Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Released Aug 2018
Nikon
Z8
Z9 internals in a compact body — 45.7MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p, no blackout burst.
$3,999
Released May 2023
Z8 is 4.7 years newer.
Wins
D3500
Wins
Z8
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AD3500 has higher Burst (mechanical) (5 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ8 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ8 has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZ8 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 11)
- BZ8 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 5 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
D3500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
Z8
144 × 119 × 83 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
D3500 is 20mm narrower, 22mm shorter, and 14mm thinner than Z8.
D3500 is 455 g lighter than Z8.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 83mm Z8
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D3500
124 × 97 mm
Z8
144 × 119 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D3500
124 × 70 mm
Z8
144 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Z8
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
Z8
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
Burst (mechanical)
5 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124, 97, 69.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Battery life (CIPA)
1550 shots vs 340 shots — higher is better
Weight
365 g vs 820 g — lower is better
AA filter
Only D3500 supports it
EVF magnification
0.85 × vs 0.8 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z8
AF low-light limit
-9 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
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 118.5, 83
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
493 vs 11 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓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
Z8
Pros
- ✓45.7MP stacked CMOS from Z9 — class-leading
- ✓8K 60p N-RAW internal
- ✓No mechanical shutter wear — fully electronic
- ✓20fps at full 45.7MP resolution
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 340 CIPA shots
- –No built-in grip (unlike Z9)
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, D3500 or Z8?
Z8 scores 9.5/10 versus 0.0/10 for D3500 — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the D3500 and Z8?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and Z8 is 45.7 MP, so the Z8 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3500 and Z8 have in-body image stabilization?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while z8 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the Z8?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. Z8 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and Z8?
D3500 weighs 365 g and Z8 weighs 820 g, so the D3500 is 455 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and Z8 record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. Z8: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the D3500 and Z8 weather sealed?
D3500: No. Z8: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,550 shots (CIPA) for the D3500 and 340 shots for the Z8, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and Z8 at $3,999. The D3500 is $3,550 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.