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Canon EOS 250D vs Nikon D3500

The Canon EOS 250D is the more capable camera: 4K video, Dual Pixel autofocus in live view, a vari-angle touchscreen and Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth. The Nikon D3500 is lighter, simpler and has a long reputation as a beginner-friendly DSLR with strong owner ratings. Buy the Canon if you shoot video or want a flip-out screen; buy the Nikon if you mostly shoot stills and want the lightest, simplest body.

  • Choose the Canon EOS 250D if you want 4K video, a vari-angle touchscreen and reliable autofocus while framing on the screen.
  • Choose the Nikon D3500 if you want a light, simple stills camera with a guided mode for learning and long battery life.

Prices

  • Canon EOS 250D: $759.95 at Newegg (checked today)
  • Nikon D3500: $300.00 at Poshmark (checked today)
  • Difference: the Nikon D3500 is $459.95 cheaper than the Canon EOS 250D today
Canon
Canon EOS 250D

Canon EOS 250D

$759.95
at Newegg
Checked 16 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • 4K video and Dual Pixel autofocus
  • Vari-angle touchscreen for odd angles and vlogging
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for quick phone transfer
  • Large EF/EF-S lens ecosystem
  • DIGIC 8 processor with good JPEG color
Cons
  • Heavier than the Nikon
  • 4K video crops the frame and uses contrast AF
  • No in-body stabilization
  • Battery life shorter than the D3500
Nikon
Nikon D3500

Nikon D3500

5(2,742 ratings)
$300.00at PoshmarkChecked 17 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Poshmark
Pros
  • Very light at about 365 g
  • Long battery life, around 1,550 shots
  • Guide Mode helps new users learn
  • Strong owner ratings
  • Clean high-ISO output up to ISO 25600
Cons
  • No 4K video
  • Fixed, non-touch screen
  • Live-view autofocus is slow
  • Fewer stabilized lens options

What separates them

Canon EOS 250DNikon D3500
Video4K recordingFull HD 1080p up to 60 fps
Autofocus in live viewDual Pixel CMOS AF, smooth and quick on screenContrast-detect in live view, slower and huntier
ScreenVari-angle touchscreen, flips forward for selfies and vloggingFixed 3-inch LCD, no touch
WeightAbout 449 g body onlyAbout 365 g body only
WirelessWi-Fi and BluetoothBluetooth via SnapBridge; spec sheet lists Wi-Fi inconsistently
Lens mountEF and EF-S, huge used and new lens selectionNikon F DX, solid selection but fewer stabilized primes
Learning aidsStandard menus and guided interfaceGuide Mode walks beginners through settings step by step
Battery lifeRated around 1,070 shots per chargeRated around 1,550 shots per charge

Price history

$759.95$58.00
Nov 2Nov 10
  • Canon EOS 250D: lowest $759.95 on Nov 10 at Newegg.
  • Nikon D3500: lowest $58.00 on Nov 9 at lamatriznoticias.com.ar; $300.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Canon EOS 250D

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $759.95Free shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by 6AVE ElectronicsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $789.95Free shippingChecked 17 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by paymore_anaheim (99.5% positive, 6,500 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $349.99Free shippingChecked 17 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by deal_expo (98.7% positive, 14,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $899.00Free shippingChecked 17 h ago
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Nikon D3500

  • Touch of ModernNew

    In stock

    $398.99Free shippingChecked 17 h ago
    Visit Touch of Modern
  • lamatriznoticias.com.arNew

    Availability unknownShips from Argentina · duties may apply · made for another market

    $58.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit lamatriznoticias.com.ar
  • PoshmarkNew

