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Nikon D3500 vs Olympus E-M10 IV

The Nikon D3500 and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2018 and August 2020. The D3500 is a DSLR, while the E-M10 IV is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3500) and a Four Thirds (E-M10 IV) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 20.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3500
versus
Olympus E-M10 IV
Nikon D3500   Olympus E-M10 IV
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 200-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 15 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
1550 shots per battery charge360 shots per battery charge
124 x 97 x 70 mm, 415 g 122 x 84 x 49 mm, 383 g
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Check E-M10 IV price at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3500 and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D3500 and the Olympus E-M10 IV are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M10 IV can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D3500 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3500 vs Olympus E-M10 IV
Compare D3500 versus E-M10 IV top
Comparison D3500 or E-M10 IV rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M10 IV is notably smaller (15 percent) than the Nikon D3500. Moreover, the E-M10 IV is markedly lighter (8 percent) than the D3500. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D3500 nor the E-M10 IV are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D3500) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-M10 IV). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-M10 IV, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D3500 gets 1550 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14a battery, while the E-M10 IV can take 360 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-50 power pack. The power pack in the E-M10 IV can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M10 IV 122 mm 84 mm 49 mm 383 g 360 n Aug 2020 699 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 399ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A7 119 mm 68 mm 41 mm 320 g 440 n Sep 2019 499ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 119 mm 82 mm 46 mm 396 g 320 n Jan 2014 699ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 n Aug 2015 649ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 III 122 mm 84 mm 50 mm 410 g 330 n Aug 2017 649ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-P7 118 mm 69 mm 38 mm 337 g 360 n Jun 2021 799 amazon.com
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10 117 mm 68 mm 39 mm 380 g 350 n Oct 2019 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D3500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 39 percent) than the E-M10 IV, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3500 features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-M10 IV a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M10 IV is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the D3500 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M10 IV offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3500 and Olympus E-M10 IV sensor measures

With 24MP, the D3500 offers a higher resolution than the E-M10 IV (20.2MP), but the D3500 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 3.34μm for the E-M10 IV) due to its larger sensor. However, the E-M10 IV is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 11 months) than the D3500, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D3500 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D3500 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-M10 IV are 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D3500 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D3500 versus E-M10 IV MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
2.
 
Olympus E-M10 IV Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.2140276
3.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6195584
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
7.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
8.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
9.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
10.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
11.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
12.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388472
14.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 III Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8112074
16.
 
Olympus E-P7 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.413.3149477
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.313.1132476
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the E-M10 IV provides a better video resolution than the D3500. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the E-M10 IV has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D3500 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the E-M10 IV offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D3500 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the E-M10 IV has a higher magnification (0.62x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D3500, the Olympus E-M10 IV, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Olympus E-M10 IV2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 15.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A7none n3.5 / 2760 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Olympus E-M101440 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
16.
 
Olympus E-P7none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.7/s Y Y
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The E-M10 IV has a touchscreen, while the D3500 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The E-M10 IV has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D3500 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the E-M10 IV is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Olympus E-M10 IV has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D3500 and the E-M10 IV write their files to SDXC cards. The E-M10 IV supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the D3500 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D3500 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
2.
 
Olympus E-M10 IVYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
10.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
12.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
13.
 
Olympus E-M10Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Olympus E-P7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y

It is notable that the E-M10 IV offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3500 does not provide wifi capability.

The E-M10 IV is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Olympus. In contrast, the D3500 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the D3500 from Nikon. Further information on the features and operation of the D3500 and E-M10 IV can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3500 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M10 IV Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Nikon D3500 better than the Olympus E-M10 IV or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3500:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 20.2MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1550 versus 360) on a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (39 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in August 2018).

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Arguments in favor of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV:

  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.62x vs 0.57x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (122x84mm vs 124x97mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 11 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the E-M10 IV is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 9 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3500 09:18 E-M10 IV

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3500 and the Olympus E-M10 IV place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3500 or the E-M10 IV. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 429ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M10 IV4.5/5..5/581/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2020 699 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 399ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A73/5..3.5/581/1004/53.5/5 Sep 2019 499ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M104/5....80/1005/55/5 Jan 2014 699ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 649ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-M10 III..+5/580/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2017 649ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-P74/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 Jun 2021 799 amazon.com
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10....4/577/100..4/5 Oct 2019 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3500 vs Olympus E-M10 IV

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D3500 Olympus E-M10 IV
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date August 2018 August 2020
    Launch Price USD 429 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3500 Olympus E-M10 IV
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm 3.34 μm
    Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 4 TruePic VIII
    Screen Specs Nikon D3500 Olympus E-M10 IV
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x 0.62x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3500 Olympus E-M10 IV
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 15 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3500 Olympus E-M10 IV
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3500 Olympus E-M10 IV
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14a Olympus BLS-50
    Battery Life (CIPA)1550 shots per charge360 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 124 x 97 x 70 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in)
    122 x 84 x 49 mm
    (4.8 x 3.3 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 415 g (14.6 oz) 383 g (13.5 oz)
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