OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Cameras Methodology v1.0
Cameras Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Cameras Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Cameras Methodology v1.0

Sony A3500 Review | 108 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Sensor size:APS-CWeight:411 gBattery life (CIPA):480 shots

Sony A3500 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

4.9

Overall score

Score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best cameras on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

90%

4.9

Technical score

10%

?

User score

▼Worse than 61% of cameras
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

28%

6.0

Sensor & Image

25%

3.4

Photo Features

18%

4.9

Video & Audio

14%

5.6

Display & Design

8%

6.5

Battery & Power

7%

2.6

Connectivity & Storage

▼Worse than 54% of cameras
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £180

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of camera Sony A3500

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

28%

6.0

Sensor & Image

25%

3.4

Photo Features

18%

4.9

Video & Audio

14%

5.6

Display & Design

8%

6.5

Battery & Power

7%

2.6

Connectivity & Storage

4.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Sony A3500 has a popularity score of 1, which is lower than 51.3% of cameras.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 53% of models
Score components:

60%

4.9

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

6.3
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor size
APS-C
▲ Better than 57% of models
This camera uses a sensor classified as APS-C; it is larger than the sensor in 57.4% of cameras and the same size as the sensor in 25.7% of cameras.
Main camera megapixels
20.1 MP
Main camera megapixels
20.1 MP
▲ Better than 62% of models
This camera has a sensor resolution of 20.1 MP, which is higher than that of 61.6% of cameras and equal to that of 4.3% of cameras.
Main camera pixel size
4.25 µm
Main camera pixel size
4.25 µm
▲ Better than 69% of models
Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
This camera has sensor pixels measuring 4.25 µm, which are larger than those in 68.9% of cameras and the same size as those in 0.3% of cameras.
Base ISO
100
Base ISO
100
▼ Worse than 28% of models
Market range: <80 – >200
This camera has a base ISO of 100 which is higher than that of 19.9% of cameras and equal to that of 52.4% of cameras.
Max ISO
ISO 16000 ISO
Max ISO
ISO 16,000
▲ Better than 73% of models
This camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of ISO 16,000, which is higher than that of 73.3% of cameras and equal to that of 1.9% of cameras.
Show more
Lens mount
Sony E
Built-in focus motor
no
Built-in focus motor
no
▼ Worse than 11% of models
This camera does not have a built-in focus motor. 11% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
25
N. of focus points
25
▲ Better than 50% of models
Market range: <9 – >399
This camera has 25 focus points, more than the number offered by 50.4% of cameras and equal to the number offered by 4.6% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
no
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
no
▼ Worse than 37% of models
This camera does not support phase-detection autofocus for photos. 37.5% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
yes
AF tracking
yes
▲ Better than 12% of models
This camera supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 88% of cameras.
Show more
Max video resolution
1920 px
Max video resolution
1920 px
▲ Better than 29% of models
This camera supports 1920 px video recording which is higher quality than that of 28.7% of cameras and equal to that of 47.1% of cameras.
Video bitrate
24 Mbps
Video bitrate
24 Mbps
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
This camera has a video bitrate of 24 Mbps which is lower than that of 62.5% of cameras and equal to that of 7% of cameras.
Video bit depth
8 bit
Video bit depth
8 bit
▼ Worse than 12% of models
This camera supports video at 8 bit, a bit depth higher than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 80.6% of cameras.
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
▼ Worse than 22% of models
This camera supports 4:2:0 video chroma subsampling which is more advanced than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 69.9% of cameras.
Video codecs
H.264
Show more
Type
mirrorless
Weight
411 g
Weight
411 g
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <142 g – >812 g
This camera weighs 411 g which is heavier than 52.2% of cameras and equal to the weight of 0.1% of cameras.
Width
128 mm
Width
128 mm
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
This camera has a width of 128 mm which is wider than 66.7% of cameras and equal to that of 1.1% of cameras.
Height
90.9 mm
Height
90.9 mm
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
This camera has a height of 90.9 mm which is taller than 67.9% of cameras and equal to that of 0.2% of cameras.
Thickness
84.5 mm
Thickness
84.5 mm
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
This camera has a thickness of 84.5 mm which is thicker than 83.5% of cameras and equal to that of 0.4% of cameras.
Show more
Battery life (CIPA)
480 shots
Battery life (CIPA)
480 shots
▲ Better than 78% of models
Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
This camera has a CIPA-rated battery life of 480 shots, which is longer than that of 78.4% of cameras and equal to that of 0.3% of cameras.
Battery capacity
1,080 mAh
Battery capacity
1,080 mAh
▼ Worse than 53% of models
Market range: <700 mAh – >2.2k mAh
This camera has a battery capacity of 1,080 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 52.9% of cameras and equal to those in 1.9% of cameras.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This camera has a removable battery, and 98.7% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
▼ Worse than 10% of models
This camera does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.1% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
▼ Worse than 48% of models
This camera does not support Wi-Fi. 47.9% of cameras include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
Bluetooth connectivity
no
▼ Worse than 23% of models
This camera does not have Bluetooth. 22.7% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
▼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera does not include USB Type-C. 14.6% of cameras use USB-C.
Show more

