Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
OM System
OM-3
Retro-styled MFT body with modern AF and creator-friendly design.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Jan 2025
OM-3 is 6.4 years newer.
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Wins
D3500
Wins
OM-3
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BOM-3 has higher 4K max frame rate (59.94 fps vs 0 fps)
- BOM-3 has higher IBIS effectiveness (6.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BOM-3 has higher AF points / zones (1053 vs 11)
- BOM-3 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 5 fps)
- AD3500 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1550 shots vs 640 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
OM-3
139 × 89 × 46 mm
413 g (0.91 lb / 14.57 oz)
D3500 is 15mm narrower than OM-3 but it is also 8mm taller and 24mm thicker.
D3500 is 48 g lighter than OM-3.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 46mm OM-3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D3500
124 × 97 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
OM-3
139 × 89 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
OM-3
139 × 46 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
OM-3
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
1.6× 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
OM-3
Micro Four Thirds
130+
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 640 shots — higher is better
AA filter
Only D3500 supports it
ISO min (native)
100 vs 200 — lower is better
Resolution
24.2 MP vs 20.4 MP — higher is better
Weight
365 g vs 413 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
OM-3
AF low-light limit
-5.5 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Animals…
4K max frame rate
59.94 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265, MOV…
IBIS effectiveness
6.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139.3, 88.9, 45.8
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
AF points / zones
1053 vs 11 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓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
OM-3
Pros
- ✓Retro design
- ✓Modern AF
- ✓Compact
Cons
- –MFT sensor
- –Premium for MFT
- –Smaller lens selection
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3500 and OM-3 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D3500
OM System OM-3
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D3500 or OM-3?
OM-3 scores 8.5/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the D3500 and OM-3?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and OM-3 is 20.4 MP, so the D3500 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3500 and OM-3 have in-body image stabilization?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while OM-3 has 6.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the OM-3?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. OM-3 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and OM-3?
D3500 weighs 365 g and OM-3 weighs 413 g, so the D3500 is 48 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and OM-3 record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. OM-3: 4K up to 59.94p.
Are the D3500 and OM-3 weather sealed?
D3500: No. OM-3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,550 shots (CIPA) for the D3500 and 640 shots for the OM-3, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and OM-3 at $1,699. The D3500 is $1,250 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3500 vs OM-3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and OM System press materials.