The battery life of the Nikon D3500 isn’t bad. It’s at least in line with other DSLRs. But you’re bound to run into situations where your battery is running out of juice right when things are getting interesting. So having fully charged spares on hand is always a good idea–a truism with any digital camera, not just the D3500.
If you’re after a spare Nikon D3500 battery, or need to replace a dying one, the obvious choice is to get the Nikon-branded replacement batteries. And while that’s a safe way to go, there are also options with some other features that you (and your wallet) might prefer.
So here’s a quick rundown of different Nikon D3500 battery and charger options that work well with this camera. It includes Nikon original versions as well as some good options from aftermarket manufacturers.
Something worth noting if you’re upgrading from the D3400 is that the D3500 uses the same batteries and chargers. So if you already have some on hand from the older camera, you can go ahead and use them in the new one as well.
Nikon D3500 Battery
The model number of the battery for the Nikon D3500 is EN-EL14a.
The official Nikon version has a small holographic sticker on the bottom, which should help tell whether you’re getting an authentic Nikon battery or a fake (yes, there are fakes out there).
You might also still find an older version still available, the EN-EL14 (without the “a” at the end). Go with the newer version if possible.
Obviously, Nikon has their own branded battery, and those are the ones they officially recommend. They’re the safe option. But they’re not necessarily the most affordable option.
I’ve also found some of the more affordable aftermarket versions to work well, particularly the batteries from Wasabi Power. I’ve used their batteries for several years in other cameras and found them to be one of the better aftermarket camera battery manufacturers.
The Wasabi Power batteries that I’ve found to work well in the Nikon D3500 have a model number of BTR-ENEL14-JWP. It also has a capacity rating higher than either of the Nikon models: 1500mAh. I’ve run into no issues using them in my D3500. They’re available individually, in 2-packs, or bundled with a USB dual charger.
- COMPATIBILITY - Works with these popular Nikon cameras that use ENEL14 batteries: Nikon Coolpix P7000,...
- BATTERY SPECS - Premium Grade-A cells rated at 7.4V, 1500mAh for longer run-time and battery life
Nikon D3500 Battery Chargers
There are a few different varieties of battery chargers for the Nikon D3500, ranging from the simple, single-battery AC charger provided by Nikon to dual-bay USB chargers from aftermarket manufacturers. Here’s a quick rundown of the options.
The D3500 comes with an AC battery charger. Its model number is model number MH-24. It’s a single-bay AC charger, with the prongs for the wall socket folding back into the body of the charger.
- Charger for EN-EL14 Li-ion Battery
- Compatible with Nikon D3100 SLR and P7000 Digital Cameras
As always, Nikon recommends using their own branded products. But something I don’t like about the MH-24 is that it only works with an AC power outlet–and one with enough room around the socket to fit the rather bulky charger. That’s not always convenient, especially when traveling.
But there are other good options from aftermarket manufacturers, some of which use a much more convenient, if slower, charging method: via USB. That saves me having to carry around a bunch of different AC adapters whenever I travel (I like to travel light). It also means that I can charge my camera batteries from an external power brick even while I’m out and about taking photos.
My current favorite is the NiteCore UNK1 USB charger. It has two bays, one for the EN-EL14/a and another for the EN-EL15/a batteries like the ones the Nikon D850 takes. If you’re only using the D3500, you can regard this as a single-battery charger, since you’ll only be able to use one of the two slots. But if you’re also shooting with one of Nikon’s other DSLRs which happens to use the EN-EL15a, as I do, then you get to take full advantage of the dual slots. It also has a small LED screen that shows a more precise percentage for charging status as well as battery health and the current flowing. It’s smaller and lighter than the official Nikon MH-24 charger and can be powered via USB by an external powerbank, AC charger, or in the car. So I find it to be a more convenient option even using only one of the two slots.
Another good option that also uses USB are these dual-battery chargers. They’re a little slower to charge–they’re 0.6A rather than the 0.9A of Nikon’s MH-24, but they’re still very lightweight and convenient if you’re traveling.
- Charge 2 batteries at a time for the Nikon EN-EL14
- Universal power from any USB source (2.1A recommended); Outputs 600mA max (x2)
A Modular Option
If access to AC power isn’t a problem, I’m a big fan of these dual-chargers because you can mix and match adapter plates for different types of batteries. Since I use a range of different cameras, it means I can cut down on the overall bulk by taking the one charger and a few lightweight and inexpensive adapter plates. Or you can, of course, charge two batteries of the same type together. It also has an LED screen that gives a more precise indication of the charging status–something I find very handy when I’m trying to head out the door and want a sense of how long the charge is likely to take.
The main charger acts as a docking base. Here’s a direct link for the adapter plates for the Nikon D3500’s EN-EL14a batteries.
FAQs About Nikon Battery & Charger Options
Can you charge a Nikon D3500 battery without a charger?
The Nikon D3500 can’t charge the battery while it’s in the camera, so one way or another you’ll need some kind of external charger.
The camera comes with an AC charger included. But if you’re lost that or prefer one that works with a different power source such as USB, DC, or even solar, you can find inexpensive aftermarket D3500 chargers.
Battery chargers that work with a USB power source, such as an external battery power brick, are highly versatile and convenient when traveling.
What temperature range can you charge the Nikon D3500 in?
Nikon recommends charging the Nikon D3500 battery indoors at ambient temperatures of 5 °C–35 °C (41 °F–95 °F). And they warn that the battery will not charge if its temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 60 °C (140 °F).
They also recommend NOT using the battery in ambient temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 40 °C (104 °F). In many parts of the world, that can be impractical outdoors. But the reason they make this recommendation is that lithium-ion batteries don’t perform well in very cold or very warm temperatures.
What does it mean if the Nikon D3500 charger light is flashing rapidly?
If the light on your Nikon D3500 battery charger is flashing rapidly (about 8 times a second) during charging, it’s a warning of an error.
The first thing to check is that the ambient temperature is within the recommended range for battery charging (5 °C–35 °C (41 °F–95 °F)).
If that’s not the issue, disconnect the power, remove the battery, and either seek a replacement from your retailer or service center or buy a new battery.
What type of battery does the Nikon D3500 take?
The Nikon D3500 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Its model number is EN-EL14a.
Does the Nikon D3500 come with a battery?
The Nikon D3500 comes with a battery as standard. Its model number is EN-EL14a.
In some cases, a retailer might put together a special deal package that includes extra accessories such as a spare battery.
Does the Nikon D3500 come with a battery charger?
The Nikon D3500 comes with an AC battery charger as standard. Its model number is MH-24.
Can you put spare Nikon D3500 batteries in check luggage on a flight?
Spare lithium-ion batteries should always be placed in carry-on luggage only, never in checked luggage. This is a recommendation of the FAA; airlines also have their own rules confirming this, but if in doubt, check with your airline before boarding.
Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-03-18 at 02:59. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
