canon T7 does not have a dedicated ISO button, but it does have a dedicated Live View button, which may be more convenient for those who frequently use Live View.


D3500 Sensor Resolution vs T7 Sensor Resolution:

Both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 have a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. However, the Nikon D3500 has a slightly higher resolution than the Canon T7.



Nikon D3500 Camera
Nikon D3500 Camera


Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7 Overall Shooting Performance:

Both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 are excellent cameras for overall shooting performance. However, the Nikon D3500 has a slightly faster continuous shooting speed at 5fps compared to the Canon T7's 3fps.


Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7 Auto-Focus

Both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 have a similar autofocus system with 9 focus points. However, the Nikon D3500 has a more advanced 3D tracking system, which may be more useful for tracking moving subjects.



Canon T7 Camera
Canon T7 Camera


Nikon D3500 Viewfinder vs Canon T7 Viewfinder

Both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 have a pentamirror viewfinder. However, the Nikon D3500 has a slightly larger viewfinder and a higher magnification of 0.85x compared to the Canon T7's 0.80x.


Nikon D3500 Video vs Canon T7 Video Shooting

Both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 can shoot 1080p Full HD video at 60fps. However, the Nikon D3500 has a slightly better video recording quality with a higher bitrate of 24Mbps compared to the Canon T7's 12Mbps.


Nikon D3500 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth vs Canon T7 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Communication

The Nikon D3500 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, which allows for easy wireless transfer of images and remote control of the camera using a smartphone or tablet. The Canon T7, on the other hand, does not have built-in wireless capabilities, but it does have a USB 2.0 port for transferring images to a computer and a remote control terminal for use with a wired remote control.


Nikon D3500 Screen vs Canon T7 Rear LCD Screen



Canon T7 Rear LCD
Canon T7 Rear LCD

Both the Nikon D3500 (below) and Canon T7 (above) have a 3-inch rear LCD screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots. However, the Nikon D3500's screen is slightly larger and has a higher resolution than the Canon T7's screen. The Nikon D3500's screen also has a higher brightness and better visibility in bright light.


Nikon D3500 Rear LCD
Nikon D3500 Rear LCD

Nikon D3500 Burst rate vs Canon T7 Burst Rate

The Nikon D3500 has a continuous shooting speed of 5fps, while the Canon T7 has a continuous shooting speed of 3fps. The Nikon D3500 is also able to capture more images in a single burst than the Canon T7.


Nikon D3500 Firmware vs Canon T7 Firmware

The Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 both have firmware updates available for download on their respective websites. The firmware updates for both cameras include bug fixes and enhancements to the camera's performance and features.


Nikon D3500 Battery vs Canon T7 Battery

The Nikon D3500 and the Canon T7 are both entry-level DSLR cameras that are popular among photographers. One of the key differences between the two cameras is the battery life. The Nikon D3500 has a longer battery life than the Canon T7. The D3500 can take up to 1550 shots on a single charge, while the T7 can take up to 1500 shots. This difference may not seem significant, but it can be important for photographers who are out on a long shoot and don't want to be constantly replacing the battery.


Another difference is that the D3500 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, while the T7 uses an rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. This means that the D3500 can be charged via USB, which can be convenient for photographers who are on the go and don't have access to an outlet. The T7 requires a separate battery charger.


In summary, the Nikon D3500 offers slightly better battery life and more flexibility in charging options compared to the Canon T7. If you are planning on shooting for long periods of time, the D3500 may be the better choice for you.



Sports Photography with the Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7

As (mostly) a Sports Photographer, I always see cameras through a sports lens - pun intended. When it comes to sports photography, both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 have some features that would be suitable for this type of photography. However, there are some key differences that make one camera a better choice over the other.



The Nikon D3500 has a continuous shooting speed of 5fps, which is faster than the Canon T7's 3fps. This means the Nikon D3500 can capture more images in a shorter amount of time, which is crucial for capturing fast-moving action in sports photography. Additionally, the Nikon D3500 has a more advanced 3D tracking system, which is useful for tracking moving subjects, such as athletes. This makes it easier to capture sharp, in-focus images of moving subjects.


The Canon T7, on the other hand, has a higher ISO range, which allows for better low-light performance. This can be useful for indoor sports or for shooting in dimly lit stadiums. Additionally, the Canon T7 has a dedicated Live View button, which allows you to quickly switch to Live View mode, which is useful for taking pictures and videos without having to look through the viewfinder.


In terms of video shooting, both cameras can shoot 1080p Full HD video at 60fps, however the Nikon D3500 has a slightly better video recording quality with a higher bitrate of 24Mbps compared to the Canon T7's 12Mbps.


Overall, I'd have to say the Nikon D3500 is the better choice for sports photography due to its faster continuous shooting speed and advanced 3D tracking system. However, the Canon T7 is also suitable for sports photography, particularly for indoor sports or for shooting in dimly lit conditions (basketball photography, hockey photography, etc.). It all depends on what the photographer prefers in terms of their needs and preferences.



Which is better for Concert Photography with the Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7


When it comes to concert photography, both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 have features that would make them suitable for this type of photography. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that make one more suitable for concert photography than the other.


The Nikon D3500 has a continuous shooting speed of 5fps, which is faster than the Canon T7's 3fps. This means the Nikon D3500 can capture more images in a shorter amount of time, which is crucial for capturing fast-moving action on stage. Additionally, the Nikon D3500 has a more advanced autofocus system, with 9 focus points and a 3D tracking system, which makes it easier to capture sharp, in-focus images of moving subjects, such as musicians and performers. This is especially important in concert photography where stage lighting is often low and fast movements are often the norm.




The Canon T7, on the other hand, has a higher ISO range, which allows for better low-light performance. This can be useful for concert photography where lighting conditions are often dim and change frequently. Additionally, the Canon T7 has a dedicated Live View button, which allows you to quickly switch to Live View mode, which can be useful for taking pictures and videos without having to look through the viewfinder.


In terms of video shooting, both cameras can shoot 1080p Full HD video at 60fps, however, the Nikon D3500 has a slightly better video recording quality with a higher bitrate of 24Mbps compared to the Canon T7's 12Mbps.


Overall, the Nikon D3500 is the better choice for concert photography due to its faster continuous shooting speed, advanced autofocus system, and better video recording quality. However, the Canon T7 is also a suitable option for concert photography, particularly for low light conditions and for those who prefer to shoot in Live View mode. Ultimately, the best camera for concert photography will depend on the photographer's personal needs and preferences.



Conclusion Nikon D3500 vs Canon T7

Overall, both the Nikon D3500 and Canon T7 are excellent entry-level DSLR cameras that offer excellent image quality and features. However, the Nikon D3500 has a few advantages over the Canon T7, such as built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a higher resolution rear LCD screen, and a faster continuous shooting speed. If these features are important to you, the Nikon D3500 may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smaller and lighter camera, the Canon T7 may be more suitable. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences.

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