Should I upgrade from the Nikon D3500 to the Nikon Z50 II?
Upgrading is likely worth it. Nikon's FTZ II adapter gives autofocus with AF-S and AF-P lenses; older screw-drive AF-D lenses focus manually.
What you gain
- faster bursts (30fps vs 5fps)
- better video (4K 60p (crop) vs 1080p 60)
- cleaner high ISO
- a mirrorless electronic viewfinder showing the exposure before you shoot, and modern subject-detection autofocus
- 6 years of newer processing and autofocus (2018 → 2024)
What you give up
- lower resolution (21MP vs 24.2MP)
- a heavier body (550g vs 415g)
What it costs
| Z50 II new | £839 |
| Z50 II used (MPB, typical) | £640 |
| Your D3500 trade-in (rough estimate) | ≈ £120 |
| Net cost buying used | ≈ £520 |
Trade-in estimates assume about two-thirds of the typical MPB resale price; real offers vary with condition and shutter count.
Specs side by side
Nikon D3500 specs · Nikon Z50 II specs · best lenses for the Z50 II
Other upgrade paths
Frequently asked questions
Should I upgrade from the Nikon D3500 to the Nikon Z50 II?
The upgrade is likely worth it. You gain faster bursts (30fps vs 5fps), better video (4K 60p (crop) vs 1080p 60), cleaner high ISO, a mirrorless electronic viewfinder showing the exposure before you shoot, and modern subject-detection autofocus, but you lose lower resolution (21MP vs 24.2MP) and a heavier body (550g vs 415g).
How much does it cost to upgrade from the D3500 to the Z50 II?
The Z50 II costs £839 new and about £640 used at MPB. Trading in a used D3500 might bring roughly £120, so the net cost is around £520 buying used (a rough estimate: get quotes from MPB, Wex and Park Cameras).
Will my D3500 lenses work on the Z50 II?
Nikon's FTZ II adapter gives autofocus with AF-S and AF-P lenses; older screw-drive AF-D lenses focus manually.