Is a USB-C Nikon D3500 battery worth it?
- Nathaniel Stephan
- November 7, 2025
Table of Contents
The Nikon D3500 can use EN-EL14a and EN-EL14 batteries.
EN-EL14a batteries are charged with the Nikon MH-24. I would rather have a third party charger with USB-C.
The battery cannot be charged via the USB port. There is no way to charge the battery while it is in the camera.
Thankfully, the future is here. There are newer third party batteries with USB-C charging built-in.
Even with that feature, two USB-C rechargeable batteries are cheaper than a Nikon battery.
I like third party batteries because of how much cheaper they are. From testing I’ve done, they have ~90% of the capacity of an OEM Nikon battery. I would expect one with USB-C charging to be ~85% because of the space taken up by electronics.
The only time I would recommend Nikon batteries is for professional use.
Nikon D3500 Battery
A Nikon EN-EL14a was originally included with the D3500 when it was sold. EN-EL14a batteries are still being sold by Nikon.
Older EN-EL14 batteries can also be used.
Nikon D3500 batteries are still available for purchase. However, Nikon EN-EL14a batteries are expensive.
Two third party batteries will be cheaper than an official Nikon battery. It’s important to buy them from a Nikon dealer because there are lots of fakes out there.
Integrated USB-C charging is a newer feature that is in some third party batteries.
Affiliate Advertising Disclosure
Outside the Shot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. I also participate in affiliate advertising programs with KEH, and WEX Photo Video. More can be found on the Affiliate Disclosure page.
Nikon EN-EL14a
- Original battery
- Highest quality
- Expensive
See current price and information:
Battery with USB-C Charging
See current price and information:
What’s the difference between EN-EL14 and EN-EL41a
| Battery Model | Voltage | Capacity | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN-EL14 | 7.4V | 1030mAh | 7.7Wh |
| EN-EL14a | 7.2V | 1230mAh | 8.9Wh |
The Nikon EN-EL14a has a larger capacity compared to EN-EL14 batteries. They have the same physical dimensions.
The EN-EL14 battery has been discontinued. Nikon is no longer selling them new.
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL14 and EN-EL14a compatibility
How long does a Nikon D3500 battery last?
The Nikon D3500 has a CIPA of 1,550 shots with a battery. Using live view will reduce that.
Approximately 75 minutes of video can be recorded at 1080p60. There is a 30 minute record limit and 4GB max file size. (Nikon D3500 manual - Battery Life)
As a battery goes through charge cycles, the maximum capacity will be reduced. In my experience, third party batteries degrade faster than Nikon camera batteries.
Nikon does not provide information on how many charge cycles EN-EL14a batteries are rated for. Generally lithium-ion batteries are good for 400-500 charge cycles.
Battery Grip
There is no official battery grip for the Nikon D3500.
How to Charge Battery
The USB port will not charge a battery in the Nikon D3500. The USB port is only for data transfer.
A Nikon MH-24 battery charger needs to be used. Third party chargers can have USB-C charging.
There are newer third party batteries with built-in USB-C charging. I would expect the capacity to be 10% lower because of the room taken up by the USB-C port.
That doesn’t bother me because 2 or more third party batteries will be cheaper than a official Nikon battery.
Signs of Battery Failure
If a battery is draining quickly, it may be failing. This happens because lithium ion batteries slightly degrade with each charge cycle.
After hundreds of charge cycles, the reduction in capacity is noticeable.
If a battery is swollen or puffing out, that is a sign the battery is no good. Especially if it will not fit in the D3500’s battery compartment.
Batteries should not spin on flat surfaces. It’s a bad sign if it spins like a top.
The final thing to look for is if the battery is hot to the touch during charging. That’s a sign of high internal resistance, which happens with old or damaged batteries.
Battery Disposal
Lithium ion batteries are a fire risk. That remains true for transportation and sanitation workers.
Many types contain heavy metals that can cause water pollution.
It’s important to dispose of them properly at a recycling facility or hazardous waste collection point.
