Bik Loc: New Mexico

Both of these camera bodies weigh the same. What is the difference other than the price? What about SnapBridge with the D5600 compared with the D3500?

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

This may help:
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D3500-vs-Nikon-D5600

I shoot older d3000 series cameras and, honestly, there is nothing I can't do with the low-end, entry level cameras. I have to say that I learned photography starting in the 1970s using film and slides. From what I understand, higher end cameras give you more buttons for specific actions in photography.

smussler Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY

Just google Nikon D5600 vs D3500. Plenty of comparisons out there. I went with the D5600 myself. Kind of wish I went with a D500.

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D3500-vs-Nikon-D5600

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/features/nikon-d5300-vs-nikon-d5600

I purchased the camera with 18-140 and 70-300 - both VR lenses. Most sellers seem to sell the camera with the non-VR version of the 70-300
I've added a few more lenses, but the 18-140 is probably on the camera 90% of the time.

The thing to watch with the D5600 ( and I think the D3xxx series as well) - there is no focus motor in the Camera, so you need to buy lenses with focus motors or you'll be limited to autofocus.

I set up snapbridge, but don't use it - no particular reason. Added drain on battery I guess would be one reason...

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

I also have the D5600 with the same lenses. I have been very pleased with it. In fact no complaints. It replaced my D3100 which I still have, but haven’t used in years.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

The D3XXX series having a built in help menu is meant for beginners but it is made with enough room to grow. Hence if you know what you are doing, it will take pretty much the same image as the D5XXX series.
The D5XXX series IMHO is the best all around family DSLR. The addition of the flipping screen that can face forward is a real bonus when the photographer wants to include himself in the photo.

CO

Nikon eliminated the ultrasonic sensor cleaner in the D3400 and D3500. If you get one, you might purchase a good filtered blower to clean dust off the sensor.

The Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx series cameras have a pentamirror viewfinder. If you go with a D7xxx series camera or above you get a superior pentaprism viewfinder. The glass prism inside give a larger, slightly brighter view through the viewfinder.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lots of comparisons are available.

https://www.google.com/search?q=nikon+d5600+vs+d3500&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS925US925&oq=Nikon+D5600+vs+D3500&aqs=chrome.0.0l5j0i22i30j0i10i22i30j0i22i30l3.11276j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

EDIT: It looks like the greater battery life (almost double) of the D3500 is the only significant difference between them. it makes you wonder why Nikon even offers two cameras that are so similar, except maybe to offer a camera at a lower price.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

In your other thread asking about the D3500, you gave us a glimpse of what you wanted to do with a new camera. I expressed concerns around whether the camera you were asking about was durable enough to meet your needs, which sound like pretty hard use for a camera. The weight of the D5600 is identical to the weight of the D3500 because for all intents and purposes, they are physically the same camera. The same concerns I had for the D3500 apply to the D5600.

I have not used Snapbridge on a D5600, but I know that neither the kids or any of the other staff at school use it either. Just about everyone has continued to be disappointed with it even as it has gone through several "improvements."

You don't say where you are in New Mexico or if it is possible for you to visit a camera store. Your best option is to try to see and physically compare some cameras in person to get an idea of how the differ, what they offer, and which ones might be suitable choices. I don't want to direct you away from something that will work for you, but I'd hate for you to choose something that is likely to fail the first time out and not be a warranty repair, or not be repairable at all.

Bayou

The flippy screen of the 5xxx series is the biggest difference.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

Same sensor, same processor, same great images. My D3400 just doesn’t have a flippy screen and a few extra toys. I don’t use Snapbridge.

ELNikkor

I require a fully articulated screen, seldom use it, but at the times I do, it makes the difference between a great shot, or none at all. For that reason alone, I went to the D5xxx series over the 3xxx.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

But if you read in the OP's other discussion around how he plans to use this camera, that flippy screen is going to be a liability, not an asset.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Looking at the comparisons at some of the above links, I think the most significant things are:

- D5600 has a more advanced autofocus system: 39 AF points vs 11 in the D3500.

- D5600 has a fully articulated touchscreen LCD, while the D3500's is fixed and not a touchscreen.

- D5600 has a more powerful built-in flash.

- D5600 has a built-in intervalometer (for time lapse). D3500 doesn't (an accessory may be avail.)

- D5600 has a socket to attach an external microphone. D3500 doesn't.

- D5600 has built in WiFi connectivity, which the D3500 lacks.

D3500 is a few ounces lighter weight and is rated to give more shots per battery charge. But it has few advantages other than those. Other differences are relatively minor.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Both have penta mirror viewfinders - if precise focus isn’t important to you, choose the one that has the other features you want.
Note: I’m assuming that you know how to read and interpret the specifications. Good luck!

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

I've had both - gone Olympus now though but do still have a similar D5500. Haven't used Snapbridge so can't comment. The main difference between the two is the flippy LCD - I always used to keep mine turned in as I only used the viewfinder. I think there are other differences such as focus points, burst rates etc but these were of no interest to me - I used spot focus/exposure lock of my choosing not leaving it to an unknowing camera. I thought the D5600 was a little heavier than the D3500?