    Availability unknown

    $300.00Checked 17 h ago
    Visit Poshmark
  • WhatnotNew

    Availability unknown

    $340.00Checked 17 h ago
    Visit Whatnot

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 21 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecCanon EOS 250DNikon D3500
colorBlackBlack
Effective pixelsApprox. 24.10 megapixels24.2 million
Sensor type22.3 mm x 14.9 mm CMOSCMOS
Lens mountEF and EF-S mountNikon F mount (with AF contacts)
ViewfinderOptical viewfinderOptical
Image processorDIGIC 8—
Dimensions122.4 x 92.6 x 69.8mm—
Weight (body only)Black / Silver: Approx. 449g—
Continuous shooting5 fps—
Movie resolution4K movies—
ConnectivityWi-Fi and Bluetooth®—
ScreenVari-angle touchscreen—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecCanon EOS 250DNikon D3500
AutofocusDual Pixel CMOS AF—
Image sensor—23.5 × 15.6 mm CMOS sensor
ISO sensitivity—ISO 100–25600 in steps of 1 EV
Shutter speed—1/4000–30 s in steps of 1/3 EV; Bulb; Time
Frame advance rate—Up to 5 fps
Monitor size—3 in. diagonal
Monitor type—Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD
Battery—EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Weight—12.9 oz. (365 g)
Flash Type

What reviewers say

Canon EOS 250D

Reviewers and owners rate the EOS 250D as an easy, lightweight entry into DSLR photography, praising its handling, screen and stills autofocus. Most criticism centers on the cropped 4K video and weaker video autofocus compared with mirrorless rivals.

What people mention
  • Size and weightPraisedOwners like how light and compact it feels for a DSLR, making it easy to carry all day.
  • AutofocusPraisedDual Pixel autofocus in live view is described as quick and accurate for stills.
  • 4K videoCriticisedReviewers note the 4K mode is cropped and relies on slower contrast-detect autofocus.
  • Battery lifePraisedThe optical viewfinder helps it last far longer per charge than most mirrorless rivals.

Nikon D3500

  • 5 / 52,742 ratings

Owners treat the D3500 as a dependable first DSLR: light, simple and capable of good photos in most light. The main complaints are the fixed screen, basic video features and slow live view focus.

What people mention
  • Ease of usePraisedBeginners say Guide Mode and the simple menus make the camera quick to learn.
  • WeightPraisedOwners like that the body is light enough to carry all day.
  • Image qualityPraisedPhotos are sharp and hold up well in low light for an entry-level DSLR.
Reviews
  • Best DSLR 2026: Top picks for professionals and amateurs - Advertisement

Questions and answers

Which is better for video?
The Canon EOS 250D. It records 4K and has Dual Pixel autofocus that tracks smoothly, plus a flip-out screen. The D3500 tops out at 1080p and its live-view autofocus is slower.
Which is better for a total beginner?
The Nikon D3500. Its Guide Mode explains settings step by step, and it is lighter and simpler. The Canon is still easy to use but assumes a bit more.
Is the Canon worth stepping up to?
Yes if you shoot video, vlog, or often frame on the screen. For stills through the viewfinder, the D3500 covers the basics well.
Which has better autofocus?
The Canon in live view, thanks to Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Through the optical viewfinder both use phase-detect systems and perform similarly.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Nikon D3500, rated around 1,550 shots versus about 1,070 for the Canon. Carry a spare battery for either.
Do both have wireless transfer?
The Canon has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Nikon uses SnapBridge over Bluetooth for automatic phone transfer; its Wi-Fi support is inconsistent across sources.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best DSLR cameras for beginners
—
Built-in Flash, Detachable Flash
Sensor Size—Crop Sensor
With Video—Yes
Wireless Connectivity—Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Resolution—24.2 MP
Flash Sync Speed (sec)—1/200 sec
Battery Technology—Li-Ion
Wi-Fi—No
USB—Yes
Audio File Formats—AAC, PCM
Image File Format—RAW, JPEG, EXIF
ISO Rating (min)—100.0
Video Resolution (max)—1920x1080 (Full HD)
Memory Cards—Secure Digital HC (SDHC), Secure Digital (SD), …
Sensor Format—APS-C
Focus—Auto & Manual Focus
HDMI—Yes
Lens—Separate
Features—Continuous Drive
Battery lifePraised
A single charge lasts for hundreds of shots.