GoPro
MISSION 1 PRO
Flagship compact cinema camera with 50MP 1-inch sensor, GP3 processor, 8K60 / 4K240 video, 8K30 Open Gate 4:3, GP-Log2 10-bit, and 20m waterproof rugged body.
$700
Launch priceReleased May 2026
Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
MISSION 1 PRO is 7.8 years newer.
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Wins
MISSION 1 PRO
Wins
D3500
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BD3500 has lower AF low-light limit (-1 EV vs 0 EV)
- BD3500 has higher AF points / zones (11 vs 0)
- AMISSION 1 PRO has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 0 fps)
- AMISSION 1 PRO has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- AMISSION 1 PRO has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 5 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
MISSION 1 PRO
78 × 50 × 28 mm
207 g (0.46 lb / 7.30 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D3500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
MISSION 1 PRO is 46mm narrower, 47mm shorter, and 42mm thinner than D3500.
MISSION 1 PRO is 158 g lighter than D3500.
Depth (front-to-back): 28mm MISSION 1 PRO · 70mm D3500
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
MISSION 1 PRO: 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
MISSION 1 PRO
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds MP4
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 78, 50, 27.8
Card types
Adds microSDXC
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
ISO min (native)
25 vs 100 — lower is better
Reasons to choose
D3500
AF points / zones
11 vs 0 — higher is better
AF low-light limit
-1 EV vs 0 EV — lower 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 520 shots — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
MISSION 1 PRO
Pros
- ✓8K60 + 4K240 + 1080p960 burst slo-mo
- ✓50MP 1-inch sensor, up to 14 stops DR
- ✓8K30 / 4K120 Open Gate 4:3 reframing
- ✓GP-Log2 10-bit + 32-bit float audio
- ✓20m waterproof without housing
Cons
- –Premium pricing vs HERO13 Black
- –Fixed lens (ILS variant Q3 2026)
- –New platform — limited third-party support
- –Subscriber discount required for best price
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 MISSION 1 PRO and D3500 at major authorized retailers.
GoPro MISSION 1 PRO
Nikon D3500
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, MISSION 1 PRO or D3500?
MISSION 1 PRO scores 10.0/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the MISSION 1 PRO and D3500?
MISSION 1 PRO is 50 MP and D3500 is 24.2 MP, so the MISSION 1 PRO captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the MISSION 1 PRO and D3500 have in-body image stabilization?
MISSION 1 PRO has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while D3500 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the MISSION 1 PRO or the D3500?
MISSION 1 PRO reaches 30 fps electronic. D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the MISSION 1 PRO and D3500?
MISSION 1 PRO weighs 207 g and D3500 weighs 365 g, so the MISSION 1 PRO is 158 g lighter.
Do the MISSION 1 PRO and D3500 record 4K video?
MISSION 1 PRO: 4K up to 120p. D3500: Full HD.
Are the MISSION 1 PRO and D3500 weather sealed?
MISSION 1 PRO: Yes. D3500: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the MISSION 1 PRO and 1,550 shots for the D3500, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
MISSION 1 PRO launched at $700 and D3500 at $449. The D3500 is $251 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way MISSION 1 PRO 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.