Nikon
D3500
Entry DSLR that introduced millions to interchangeable-lens photography.
$449
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Sony
ZV-1
The original Sony vlogging compact with a 1-inch stacked sensor, 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS lens, Real-time Eye AF, and side-flip screen.
$749
Launch priceReleased May 2020
ZV-1 is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
D3500
Wins
ZV-1
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZV-1 has higher 4K max frame rate (30 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZV-1 has higher AF points / zones (315 vs 11)
- AD3500 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1550 shots vs 260 shots)
- BZV-1 has higher Burst (mechanical) (24 fps vs 5 fps)
- BZV-1 has higher Burst (electronic) (24 fps vs 5 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
D3500
124 × 97 × 70 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
ZV-1
106 × 60 × 44 mm
294 g (0.65 lb / 10.37 oz)
D3500 is 19mm wider, 37mm taller, and 26mm thicker than ZV-1.
D3500 is 71 g heavier than ZV-1.
Depth (front-to-back): 70mm D3500 · 44mm ZV-1
Sensor size, to scale
D3500
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
ZV-1
13.2 × 8.8 mm · 1″
116 mm² area
3.2× 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
ZV-1: mount data unavailable
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 260 shots — higher is better
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 12,800 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
100 vs 125 — lower is better
Resolution
24.2 MP vs 20.1 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
ZV-1
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
4K max frame rate
30 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 105.5, 60, 43.5
AF points / zones
315 vs 11 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
24 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
24 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓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
ZV-1
Pros
- ✓1-inch stacked Exmor RS sensor with DRAM
- ✓24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS zoom
- ✓Real-time Eye AF and Product Showcase
- ✓Side vari-angle LCD for vlogging
- ✓4K oversampled video and HFR slow-mo
Cons
- –Fixed 24–70mm zoom (no telephoto reach)
- –No built-in ND filter (unlike ZV-1 II)
- –No EVF
- –Short battery life for long shoots
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3500 and ZV-1 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D3500
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D3500 or ZV-1?
ZV-1 scores 6.5/10 versus 1.0/10 for D3500 — 24fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the D3500 and ZV-1?
D3500 is 24.2 MP and ZV-1 is 20.1 MP, so the D3500 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the D3500 and ZV-1?
D3500 does not have IBIS, while ZV-1 uses Optical SteadyShot + Active electronic (electronic).
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3500 or the ZV-1?
D3500 reaches 5 fps electronic. ZV-1 reaches 24 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3500 and ZV-1?
D3500 weighs 365 g and ZV-1 weighs 294 g, so the ZV-1 is 71 g lighter.
Do the D3500 and ZV-1 record 4K video?
D3500: Full HD. ZV-1: 4K up to 30p.
Are the D3500 and ZV-1 weather sealed?
D3500: No. ZV-1: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,550 shots (CIPA) for the D3500 and 260 shots for the ZV-1, giving the D3500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3500 launched at $449 and ZV-1 at $749. The D3500 is $300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3500 vs ZV-1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.