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Nikon D3500 vs Sony A7R IV

The Nikon D3500 and the Sony Alpha A7R IV are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2018 and July 2019. The D3500 is a DSLR, while the A7R IV is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3500) and a full frame (A7R IV) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 60.2 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
Sony A7R IV
Nikon D3500   Sony A7R IV
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 60.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 100-32,000 (50 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 1440k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
1550 shots per battery charge670 shots per battery charge
124 x 97 x 70 mm, 415 g 129 x 96 x 78 mm, 665 g
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Check D3500 offers at
ebay.com
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Check A7R IV offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3500 and the Sony Alpha A7R 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3500 and the Sony A7R IV is provided in the side-by-side display below. 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 Sony A7R IV
Compare D3500 versus A7R IV top
Comparison D3500 or A7R IV rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7R IV is somewhat larger (3 percent) than the Nikon D3500. Moreover, the A7R IV is substantially heavier (60 percent) than the D3500. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7R IV 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 Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R IV). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A7R 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 A7R IV can take 670 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A7R IV can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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
# 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.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M100 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 302 g 295 n Aug 2017 499ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A7 119 mm 68 mm 41 mm 320 g 440 n Sep 2019 499ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699ebay.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.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.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 naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 88 percent) than the A7R 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3500 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7R IV a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R IV is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D3500 and Sony A7R IV sensor measures

With 60.2MP, the A7R IV offers a higher resolution than the D3500 (24MP), but the A7R IV has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 3.91μm for the D3500). Yet, the A7R IV is a somewhat more recent model (by 10 months) than the D3500, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. 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 Sony A7R IV implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R IV for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.5 x 31.7 inches or 120.7 x 80.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38 x 25.3 inches or 96.6 x 64.4 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.7 x 21.1 inches or 80.5 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3500 are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7R IV has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the D3500, the A7R IV has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (241MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Nikon D3500 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7R IV are ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D3500 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A7R IV uses a BSI-CMOS imager. 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 A7R IV MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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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.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
3.
 
Canon M100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.512.9127278
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6195584
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
7.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
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.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
12.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
13.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
14.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
15.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
16.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
17.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A7R 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 range of features. For example, the A7R IV has an electronic viewfinder (5760k 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 A7R 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 A7R IV has a higher magnification (0.78x 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 Sony A7R IV 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.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon M100none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.1/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A7none n3.5 / 2760 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting 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 D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
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.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
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 A7R IV 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 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 A7R 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 Sony A7R 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 A7R IV write their files to SDXC cards. The A7R IV features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3500 only has one slot. The A7R IV 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 Sony Alpha A7R 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
# 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.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
3.
 
Canon M100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
8.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
9.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
12.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
14.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
16.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
17.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
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It is notable that the A7R 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.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A7R IV (unlike the D3500) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3500 and the A7R IV have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A7R IV was replaced by the Sony A7R V, while the D3500 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D3500 and A7R IV can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3500 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7R IV Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Nikon D3500 better than the Sony A7R IV or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3500:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 250g or 38 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1550 versus 670) 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 (88 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in August 2018).

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A7R IV:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (60.2 vs 24MP), which boosts linear resolution by 58%.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced 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.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • 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 (0.78x vs 0.57x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k 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.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 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.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • 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 modern: Was introduced somewhat (10 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R IV is the clear winner of the contest (31 : 6 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3500 06:31 A7R IV

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3500 and the Sony A7R 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D3500 or the A7R IV perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews 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.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M1003/5+....4/53.5/5 Aug 2017 499ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A73/5..3.5/581/1004/53.5/5 Sep 2019 499ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699ebay.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.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated 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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time 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. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes 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 Sony A7R 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 Sony A7R IV
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2018 July 2019
    Launch Price USD 429 USD 3,499
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3500 Sony A7R IV
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 35.7 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 849.66 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 42.9 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 60.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 9504 x 6336 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2 7.09 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 32,000 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 4 BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 99
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 26.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 14.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 3344
    Screen Specs Nikon D3500 Sony A7R IV
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 1440k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3500 Sony A7R IV
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    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 Sony A7R IV
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3500 Sony A7R IV
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14a Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)1550 shots per charge670 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)
    129 x 96 x 78 mm
    (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 415 g (14.6 oz) 665 g (23.5 oz)
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