Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Nikon
ZR
Compact Nikon RED full-frame 6K cinema camera with R3D NE RAW, 32-bit float audio, 7.5-stop VR, and Z mount.
$2,199
Launch priceReleased Sep 2025
ZR is 7 years newer.
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Wins
D3500
Wins
ZR
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AD3500 has higher Burst (mechanical) (5 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZR has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZR has higher IBIS effectiveness (7.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZR has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 5 fps)
- BZR has higher 1080p max frame rate (240 fps vs 60 fps)
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
ZR
134 × 81 × 49 mm
630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
D3500 is 10mm narrower than ZR but it is also 17mm taller and 21mm thicker.
D3500 is 265 g lighter than ZR.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 49mm ZR
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D3500
124 × 97 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
ZR
134 × 81 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
ZR
134 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
ZR
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
ZR
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
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124, 97, 69.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Weight
365 g vs 630 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
ZR
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds R3D NE, N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ…
IBIS effectiveness
7.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 80.5, 49
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B, XQD, MicroSD UHS-I
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
1080p max frame rate
240 fps vs 60 fps — 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
ZR
Pros
- ✓6K/60p R3D NE RAW
- ✓32-bit float audio
- ✓7.5-stop stabilization
- ✓Compact 535g cinema body
Cons
- –No built-in EVF
- –Cinema-first ergonomics
- –Single CFexpress plus MicroSD workflow
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3500 and ZR 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 ZR?
ZR 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 ZR?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and ZR is 24.5 MP, so the ZR captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3500 and ZR have in-body image stabilization?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while ZR has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the ZR?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. ZR reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and ZR?
D3500 weighs 365 g and ZR weighs 630 g, so the D3500 is 265 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and ZR record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. ZR: 6K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the D3500 and ZR weather sealed?
D3500: No. ZR: Yes.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and ZR at $2,199. The D3500 is $1,750 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3500 vs ZR vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.