Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Sony
Alpha 7 II
First affordable IBIS full-frame mirrorless that changed the industry.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Nov 2014
D3500 is 3.8 years newer.
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Wins
D3500
Wins
Alpha 7 II
8 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 II has higher IBIS effectiveness (4.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BAlpha 7 II has higher AF points / zones (117 vs 11)
- AD3500 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1550 shots vs 350 shots)
- AD3500 has lower Weight (365 g vs 599 g)
- AD3500 has higher EVF magnification (0.85 × vs 0.71 ×)
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 7 II
127 × 96 × 60 mm
599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)
D3500 is 3mm narrower than Alpha 7 II but it is also 1mm taller and 10mm thicker.
D3500 is 234 g lighter than Alpha 7 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 60mm Alpha 7 II
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Alpha 7 II
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 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 7 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
Battery life (CIPA)
1550 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Weight
365 g vs 599 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
0.85 × vs 0.71 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 II
Subject recognition
Adds Human
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD, MP4…
IBIS effectiveness
4.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 95.7, 59.7
AF points / zones
117 vs 11 — higher is better
Eye AF
Only Alpha 7 II supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only Alpha 7 II supports it
Weather sealing
Only Alpha 7 II supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 5 fps
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 5 fps
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 60 fps
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 7 II
Pros
- ✓Historic IBIS FF
- ✓Affordable used
- ✓Huge lens catalog
Cons
- –Very dated AF
- –No 4K
- –Superseded many times
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3500 and Alpha 7 II at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D3500
Sony Alpha 7 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, D3500 or Alpha 7 II?
Alpha 7 II scores 6.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for D3500 — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the D3500 and Alpha 7 II?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7 II is 24.3 MP, so the Alpha 7 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3500 and Alpha 7 II have in-body image stabilization?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while Alpha 7 II has 4.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the Alpha 7 II?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. Alpha 7 II reaches 5 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and Alpha 7 II?
D3500 weighs 365 g and Alpha 7 II weighs 599 g, so the D3500 is 234 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and Alpha 7 II record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. Alpha 7 II: Full HD.
Are the D3500 and Alpha 7 II weather sealed?
D3500: No. Alpha 7 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,550 shots (CIPA) for the D3500 and 350 shots for the Alpha 7 II, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and Alpha 7 II at $1,999. The D3500 is $1,550 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3500 vs Alpha 7 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.