A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
quick link 1 quick link 2
quick link 3
quick link 4
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Nikon D3500 vs Zf

The Nikon D3500 and the Nikon Zf are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2018 and September 2023. The D3500 is a DSLR, while the Zf is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3500) and a full frame (Zf) sensor. The D3500 has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Zf provides 24.3 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3500
versus
Nikon Zf
Nikon D3500   Nikon Zf
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 24.3 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 100-64,000 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 14 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
1550 shots per battery charge380 shots per battery charge
124 x 97 x 70 mm, 415 g 144 x 103 x 49 mm, 710 g
logo
Check D3500 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Zf price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon Zf? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon Zf are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The Zf can be obtained in seven different colors (black, grey, brown, blue, red, orange, green), while the D3500 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3500 vs Nikon Zf
Compare D3500 versus Zf top
Comparison D3500 or Zf rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Zf is notably larger (23 percent) than the Nikon D3500. Moreover, the Zf is substantially heavier (71 percent) than the D3500. It is noteworthy in this context that the Zf is splash and dust-proof, while the D3500 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the D3500 gets 1550 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14a battery, while the Zf can take 380 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15c power pack. The power pack in the Zf can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Zf 144 mm 103 mm 49 mm 710 g 380 Y Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 US$ 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon A1000 114 mm 72 mm 41 mm 330 g 250 n Jan 2019 US$ 429ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 US$ 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Z5 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 470 Y Jul 2020 US$ 1 399ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z5 II 134 mm 101 mm 72 mm 700 g 330 Y Apr 2025 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
13.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Nikon Z6 III 139 mm 102 mm 74 mm 670 g 380 Y Jun 2024 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
16.
 
Panasonic TZ90 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 US$ 449ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic TZ95 112 mm 69 mm 42 mm 327 g 380 n Feb 2019 US$ 449ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D3500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 79 percent) than the Zf, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3500 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon Zf a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Zf is 134 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the Zf uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 7) than the D3500 (EXPEED 4), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D3500 and Nikon Zf sensor measures

With 24.3MP, the Zf offers a higher resolution than the D3500 (24MP), but the Zf nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 3.91μm for the D3500) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Zf is a much more recent model (by 5 years) than the D3500, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D3500 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Zf has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the D3500, the Zf has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Nikon D3500 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Zf are ISO 100 to ISO 64000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the D3500 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Zf uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D3500 versus Zf MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
2.
 
Nikon Zf Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.414.7324396
3.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
4.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
5.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
7.
 
Nikon A1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.712.2109552
8.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
9.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
10.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
11.
 
Nikon Z5 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40164K/30p25.314.3292995
12.
 
Nikon Z5 II Full Frame 24.4 6048 40324K/60p25.414.8339897
13.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
14.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
15.
 
Nikon Z6 III Full Frame 24.3 6048 40246K/60p25.414.8331897
16.
 
Panasonic TZ90 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
17.
 
Panasonic TZ95 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110352
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Zf provides a better video resolution than the D3500. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the D3500 is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Zf has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the D3500 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the Zf offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D3500 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the Zf has a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D3500, the Nikon Zf, and comparable cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Nikon Zf3690 n3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
4.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon A10001166 n3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon Z53690 n3.2 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 4.5/s n Y
12.
 
Nikon Z5 II3690 n3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
13.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
14.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
15.
 
Nikon Z6 III5760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic TZ901166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Panasonic TZ952330 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D3500 has one, while the Zf does not. While the built-in flash of the D3500 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Zf has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D3500 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Zf is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Zf has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D3500 and the Zf write their files to SDXC cards. The Zf features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3500 only has one slot. The Zf supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the D3500 can use UHS-I cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D3500 and Nikon Zf and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
2.
 
Nikon ZfYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon A1000-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
10.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon Z5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Nikon Z5 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Nikon Z6 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Panasonic TZ90-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Panasonic TZ95-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y

It is notable that the Zf offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3500 does not provide wifi capability.

The Zf is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D3500 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the D3500 from Nikon. Further information on the features and operation of the D3500 and Zf can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3500 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Zf Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon Zf? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3500:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x97mm vs 144x103mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 295g or 42 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1550 versus 380) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (79 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2018).


Arguments in favor of the Nikon Zf:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 7 vs EXPEED 4).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.57x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years of technical progress since the D3500 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Zf is the clear winner of the contest (32 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3500 08:32 Zf

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3500 and the Nikon Zf place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3500 or the Zf. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Zf4.5/5..4.5/590/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 US$ 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon A1000..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 US$ 429ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 US$ 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Z54/5..4/589/1004.5/54/5 Jul 2020 US$ 1 399ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z5 II............ Apr 2025 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
13.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Nikon Z6 III............ Jun 2024 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
16.
 
Panasonic TZ90..+ +4/5..4/54/5 Apr 2017 US$ 449ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic TZ95..+ +....4.5/5.. Feb 2019 US$ 449ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check D3500 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Zf price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Nikon D3500 vs Nikon Zf

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D3500 Nikon Zf
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2018 September 2023
    Launch Price USD 429 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3500 Nikon Zf
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6048 x 4024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2 2.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 64,000 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 4 EXPEED 7
    Screen Specs Nikon D3500 Nikon Zf
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3500 Nikon Zf
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 14 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I Single UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3500 Nikon Zf
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3500 Nikon Zf
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14a Nikon EN-EL15c
    Battery Life (CIPA)1550 shots per charge380 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 124 x 97 x 70 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in)
    144 x 103 x 49 mm
    (5.7 x 4.1 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 415 g (14.6 oz) 710 g (25.0 oz)
    logo
    Check D3500 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check Zf price at
    amazon.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Nikon D3500 vs Nikon Zf