Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Nikon
Z6 III
First partially stacked full-frame sensor with 6K N-RAW internal video.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Jun 2024
Z6 III is 5.8 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
D3500
Wins
Z6 III
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ6 III has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ6 III has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZ6 III has higher AF points / zones (299 vs 11)
- BZ6 III has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 5 fps)
- AD3500 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1550 shots vs 360 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD3500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z6 III
139 × 102 × 74 mm
760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz)
D3500 is 15mm narrower, 5mm shorter, and 5mm thinner than Z6 III.
D3500 is 395 g lighter than Z6 III.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 74mm Z6 III
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D3500
124 × 97 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z6 III
139 × 102 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D3500
124 × 70 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z6 III
139 × 74 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Z6 III
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D3500
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Z6 III
Nikon Z
90+
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
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 360 shots — higher is better
Weight
365 g vs 760 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
0.85 × vs 0.8 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z6 III
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, Raw…
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.5, 101.5, 74
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B, XQD, SD…
AF points / zones
299 vs 11 — 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.
D3500
Pros
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Long battery life
- ✓Lightweight
Cons
- –No 4K
- –Basic AF
- –Discontinued
Z6 III
Pros
- ✓Partially stacked CMOS reduces rolling shutter
- ✓6K N-RAW 60p internal — true filmmaking capability
- ✓5.76M dot EVF — best-in-class resolution
- ✓14fps mechanical burst
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 380 CIPA shots
- –Smaller lens ecosystem vs. Canon RF
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3500 and Z6 III at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D3500
Nikon Z6 III
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D3500 or Z6 III?
Z6 III scores 10.0/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the D3500 and Z6 III?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and Z6 III is 24.5 MP, so the Z6 III captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3500 and Z6 III have in-body image stabilization?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while Z6 III has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the Z6 III?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. Z6 III reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and Z6 III?
D3500 weighs 365 g and Z6 III weighs 760 g, so the D3500 is 395 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and Z6 III record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. Z6 III: 4K up to 120p.
Are the D3500 and Z6 III weather sealed?
D3500: No. Z6 III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,550 shots (CIPA) for the D3500 and 360 shots for the Z6 III, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and Z6 III at $2,499. The D3500 is $2,050 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3500 vs Z6 III vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.