Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Panasonic
Lumix GH7
Micro Four Thirds video flagship with ProRes RAW and open gate.
$2,199
Launch priceReleased Jun 2024
Lumix GH7 is 5.8 years newer.
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Wins
D3500
Wins
Lumix GH7
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BLumix GH7 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 0 fps)
- BLumix GH7 has higher IBIS effectiveness (7.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BLumix GH7 has higher AF points / zones (315 vs 11)
- BLumix GH7 has higher Burst (electronic) (75 fps vs 5 fps)
- BLumix GH7 has higher 1080p max frame rate (300 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
Lumix GH7
138 × 100 × 100 mm
805 g (1.77 lb / 28.40 oz)
D3500 is 14mm narrower, 3mm shorter, and 30mm thinner than Lumix GH7.
D3500 is 440 g lighter than Lumix GH7.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 100mm Lumix GH7
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D3500
124 × 97 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix GH7
138 × 100 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
Lumix GH7
138 × 100 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Lumix GH7
17.3 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
225 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
Lumix GH7
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 350 shots — higher is better
Weight
365 g vs 805 g — lower is better
AA filter
Only D3500 supports it
EVF magnification
0.85 × vs 0.76 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Lumix GH7
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Face, Eye…
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, ProRes RAW, ProRes RAW HQ…
IBIS effectiveness
7.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.4, 100.3, 99.6
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B, SD/SDHC/SDXC
AF points / zones
315 vs 11 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓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
Lumix GH7
Pros
- ✓Pro video toolset
- ✓Open gate
- ✓Compact MFT
- ✓Strong codecs
Cons
- –MFT sensor size
- –Still resolution limits
- –Premium for MFT
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3500 and Lumix GH7 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D3500
Panasonic Lumix GH7
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D3500 or Lumix GH7?
Lumix GH7 scores 10.0/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — 75fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the D3500 and Lumix GH7?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and Lumix GH7 is 25.2 MP, so the Lumix GH7 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3500 and Lumix GH7 have in-body image stabilization?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while Lumix GH7 has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the Lumix GH7?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. Lumix GH7 reaches 75 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and Lumix GH7?
D3500 weighs 365 g and Lumix GH7 weighs 805 g, so the D3500 is 440 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and Lumix GH7 record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. Lumix GH7: 4K up to 120p.
Are the D3500 and Lumix GH7 weather sealed?
D3500: No. Lumix GH7: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,550 shots (CIPA) for the D3500 and 350 shots for the Lumix GH7, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and Lumix GH7 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 Lumix GH7 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Panasonic press materials.