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
Released Sep 2024
Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Released Aug 2018
HERO13 Black is 6 years newer.
Wins
HERO13 Black
Wins
D3500
2 categories tied
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
HERO13 Black
72 × 51 × 34 mm
159 g (0.35 lb / 5.61 oz)
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 206 g lighter than D3500.
Depth (front-to-back): 34mm HERO13 Black · 70mm D3500
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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 71.8, 50.8, 33.6
Card types
Adds microSD
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
Weight
159 g vs 365 g — lower is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only HERO13 Black supports it
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
Battery life (CIPA)
1550 shots vs 640 shots — 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
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, HERO13 Black or D3500?
HERO13 Black scores 5.0/10 versus 0.5/10 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.
Do the HERO13 Black and D3500 have in-body image stabilization?
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 159 g and D3500 weighs 365 g, so the HERO13 Black is 206 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.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the HERO13 Black and 1,550 shots for the D3500, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
HERO13 Black launched at $399 and D3500 at $449. The HERO13 Black is $50 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.