GoPro
HERO13 Black
Flagship GoPro with 1/1.9-inch sensor, 5.3K60 video, 4K120, HyperSmooth 6.0, HB-Series lens auto-detect, and 10m waterproofing.
$399
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
HERO13 Black is 6 years newer.
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Wins
HERO13 Black
Wins
D3500
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BD3500 has higher AF points / zones (11 vs 0)
- AHERO13 Black has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 0 fps)
- AHERO13 Black has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 0 stops)
- BD3500 has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- AHERO13 Black has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 5 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
HERO13 Black
72 × 51 × 34 mm
121 g (0.27 lb / 4.27 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D3500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
HERO13 Black is 52mm narrower, 46mm shorter, and 36mm thinner than D3500.
HERO13 Black is 244 g lighter than D3500.
Depth (front-to-back): 34mm HERO13 Black · 70mm D3500
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
HERO13 Black
72 × 51 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
D3500
124 × 97 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
HERO13 Black
72 × 34 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
D3500
124 × 70 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
HERO13 Black: mount data unavailable
D3500
✓ more lensesNikon 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
HERO13 Black
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Stabilization modes
Adds HyperSmooth 6.0, 360° Horizon Lock, AutoBoost
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 71.8, 50.8, 33.6
Card types
Adds microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
1080p max frame rate
240 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
D3500
AF points / zones
11 vs 0 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124, 97, 69.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
AA filter
Only D3500 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
HERO13 Black
Pros
- ✓5.3K60 and 4K120 video
- ✓1/1.9-inch sensor
- ✓HyperSmooth 6.0 + Burst Slo-Mo
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –Small sensor vs Action 5 Pro
- –Fixed lens
- –Enduro battery not backward compatible
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 HERO13 Black and D3500 at major authorized retailers.
GoPro HERO13 Black
Nikon D3500
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, HERO13 Black or D3500?
HERO13 Black scores 10.0/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — 20fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the HERO13 Black and D3500?
HERO13 Black is 27.6 MP and D3500 is 24.2 MP, so the HERO13 Black captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the HERO13 Black and D3500?
HERO13 Black does not have IBIS, while D3500 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the HERO13 Black or the D3500?
HERO13 Black reaches 20 fps electronic. D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the HERO13 Black and D3500?
HERO13 Black weighs 121 g and D3500 weighs 365 g, so the HERO13 Black is 244 g lighter.
Do the HERO13 Black and D3500 record 4K video?
HERO13 Black: 4K up to 120p. D3500: Full HD.
Are the HERO13 Black and D3500 weather sealed?
HERO13 Black: Yes. D3500: No.
How much does each cost?
HERO13 Black launched at $399 and D3500 at $449. The HERO13 Black is $50 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way HERO13 Black vs D3500 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of GoPro and Nikon press materials.