• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 42.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A7R II advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.51 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.78x vs 0.57x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    42.4 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    23 vs 13 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D3500 advantages over Sony A7R II

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $597 vs $1798*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 1.5 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 340 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    6 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 23 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D3500
Kit with 18-55mm VR lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm VR lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm VR and 70-300mm lenses
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Review Excerpt

  • Superb image quality; Very high resolution; Surprisingly good high ISO performance; Fast autofocus; Compact, comfortable body with lots of customization potential; Bright, roomy and clear viewfinder; Tilting LCD display; Five-axis stabilization; Intuitive Wi-Fi / NFC connectivity

  • Movie button is poorly located; No touch screen; Not as fast to start up or shoot photos as a similarly-priced SLR; Rather slow buffer clearing; No built-in flash; Single card slot; Not weather-sealed to the same degree as some rivals

  • Read our Sony A7R II Review

  • 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.

  • Read our Nikon D3500 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R

Sony A7R II
Sony A7R
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1399
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Sony A7R II vs Sony A7R

Nikon D3500
Sony A7R
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1399
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony A7R

Compared to Sony A9

Sony A7R II
Sony A9
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony A7R II vs Sony A9

Nikon D3500
Sony A9
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony A9

Compared to Canon SL2

Sony A7R II
Canon SL2
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A7R II vs Canon SL2

Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL2

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A7R II
Sony A7R III
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2151
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • High resolution composite

Compare Sony A7R II vs Sony A7R III

Nikon D3500
Sony A7R III
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $2151
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Sony A7R III

Compared to Canon SL3

Sony A7R II
Canon SL3
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A7R II vs Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

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