Canon
EOS-1D X Mark III
Canon flagship DSLR for sports and news with 20fps and legendary reliability.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Feb 2020
Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
EOS-1D X Mark III is 1.4 years newer.
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Wins
EOS-1D X Mark III
Wins
D3500
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AEOS-1D X Mark III has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 0 fps)
- AEOS-1D X Mark III has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- AEOS-1D X Mark III has higher AF points / zones (191 vs 11)
- AEOS-1D X Mark III has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 25,600)
- AEOS-1D X Mark III has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 5 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareEOS-1D X Mark III
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D3500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
EOS-1D X Mark III is 14mm wider, 1mm taller, and 19mm thicker than D3500.
EOS-1D X Mark III is 355 g heavier than D3500.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm EOS-1D X Mark III · 70mm D3500
Sensor size, to scale
EOS-1D X Mark III
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
2.4× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
EOS-1D X Mark III
✓ more lensesCanon EF
300+
native lenses available
D3500
Nikon F
270+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
EOS-1D X Mark III
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds RAW, H.265, H.264
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
191 vs 11 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
D3500
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124, 97, 69.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Battery life (CIPA)
1550 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Weight
365 g vs 720 g — lower is better
Resolution
24.2 MP vs 20.1 MP — higher is better
EVF magnification
0.85 × vs 0.78 × — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
EOS-1D X Mark III
Pros
- ✓20fps DSLR
- ✓Pro build
- ✓Dual CFexpress
- ✓Excellent AF
Cons
- –DSLR platform
- –20MP
- –Very heavy
D3500
Pros
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Long battery life
- ✓Lightweight
Cons
- –No 4K
- –Basic AF
- –Discontinued
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the EOS-1D X Mark III and D3500 at major authorized retailers.
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Nikon D3500
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, EOS-1D X Mark III or D3500?
EOS-1D X Mark III scores 10.0/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the EOS-1D X Mark III and D3500?
EOS-1D X Mark III is 20.1 MP and D3500 is 24.2 MP, so the D3500 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the EOS-1D X Mark III and D3500 have in-body image stabilization?
EOS-1D X Mark III has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while D3500 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the EOS-1D X Mark III or the D3500?
EOS-1D X Mark III reaches 20 fps electronic. D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the EOS-1D X Mark III and D3500?
EOS-1D X Mark III weighs 720 g and D3500 weighs 365 g, so the D3500 is 355 g lighter.
Do the EOS-1D X Mark III and D3500 record 4K video?
EOS-1D X Mark III: 4K up to 60p. D3500: Full HD.
Are the EOS-1D X Mark III and D3500 weather sealed?
EOS-1D X Mark III: Yes. D3500: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the EOS-1D X Mark III and 1,550 shots for the D3500, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
EOS-1D X Mark III launched at $6,499 and D3500 at $449. The D3500 is $6,050 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way EOS-1D X Mark III vs D3500 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.