Sony A3500 vs the average camera

246810TotalDisplay & DesignSensor & ImagePhoto FeaturesVideo & AudioBattery & PowerConnectivity & Storage
  • Better viewfinder type
    Viewfinder type
    electronic
    ▲ Better than 68% of models
    This camera uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (electronic vs none).
    electronic vs none
  • Has microphone input
    Microphone input
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This camera has microphone input, the average camera does not.
    3.5 mm mic input
  • 9,600 ISO higher maximum sensitivity limit
    Max ISO
    16,000 ISO
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <1.6k ISO – >40k ISO
    This camera has a higher maximum sensitivity than the average camera (16000 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO.
    16,000 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • 150 shots more shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    480 shots
    ▲ Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
    This camera has longer battery life than the average camera (480 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    480 shots vs 330 shots
  • 0.91 µm larger sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    4.25 µm
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (4.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    4.25 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Supports 24p cinema mode
    24p cinema mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This camera supports 24p cinema mode, the average camera does not. 44% of cameras support this mode.
    NTSC mode required
  • Higher sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    20.1 MP
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This camera has a higher sensor resolution than the average camera (20.1 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    20.1 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • 0.6 points higher DxOMark Landscape score
    DxOMark landscape score
    13.0 points
    ▲ Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <10.8 points – >14.3 points
    This camera has a higher DxOMark landscape score than the average camera (13 points vs 12.4 points). The average camera scores 12.4 points.
    13.0 points vs 12.4 points
  • Better viewfinder type
    Viewfinder type
    electronic
    ▲ Better than 68% of models
    This camera uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (electronic vs none).
    electronic vs none
  • 9,600 ISO higher maximum sensitivity limit
    Max ISO
    16,000 ISO
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <1.6k ISO – >40k ISO
    This camera has a higher maximum sensitivity than the average camera (16000 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO.
    16,000 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • 0.91 µm larger sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    4.25 µm
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (4.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    4.25 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Higher sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    20.1 MP
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This camera has a higher sensor resolution than the average camera (20.1 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    20.1 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • 0.6 points higher DxOMark Landscape score
    DxOMark landscape score
    13.0 points
    ▲ Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <10.8 points – >14.3 points
    This camera has a higher DxOMark landscape score than the average camera (13 points vs 12.4 points). The average camera scores 12.4 points.
    13.0 points vs 12.4 points
  • 5 points higher DxOMark sensor score
    DxOMark sensor score
    78 points
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <52 points – >94 points
    This camera has a higher DxOMark sensor score than the average camera (78 points vs 73 points). The average camera has a DxOMark sensor score of 73 points.
    78 points vs 73 points
  • In-camera panorama mode
    In-camera panorama mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This camera includes an in-camera panorama mode, the average camera does not.
    Sweep Panorama
  • Has microphone input
    Microphone input
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This camera has microphone input, the average camera does not.
    3.5 mm mic input
  • Supports 24p cinema mode
    24p cinema mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This camera supports 24p cinema mode, the average camera does not. 44% of cameras support this mode.
    NTSC mode required
  • 150 shots more shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    480 shots
    ▲ Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
    This camera has longer battery life than the average camera (480 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    480 shots vs 330 shots
  • More versatile card slots
    Memory card slot types
    Memory Stick Duo + SD
    ▲ Better than 78% of models
    This camera uses more versatile card slots than the average camera (Memory Stick Duo + SD vs SD). The average camera supports SD memory card slot types.
    Memory Stick Duo + SD vs SD
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    AF low-light sensitivity
    0
    Category Benchmark
    Market range: <-5 – >1
    This camera has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (0 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    0 vs -4
  • 2158400 dots lower EVF resolution
    EVF resolution
    201,600 dots
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <201.6k dots – >5760k dots
    This camera has a lower EVF resolution than the average camera (201600 dots vs 2360000 dots). The average camera has an EVF resolution of 2360000 dots.
    201600 dots vs 2360000 dots
  • Lacks HDR mode
    HDR mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This camera does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    RAW bit depth
    12-bit
    ▲ Better than 36% of models
    This camera supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    12-bit vs 14-bit
  • 2.2 fps slower mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    3.5 fps
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <1.08 fps – >10 fps
    This camera has a slower mechanical burst than the average camera (3.5 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    3.5 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • 0.08 x less viewfinder magnification
    Viewfinder magnification
    0.7 x
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <0.62 x – >1.07 x
    This camera has a lower viewfinder magnification than the average camera (0.7 x vs 0.78 x). The average camera has a viewfinder magnification of 0.78 x.
    0.7 x vs 0.78 x
  • 38.5 mm thicker
    Thickness
    84.5 mm
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
    This camera is thicker than the average camera (84.5 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
    84.5 mm vs 46 mm
  • 0.5 points lower DxOMark Portrait score
    DxOMark portrait score
    22.5 points
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <20.8 points – >25.2 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark portrait score than the average camera (22.5 points vs 23 points). The average camera scores 23.0 points.
    22.5 points vs 23.0 points
  • 93% less popular
    Sony A3500 is less popular than the average camera (1 vs 1.9).
    1 vs 1.93
  • 2158400 dots lower EVF resolution
    EVF resolution
    201,600 dots
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <201.6k dots – >5760k dots
    This camera has a lower EVF resolution than the average camera (201600 dots vs 2360000 dots). The average camera has an EVF resolution of 2360000 dots.
    201600 dots vs 2360000 dots
  • 38.5 mm thicker
    Thickness
    84.5 mm
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
    This camera is thicker than the average camera (84.5 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
    84.5 mm vs 46 mm
  • 0.08 x less viewfinder magnification
    Viewfinder magnification
    0.7 x
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <0.62 x – >1.07 x
    This camera has a lower viewfinder magnification than the average camera (0.7 x vs 0.78 x). The average camera has a viewfinder magnification of 0.78 x.
    0.7 x vs 0.78 x
  • 17 mm taller body
    Height
    90.9 mm
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
    This camera is taller than the average camera (90.9 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    90.9 mm vs 73.9 mm
  • 8.1 mm wider
    Width
    128 mm
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
    This camera is wider than the average camera (128 mm vs 119.9 mm). The average camera has a width of 119.9 mm.
    128 mm vs 119.9 mm
  • Lacks HDR mode
    HDR mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This camera does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    RAW bit depth
    12-bit
    ▲ Better than 36% of models
    This camera supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    12-bit vs 14-bit
  • 0.5 points lower DxOMark Portrait score
    DxOMark portrait score
    22.5 points
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <20.8 points – >25.2 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark portrait score than the average camera (22.5 points vs 23 points). The average camera scores 23.0 points.
    22.5 points vs 23.0 points
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    AF low-light sensitivity
    0
    Category Benchmark
    Market range: <-5 – >1
    This camera has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (0 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    0 vs -4
  • 2.2 fps slower mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    3.5 fps
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <1.08 fps – >10 fps
    This camera has a slower mechanical burst than the average camera (3.5 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    3.5 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • 6 Mbps lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    24 Mbps
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
    This camera has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (24 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
    24 Mbps vs 30 Mbps

