Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 6.3 years newer.
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Wins
D3500
Wins
Alpha 1 II
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 0 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher IBIS effectiveness (8.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 11)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 5 fps)
- AD3500 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1550 shots vs 520 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
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
D3500 is 12mm narrower and 13mm thinner than Alpha 1 II.
D3500 is 378 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D3500
Nikon F
270+
native lenses available
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
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 520 shots — higher is better
Weight
365 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I…
IBIS effectiveness
8.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
759 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
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3500 and Alpha 1 II at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D3500
Sony Alpha 1 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, D3500 or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II 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 Alpha 1 II?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3500 and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the Alpha 1 II?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and Alpha 1 II?
D3500 weighs 365 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the D3500 is 378 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the D3500 and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
D3500: No. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,550 shots (CIPA) for the D3500 and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The D3500 is $6,050 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3500 vs Alpha 1 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Sony press materials.