• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 224.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FH20 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    27 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon D3500 advantages over Panasonic DMC-FH20

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 1.7 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 300 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    6 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.21 vs 0.66 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 14.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.1 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • 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
  • 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 Panasonic DMC-ZR1

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Panasonic DMC-ZR1
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Nikon D3500
Panasonic DMC-ZR1
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZR3

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Less shutter lag
Nikon D3500
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Fujifilm JZ500

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Fujifilm JZ500
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video
Nikon D3500
Fujifilm JZ500
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Canon SL2

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Canon SL2
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon SL3

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Canon SL3
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $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
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