Insta360
X5
Flagship 360° action camera with dual 1/1.28-inch sensors, 8K 30fps 360° video, 4K 60fps single-lens mode, 15m waterproofing, and AI-powered PureVideo.
$550
Launch priceReleased Apr 2025
Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
X5 is 6.7 years newer.
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Wins
X5
Wins
D3500
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BD3500 has higher AF points / zones (11 vs 0)
- AX5 has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 0 fps)
- BD3500 has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- AX5 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 24.2 MP)
- AX5 has higher 1080p max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
X5
46 × 125 × 38 mm
200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D3500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
X5 is 78mm narrower and 31mm thinner than D3500 but it is also 28mm taller.
X5 is 165 g lighter than D3500.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm X5 · 70mm D3500
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X5
46 × 125 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.
X5
46 × 38 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
X5: 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
X5
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, Horizon Lock 360°, Active HDR…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 124.5, 38.2
Card types
Adds microSD
Resolution
72 MP vs 24.2 MP — higher is better
1080p max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Weather sealing
Only X5 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
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.
X5
Pros
- ✓Dual 1/1.28-inch sensors (2× larger than X4)
- ✓8K 30fps 360° and 5.7K 60fps
- ✓4K 60fps single-lens action mode
- ✓15m waterproof without case
- ✓72MP 360° photos
Cons
- –Premium price vs X4
- –8K workflow is storage-heavy
- –Fixed lenses (not user-swappable in field)
- –Editing 360° footage takes time
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 X5 and D3500 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 X5
Nikon D3500
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, X5 or D3500?
X5 scores 8.5/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — Weather sealed for outdoor sports.
What's the resolution difference between the X5 and D3500?
X5 is 72 MP and D3500 is 24.2 MP, so the X5 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the X5 and D3500?
X5 uses FlowState 6-axis (electronic), while D3500 does not have IBIS.
What's the weight difference between the X5 and D3500?
X5 weighs 200 g and D3500 weighs 365 g, so the X5 is 165 g lighter.
Do the X5 and D3500 record 4K video?
X5: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. D3500: Full HD.
Are the X5 and D3500 weather sealed?
X5: Yes. D3500: No.
How much does each cost?
X5 launched at $550 and D3500 at $449. The D3500 is $101 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X5 vs D3500 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Nikon press materials.