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Nikon D3500 vs Panasonic GH5s

The Nikon D3500 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2018 and January 2018. The D3500 is a DSLR, while the GH5s is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3500) and a Four Thirds (GH5s) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 9.9 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
Panasonic GH5s
Nikon D3500   Panasonic GH5s
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 9.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 160-51,200 (80 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.2" LCD – 1620k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
1550 shots per battery charge440 shots per battery charge
124 x 97 x 70 mm, 415 g 139 x 98 x 87 mm, 660 g
logo
Check D3500 offers at
ebay.com
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Check GH5s price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3500 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3500 and the Panasonic GH5s. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D3500 vs Panasonic GH5s
Compare D3500 versus GH5s top
Comparison D3500 or GH5s rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH5s is notably larger (13 percent) than the Nikon D3500. Moreover, the GH5s is substantially heavier (59 percent) than the D3500. It is noteworthy in this context that the GH5s is splash and dust-proof, while the D3500 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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 (GH5s). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GH5s, 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 GH5s can take 440 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image 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.
 
Panasonic GH5s 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 660 g 440 Y Jan 2018 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 399ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon A1000 114 mm 72 mm 41 mm 330 g 250 n Jan 2019 429ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic TZ95 112 mm 69 mm 42 mm 327 g 380 n Feb 2019 449ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G9 137 mm 97 mm 92 mm 658 g 400 Y Nov 2017 1,699ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic TZ90 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 449ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic FZ330 132 mm 92 mm 117 mm 691 g 380 Y Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH3 133 mm 93 mm 82 mm 550 g 540 Y Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D3500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 83 percent) than the GH5s, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 Panasonic GH5s a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH5s 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 GH5s offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3500 and Panasonic GH5s sensor measures

With 24MP, the D3500 offers a higher resolution than the GH5s (9.9MP), but the D3500 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 4.77μm for the GH5s). However, the D3500 is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the GH5s, 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 Panasonic GH5s are 18.4 x 13.5 inches or 46.7 x 34.3 cm for good quality, 14.7 x 10.8 inches or 37.4 x 27.4 cm for very good quality, and 12.3 x 9 inches or 31.2 x 22.9 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 Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s are ISO 160 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-204800.

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 GH5s MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image 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.
 
Panasonic GH5s Four Thirds 9.9 3680 27004K/60p23.112.8115474
3.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
4.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
5.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
7.
 
Nikon A1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.712.2109552
8.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
9.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
10.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
11.
 
Panasonic TZ95 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110352
12.
 
Panasonic G9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.112.8113874
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
14.
 
Panasonic TZ90 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
15.
 
Panasonic FZ330 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p19.311.09738
16.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
17.
 
Panasonic GH3 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p22.712.481271
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the GH5s provides a better video resolution than the D3500. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, 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 range of features. For example, the GH5s has an electronic viewfinder (3680k 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 GH5s 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 GH5s has a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D3500 and Panasonic GH5s along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Panasonic GH5s3680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
5.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon A10001166 n3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic TZ952330 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic G93680 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic TZ901166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Panasonic FZ3301440 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic GH31746 n3.0 / 614 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D3500 has one, while the GH5s does not. While the built-in flash of the D3500 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The GH5s 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 GH5s 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 Panasonic GH5s 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 GH5s write their files to SDXC cards. The GH5s features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3500 only has one slot. The GH5s supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the D3500 can use UHS-I cards.

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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 Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image 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.
 
Panasonic GH5sYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon A1000-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
9.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic TZ95-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
12.
 
Panasonic G9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.0Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic TZ90-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Panasonic FZ330Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Panasonic GH3Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
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It is notable that the GH5s 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.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic GH5s (unlike the D3500) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The GH5s is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. 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 GH5s can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3500 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH5s Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Nikon D3500 better than the Panasonic GH5s or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Nikon D3500:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 9.9MP) with a 58% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x97mm vs 139x98mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 245g or 37 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1550 versus 440) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (83 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 7 months after the GH5s).

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s:

  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • 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 (0.76x vs 0.57x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or 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 shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 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.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2018).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GH5s is the clear winner of the contest (24 : 12 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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 12:24 GH5s

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3500 and the Panasonic GH5s 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 GH5s. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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
# image  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.
 
Panasonic GH5s....4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2018 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 399ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon A1000..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 429ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic TZ95..+ +....4.5/5.. Feb 2019 449ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G9..+ +5/585/1005/55/5 Nov 2017 1,699ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic TZ90..+ +4/5..4/54/5 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic FZ330..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH35/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check GH5s price at
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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 Panasonic GH5s

    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 Panasonic GH5s
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date August 2018 January 2018
    Launch Price USD 429 USD 2,499
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3500 Panasonic GH5s
    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 9.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 3680 x 2700 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm 4.77 μm
    Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2 4.42 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 160 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 80 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 4 Venus 10
    Screen Specs Nikon D3500 Panasonic GH5s
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x 0.76x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3680k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 1620k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3500 Panasonic GH5s
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I Dual UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3500 Panasonic GH5s
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3500 Panasonic GH5s
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14a Panasonic DMW-BLF19
    Battery Life (CIPA)1550 shots per charge440 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 97 x 70 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in)
    139 x 98 x 87 mm
    (5.5 x 3.9 x 3.4 in)
    Camera Weight 415 g (14.6 oz) 660 g (23.3 oz)
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