amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

You may not be aware, the Nikon D3000-series and D5000-series cameras are not compatible with some of the lenses that can be used on your D7200 and D500.

The D3500 will only be able to autofocus AF-S and AF-P lenses. There also may be some metering limitations with some other lenses that work fine on your camera.

More info about lens compatibility here:

https://www.nikonusa.com/Images/Learn-Explore/Photography-Techniques/2011/Which-Nikkor-is-Right-for-You/Media/NIKKOR-lens-compatibility-chart.pdf
https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm
https://www.nikonians.org/reviews/nikon-slr-camera-and-lens-compatibility

So, depending what lenses you have, your granddaughter may not be able to share them with you.

Compare the D3500 to your D7200 (since you're familiar with it):

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D3500-vs-Nikon-D7200
https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/nikon-d3500-vs-nikon-d7200
https://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/nikon/d7200/vs/nikon/d3500/

There are any number of online reviews of the D3500, which might answer your questions and more. These jumps to the conclusions and the pros and cons...

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-d3500/6

https://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d3500/nikon-d3500-conclusion.htm

This short review says it's "not so good for video", for people expecting a smartphone style experience...

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d3500-review

I am not video expert, by any means... D3500 appears to have a built-in microphone, so I'm pretty certain it can record audio along with a video. HOWEVER, a lot of videographers like to use an external microphone for better quality audio.... D3500 DOESN'T have a mic jack to allow use of an external mic.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Thank you for this information; it’s very helpful.

rangel28

I can also add another positive vote for the D3500. I had a chance to use and review one and can say I was very pleased with this camera, along with the 18mm-55mm AF-P kit lens. The camera and that lens are small and light, which may be good for your grandaughter as large cameras and lenses, would, I think, be a turnoff for people. The sensor is superior for both stills and video, and transferring photos to a cell phone is easy via the Snapbridge app. As you probably know there are numerous 70mm-300mm lenses on the market. If you do purchase that lens the AF-P DX version, with VR, is a very affordable and good choice. Overall I think this is a great "starter" camera.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Thank you. I appreciate your thoughts. I think I’m set on the D3500.

dan59019 Loc: Washington Mi

Give her your camera - then get the one you want :)

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I love how old geezers on here are such experts as to what 13 year olds want. The OP said she borrows his D7200 at times so she obviously is interested in using a DSLR and would probably love one if her own. Yes kids love taking photos with cell phones, but some actually are interested in learning the finer aspects of photography.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Thanks, Dan. The D500 is all I can handle!

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Go with your instinct. The D3500 kit will be great. It’ll be easier for her to handle than the D7200. Sure a used D7100 is nice but nobody wants to get their granddaughter a used gift. I also wouldn’t worry about it not having the focus motor. Unless she’s buying old lenses it’s not a problem.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Thanks. I agree.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

The D3500 is a great camera, 24mp sensor, expeed 4 processor. 5 fps. Same sensor and processor as the D 7200. I have owned the D3400 for three years. Love its size, weight and great images. She will be able to use all of the Nikkor AF-P and AF-S lenses along with 3rd party. That’s a lot of lenses. I have five myself that all auto focus on these cameras. BTW: Very easy to learn and use.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Wow!!! How will you know this girl you have never met! And you were a reacher?

You have not learned that people are individuals with different likes, dislikes, desires etc. and even different mentalities at different ages.

I have posted several times that my granddaughter got interested in photography at an earlier age than 13, and is still in it as a pro.

Instead of being so NEGATIVE and discouraging, you should be encouraging. If she loses interest do be it. It will not take away from peer association but instead may make it better.

Hip Coyote

If you buy a child a Nikon, you risk emotionally injuring them for life. Go with a Canon. All joking aside, I like the idea of staying in the same system you have (Nikon) so you can share lenses, talk the same talk on menus, grandpa can help with more expertise, etc. Get different system from what you use, you are at a disadvantage and are missing some of the important interaction with the child. In this case, go with a Nikon that can use your lenses. Enjoy.

Hip Coyote

If you buy a child a Nikon, you risk emotionally injuring them for life. Go with a Canon. All joking aside, I like the idea of staying in the same system you have (Nikon) so you can share lenses, talk the same talk on menus, grandpa can help with more expertise, etc. Get different system from what you use, you are at a disadvantage and are missing some of the important interaction with the child. In this case, go with a Nikon that can use your lenses. Enjoy.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Thanks, I agree with you. I will be able to help her more with the Nikon.