• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 360.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Panasonic ZS200 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Higher-res screen
    413k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Less shutter lag
    0.12 vs 0.21 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.1 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.4 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    33 vs 13 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D3500 advantages over Panasonic ZS200

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 2.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 370 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS200

Your purchases support this site

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 Panasonic ZS100

Panasonic ZS200
Panasonic ZS100
  • $648
  • 1 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture
Nikon D3500
Panasonic ZS100
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon SL2

Panasonic ZS200
Canon SL2
  • $648
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Sony RX100 VI

Panasonic ZS200
Sony RX100 VI
  • $648
  • 1 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1062
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger lens aperture
Nikon D3500
Sony RX100 VI
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1062
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon SL3

Panasonic ZS200
Canon SL3
  • $648
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Sony RX100 VII

Panasonic ZS200
Sony RX100 VII
  • $648
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger lens aperture
Nikon D3500
Sony RX100 VII
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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