• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus E-PM1 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    382g vs 615g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon D3500 advantages over Olympus E-PM1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 1.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    6 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D3500

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality for its class; Excellent high ISO performance for APS-C; Fast single-shot AF speeds; Compact, easy to use design; Incredible value at under $500 with lens.

  • 11-point AF system feels out-dated; Underwhelming C-AF performance; Below average viewfinder coverage accuracy; No touchscreen; Limited wireless features.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-PM1
Olympus E-PL3
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon D3500
Olympus E-PL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Olympus E-PM1
Panasonic GF3X
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
Nikon D3500
Panasonic GF3X
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Olympus E-PM1
Panasonic GF5
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Hot shoe
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
Nikon D3500
Panasonic GF5
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon SL2

Olympus E-PM1
Canon SL2
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon SL3

Olympus E-PM1
Canon SL3
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
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