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
radojuva.com
30/06/2020
Summary of the review
Sony a3500 Short Review | Happy
P
pressreader.com
01/06/2014
Summary of the review
Sony Alpha A3500 - PressReader Would you like to compare the A3500 specifically against its predecessor, the A3000Go to product viewer dialog for this...
C
camerarace.com
21/03/2014
Summary of the review
Sony Alpha a3500 - Review and specifications
(Translated)Show original
R
radojuva.com
30/06/2020
Summary of the review
Sony a3500 short review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Sony A3500

  • Large APS-C sensor provides good image quality and background blur
  • Lightweight and portable body design for easy carrying
  • Uses Sony E-mount, offering a wide range of interchangeable lenses
  • Includes a built-in flash and dedicated electronic viewfinder
  • Comfortable DSLR-style ergonomics and grip for better handling
  • Affordable entry-level price point for beginners

What we don't like about Sony A3500

  • Extremely low-resolution electronic viewfinder and rear LCD screen
  • Slow burst shooting speed (limited to 3.5 fps)
  • Contrast-detect autofocus struggles with tracking moving subjects
  • Lacks built-in image stabilization (Optical SteadyShot)
  • No external microphone or headphone jacks for video recording
  • Lack of wireless connectivity features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Poor build quality without weather sealing or tropicalization

Verdict

The Sony A3500 is a budget-friendly, SLR-style mirrorless camera featuring a 20.1-megapixel APS-C Exmor HD CMOS sensor and the Sony E-mount system for interchangeable lenses. Key specifications include an ISO range of 100–16000, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a continuous shooting rate of up to 3.5 fps. Its primary advantages are its high-resolution sensor for its class, lightweight 411g body, and a respectable battery life of approximately 480 shots per charge. However, it is held back by a low-resolution 230k-dot fixed LCD screen, a basic 201k-dot electronic viewfinder, and a lack of built-in image stabilisation or modern connectivity features like Wi-Fi.

Compare Sony A3500 with other products in the Cameras category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Sony A3500 and other products in the Cameras category

No results found