• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D3500 advantages over Panasonic ZS80

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1550 vs 380 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS80 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $398* vs $597
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.1 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.5 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    32 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

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

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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

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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.

  • Read our Nikon D3500 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5600

Nikon D3500
Nikon D5600
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Nikon D5600

Panasonic ZS80
Nikon D5600
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Nikon D5600

Compared to Panasonic ZS70

Nikon D3500
Panasonic ZS70
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Panasonic ZS70

Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic ZS70
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Panasonic ZS70

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL2

Panasonic ZS80
Canon SL2
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Canon SL2

Compared to Canon SX740 HS

Nikon D3500
Canon SX740 HS
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $408
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SX740 HS

Panasonic ZS80
Canon SX740 HS
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $408
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Canon SX740 HS

Compared to Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

Panasonic ZS80
Canon SL3
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Canon SL3

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