The Coolpix 3500 is equipped with a F2.7-4.8  3x Nikkor optical zoom lens with a 37 to 111mm (in 35mm equivalent) focal length coverage. The all-glass lens can swivel downwards 40° and all the way around to 180° for self-portraits(see photo below). Auto focus is handled by a contrast detect TTL system. The normal focus range is one foot to infinity and in macro mode it's an impressive 1.6 inches to infinity.

The built in speedlight can be set for Auto Flash, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill Flash, Slow Sync (only in Night Portrait scene mode) or Disabled. The coverage range is 1.3 to 9.8 ft. in wide angle and 1.3 to 5.6 ft. in telephoto. There is no focus assist for very low light situations.

The Coolpix 3500 can shoot forward when the lens is within 50° to 130° and backward(self portrait) from 50° to 90°.

The large, sliding Power / Record / Playback switch is on top next to the shutter release. If you forget to swivel the lens to the open position when you turn the camera on it will remind you with an animated graphic on the color LCD screen.

Pressing the "Left" button on the 4-way navigation switch when in Play or Record mode toggles the Record info overlay On / Off as well as controlling the data overlay information. The "Up" button toggles the selftimer. The "Down" button brings up a small menu on the LCD so you can choose the Auto, Manual or Movie recording mode.

The Delete button erases the current image in PlayBack mode, in Record mode it brings up the Flash Menu and allows the cycling through the flash modes. The Transfer button lets you move pictures from the camera to the host computer running NikonView software, in Record mode it calls up the Scene selection menu. The MENU button enables the onscreen menu system which is navigated by the 4-way controller. The 4-way controller is also used to select images during Play mode. The button lets you quickly view the last picture taken, it displays in the upper-left quarter of the screen. Press the Quick Review button a second time to display it full screen. In Playback mode the Quick Review button becomes the SMALL PICture button, press it to create a 320x240 size image for email attachment.

The only external port is located on the side and is used to connect the USB cable. The Coolpix 3500 is compatible with USB-enabled Windows or Macintosh computers.

The Coolpix 3500 is equipped with a CompactFlash Type I card slot and is supplied with a Lexar 8x 16MB size card. Cards are easily removed by pushing the ejector button.

The camera is powered by the included EN-EL2 lithium rechargeable battery. The EN-EL2 can power the camera for up to 80 minutes and is charged out of the camera with the included MH-60 rapid charger. The charger can replenish a depleted battery in two hours or less. The MH-60 charger is an auto switching 100-240 volt AC type.