Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3500→Nikon D600

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

D3500
You own
Nikon
D3500
£110 used
2018
View on GearFrame →
→
D600
Upgrade to
Nikon
D600
£172 used (+£62)
2012
View on GearFrame →
❌
Skip it
The D600 offers little measurable spec improvement over the D3500. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Genre D3500 D600
Portrait
5.8
6.1
+0.3
Street
6.1
4.8
-1.3
Travel
5.8
4.4
-1.4
Wedding & Events
5.0
6.1
+1.1
Documentary
4.2
4.7
+0.5
Sports & Action
5.1
5.5
+0.4
Landscape
4.9
5.0
+0.1
Wildlife
5.5
5.5
—
Casual
4.6
3.0
-1.6
Food
4.6
4.3
-0.3
Macro
4.0
3.8
-0.2
Architecture
4.9
5.1
+0.2
Astrophotography
4.9
5.9
+1.0
Full spec comparison
Spec D3500 D600
Price £110 used £172 used
Released 2018 2012 ↓
Sensor 24.2MP APS-C CMOS 24.3MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution 24MP 24MP ↑
Video Full HD 1080p/60 Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60
Autofocus 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view 39-point phase-detect (9 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate 5fps 5.5fps ↑
Battery Life ~1550 shots (CIPA) ~900 shots (CIPA) ↓
Weight 415g (with battery) 850g (with battery) ↓
Weather Sealed Not weather sealed Not weather sealed
Viewfinder Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.85x Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x
Screen 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots 3.2" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount Nikon F-mount (DX) Nikon F mount
Memory Cards Single SD slot Dual SD slots
Compare side-by-side

See D3500 and D600 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

⚖️ Compare these cameras
Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D600 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Run the upgrade checker →
Other upgrades from the D3500
Related buying guides
Camera family history