Key Features 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor 11-point phase detect auto-focus system 1080/60p video capability Fixed 3" 920k-dot LCD screen 5/fps burst shooting Bluetooth LE for image transfer The D3400 is a very modestly updated version of the D3300.
It's an entry level DSLR targeted toward first-time ILC shooters and those who are ready to move on from their smartphones to a more advanced shooting platform.
The camera is built around the same 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor found in its predecessor along with an 'EXPEED 4' image processor, Full HD video capture and an 11-point autofocus system. Unfortunately the camera doesn't have Wi-Fi, but it does have Bluetooth LE connectivity for transferring images from the camera to a smart phone via the 'SnapBridge' app.
Nikon packs a lot of very desirable features into the D3400 for the price.
In terms of competition, the D3400's sits between the Canon Rebel T6 and the Canon Rebel T6i. The D3400's $649 launch price for a kit with the new AF-P 18-55mm F3. 5-5. 6 VR lens puts it between the $549 list price of for the T6/EOS 1300D kit and the significantly more expensive $899 MSRP for the T6i with the 18-55mm VR zoom. The T6 has a lower resolution, 18MP sensor but its lower price makes it a threat at this price-sensitive point in the market.
Specs Comparison
The table below illustrates that not much has changed from the D3300 to the D3400. The biggest changes seen in the D3400 are in battery life (which we suspect is due to the less powerful flash), weight and the new built in Bluetooth LE that works with SnapBridge to enable photo sharing. The D3400 also tends to come kitted with a new 'AF-P' version of the 18-55mm VR lens which uses a new focus motor to offer improved performance in live view and video.
For beginning DSLR shooters the elimination of the external mic port (if video is important to you) and, more notably, the Ultrasonic Sensor Cleaning from the D3400 is something to definitely keep in mind when deciding which camera to purchase.
If you're not wedded to the idea of owning a DSLR, the Fujifilm X-A3 (which features an articulating touchscreen LCD and twin control dials), and the Sony a5100 (which acts more in the way of a point and shoot), are both mirrorless cameras. These offer excellent features and image quality in a much smaller package. These are definitely two other options to also consider looking at before making a purchase.
It is worth noting that the traditional DSLR still holds some key advantages over mirrorless rivals. They offer much better battery life and lens selection, for example. The optical viewfinder is another important factor for many photographers. For more on the subject, read our primer.
Nikon D3300
Nikon D3400
Canon Rebel T6i (EOS 750D)
Pentax K70
Fujifilm X-A3
Price (MSRP)
$649. 95 w/18-55mm kit
$649. 95 w/18-55mm kit
$899. 00 w/18-55mm kit
$899. 95 w/18-135mm kit
$599. 95 w/16-50mm kit
Sensor
24. 2MP
24. 2 MP
24 MP
24 MP
24 MP
Image Processing
EXPEED 4
EXPEED 4
DIGIC 6
PRIME MII
EXR Processor II
LCD
Fixed 3. 0" 921k-dot LCD
Fixed 3. 0" 921k-dot LCD
Fully Articulated 3. 0" 1. 04M-dot LCD
Fully Articulated 3. 0" 921k-dot LCD
Fully Articulated 3. 0" 1. 04M-dot touchscreen LCD
AF System
11-point (one cross-type)
11-point (one-cross type)
19-point (all cross-type)
11-point (9-cross-type)
77-point
Viewfinder
magnification (coverage)
0. 85x (95% coverage)
0. 85x (95% coverage)
0. 82x (95% coverage)
0. 95x (100% coverage)
None
ISO Range
100-12,800 (expansion to 25,600)
100-12,800 (expansion to 25,600)
100-12,800 (expansion to 25,600)
100-102,400
200-6400 (expansion 100-25600)
Connectivity
With optional WU-1a Mobile Adapter
Bluetooth LE
Wi-Fi with NFC
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Video Capture max res.
1080/60p
1080/60p
1080/30p
1080/30p
1080/60p
Continuous Shooting
5 fps
5 fps
5 fps
6 fps
6 fps
Built in Flash
(Range)
Yes (12m)
Yes (7m)
Yes (12m)
Yes (12m)
Yes (7m)
Sensor Cleaning
Ultrasonic
No
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic
External Mic Port
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Weather Sealing
No
No
No
Yes
No
Battery Life
700 shots
1200 shots
440 shots
410 shots
410 shots
Dimensions
124 x 98 x 76mm
124 x 98 x 76 mm
132 x 101 x 78 mm
126 x 93 x 74 mm
117 x 67 x 40 mm
Weight
460g
395g
555g
688g
339 g
2016-10-17 17:00