Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 5.1 years newer.
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Wins
D3500
Wins
Zf
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZf has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZf has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZf has higher AF points / zones (273 vs 11)
- BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 5 fps)
- AD3500 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1550 shots vs 380 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
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
D3500 is 20mm narrower and 6mm shorter than Zf but it is also 21mm thicker.
D3500 is 345 g lighter than Zf.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D3500
124 × 97 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 103 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
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Zf
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
Zf
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 380 shots — higher is better
Weight
365 g vs 710 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
0.85 × vs 0.8 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, MicroSD UHS-I
AF points / zones
273 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
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3500 and Zf at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D3500 or Zf?
Zf scores 9.5/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the D3500 and Zf?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and Zf is 24.5 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3500 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the Zf?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and Zf?
D3500 weighs 365 g and Zf weighs 710 g, so the D3500 is 345 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and Zf record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D3500 and Zf weather sealed?
D3500: No. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,550 shots (CIPA) for the D3500 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and Zf at $2,049. The D3500 is $1,600 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3500 vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.