Which to Buy: Nikon D3500 vs D5600 Comparison

February 2019

The D3500 is 6 year(s) old while the D5600 is 8 years old. These cameras may seem similar at first glance but they are quite different in actuality, something a buyer needs to be aware of before making a decision.

The similarities between these two cameras are:

Compact DSLR design
24 megapixel sensors
Native ISO 100-25600
Same frames per second (5 fps) when shooting 12-bit RAW
Bluetooth
Built-in flash
1080p video at 60 fps
Bulb shutter
"Time" shutter
Hotshoe
HDMI jack
EXPEED 4 image processor
1/200th sec. flash sync speed
90% viewfinder coverage

The advantages the D3500 has over the D5600 are:

The D3500 is significantly less expensive
Significantly longer rated battery life at 1550 shots vs 970 shots for the D5600

The advantages the D5600 has over the D3500 are:

Supports both 12-bit and 14-bit RAW images (vs. only support for 12-bit)
Fully articulated touchscreen monitor vs fixed non-touch
1037k-dot TFT LCD monitor vs 921k-dot
Dedicated Fn (function) button
39 AF points (with 9 cross type) vs 11 AF points (with one cross type)
Built-in WiFi to pair the camera with a smartphone
Built-in NFC to pair the camera with a smartphone
Faster startup and less shutter lag
High dynamic range mode
External microphone jack
Automatic bracketing
Time-lapse movies

Neither camera has:

IBIS
GPS built-in
4K UHD video
Slow motion video
Pentaprism Viewfinder
Top-side control panel
Panorama Mode
On sensor phase detect AF for video
Dual card slots
Headphone jack
Highlight-weighted metering
100% viewfinder coverage
Support for the TIFF format
Electronic viewfinder

Additional Notes

If the D5600 can be budgeted then it most certainly is the right choice. Really, the only reason to buy the D3500 over the D5600 is price.

See these comparisons: