Nikon D3400 Review

One of the most well-liked digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) offered by Nikon is the D3400, which takes a straightforward approach to its design. EveHowever, though it is compatible with many fantastic Nikon lenses and provides complete control over aspects like exposure and focus, the plan’s primary goal was to make it as user-friendly and portable as possible.

As of this writing, Nikon has released the D3500, intended to succeed the Nikon D3400. Compared to the Nikon D3400, which has been discontinued, the D3500 has been given a lot of design updates and upgrades, making it our top choice for the best entry-level DSLR cameras that are now on the market.

This model replaces its predecessor, the D3300, an excellent DSLR for entry-level photographers. So, what exactly has changed? The device’s overall weight has been reduced somewhat, and the battery life has been significantly improved. On the interior, there is also a smattering of other features that, collectively, make it even more enticing.

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Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Black)

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Last update was on: March 27, 2024 10:44 pm
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See: Best Lenses for Nikon D3400 | Best Memory Cards for Nikon D3400 | Best Gimbal for Nikon D3400 | Nikon D3400 Bundles Deals | Best Flash for Nikon D3400 | Nikon D3400 Black Friday Deals

Nikon D3400 Build Quality

Although Nikon intended the D3400 to be compact and lightweight, the company ensured a sufficient grip for users to hang on to the camera. It is also possible to rest the thumb on the back of the camera without accidentally activating any of the controls, which is not something that all cameras can accomplish.

The model is one of the lightest single-lens reflex cameras available, weighing only 445 grams with its battery and memory card installed. That’s only 9 grams more than Canon’s EOS Rebel T100 / EOS 4000D, so they’re on par with one another in all practical terms. It is also almost 200g lighter than the Pentax K70 model, even though the K70 model provides sensor-based image stabilization and weather sealing, both of which are absent from this model.

There are certain drawbacks associated with such a tiny and light physique. Mounting anything other than Nikon’s smallest and lightest lenses results in an unbalanced partnership; for example, it’s easy to get your nose in the way of the menu selector pad on the rear of the camera, which may make altering the focusing point difficult. In addition, because of its lower price point, the camera does not have the same high-quality construction as its D5xxx brothers, like the D5600. This is to be anticipated, though.

Nikon D3400 Autofocus

The camera’s 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 AF system, which has points organized in a diamond-like arrangement, covers much of the frame, consistent with the coverage provided by many other APS-C-based competitors’ systems. This is roughly the same as in earlier versions, even though the new AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens has been built to ensure quick and silent focus.

It is, in fact, relatively quiet, producing just a tiny burr while it operates, which is something that is easily covered up by the majority of the surrounding noise. When shooting in well-lit environments, the technology brings things into focus as quickly as expected, contributing to the overall high quality of the camera’s quickness. Naturally, this slows down when there is less light, even though the AF assist lighting is relatively bright and can be used quickly.

Even though the cross-type sensor is only present at the center AF point, the points immediately above and below it are more sensitive than the rest of the surrounding area. This triplet could concentrate on relatively low-contrast topics, but the other eight did not.

When the system is programmed to follow a moving subject, it can keep up with the issue as it travels around the scene. However, because the points that make up the system are spaced much further apart than those that make up the array on cameras with a more densely packed collection, the system frequently loses subjects if they don’t occupy enough of the frame to begin with.

Nikon D3400 Performance

We were relieved to discover that the metering on the D3400 did not tend to overexpose when confronted with a predominately dark subject. However, just like the metering on many other DSLRs, it does appear to have a slight tendency toward underexposure when presented with brighter areas.

Any intervention, however, is quick and uncomplicated, thanks to the top plate featuring a specialized exposure compensation button that collaborates with the command dial on the rear of the device. You can also utilize Active D-Lighting to bring back a sense of equilibrium to situations with shadow features that are a bit too dark, owing to the presence of backlighting. The image that can be found below is an excellent illustration of this.

The camera’s performance in Auto White Balance is pretty good, with only a few minor inaccuracies occurring during our study. Although the performance in the notoriously challenging mixed natural and artificial conditions remained impressive, it fared better than predicted under artificial lighting, with just a little warmth away from select images. However, the performance was still commendable overall.

Nikon D3400 Image Quality

It is possible to record excellent detail in photographs with a Nikon camera since there is no optical low-pass filter in front of its sensor. This is especially true if you use a high-quality prime lens, a macro optic, or one of Nikon’s professional-oriented zooms.

The standard of the 18-55mm VR kit lens is one factor that brings down the overall image quality, notably at the wide-angle and telephoto ends of the zoom range. However, if you pair the D3400 with a set of high-quality lenses, you can create photographs with exceptional levels of detail, such as the one seen below.

When the aperture is wide open, the images are less crisp, particularly in the four corners and around the frame’s borders. However, when the lens is set to a focal length in the middle range, it is possible to get excellent high sharpness in the central portion of the frame.

Both lateral chromatic aberration and curvilinear distortion may be seen in Raw files, even though JPEGs are correctly and automatically correct for both issues. Unfortunately, this is typical of many kit lenses of a similar design.

Nikon D3400 Specs

Body typeCompact SLR
Max resolution6000 x 4000
Other resolutions4496 x 3000, 2992 x 2000
Image ratio w h3:2
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors25 megapixels
Sensor sizeAPS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorExpeed 4
ISOAuto, 100-25600
White balance presets12
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, Normal, Basic
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View.
Digital zoomNo
Manual focusYes
Number of focus points11
Lens mountNikon F
Focal length multiplier1.5×
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots921,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeTFT-LCD
Live ViewYes
Viewfinder typeOptical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder coverage95%
Viewfinder magnification0.57× (0.38× 35mm equiv.)
Minimum shutter speed30 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityYes
Manual exposure modeYes
Subject/scene modesYes
Built-in flashYes (Pop-up)
Flash Range7.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flashYes (via hot shoe or wireless)
Flash modesAuto, Auto slow sync, Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Off, Rear-curtain sync, Rear-curtain with slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync
Continuous drive5.0 fps
Self-timerYes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs (1-9 exposures))
Metering modesMultiCenter-weighted spot AF-area
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB BracketingNo
Resolutions1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
MicrophoneMono
SpeakerMono
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone portNo
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notesSnapBridge (Bluetooth only)
Remote controlYes (via smartphone or wireless remote)
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionEN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)1200
Weight (inc. batteries)445 g (0.98 lb / 15.70 oz)
Dimensions124 x 98 x 76 mm (4.88 x 3.86 x 2.99″)
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingNo
GPSNone

Final Verdict

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Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Black)

& Free shipping
Last update was on: March 27, 2024 10:44 pm
$305.50 $646.95

The Nikon D3400 is an excellent performer and a good camera for most individuals just beginning their journey with DSLR photography. Despite being reasonably comparable to those of its predecessor, it has a compact and lightweight design, and its technical specifications are more than enough for a model in its price range.

Image and video quality are both above and beyond what is considered acceptable. Thanks to the additional feature of in-camera raw processing, you can also polish up your work quickly and easily for immediate usage if that is something you want.

Another significant benefit is that because it is a Nikon DSLR, it is compatible with decades’ worth of the highest-quality Nikkor glass. In addition, the absence of an optical low-pass filter in the sensor ensures that you will obtain the highest possible quality from these optics.

Nikon D3400 FAQs

Is Nikon D3400 good for photography?

Indeed, the Nikon D3400 is an excellent camera for photography, particularly for those just starting.

How old is Nikon D3400?

The Nikon D3400 was introduced in 2016, making it approximately six years old.

Is Nikon D3400 a mirrorless camera?

The Nikon D3400 is not a mirrorless camera but a single-lens reflex camera (DSLR).

Is Nikon D3400 waterproof?

The Nikon D3400 does not have watertight housing, unfortunately.

Is Nikon D3400 crop or full frame?

The Nikon D3400 camera utilizes a zoom sensor and an APS-C sensor.

Does Nikon D3400 have Wi-Fi?

The Nikon D3400 does come equipped with a Wi-Fi connection.

Does Nikon D3400 have Bluetooth?

The Nikon D3400 does not come equipped with Bluetooth, unfortunately.

Is Nikon D3400 suitable for beginners?

The Nikon D3400 is, in fact, a capable camera for novice photographers, thanks to its intuitive design, which includes features that are simple to operate.

How long does Nikon D3400 last?

The Nikon D3400 can take approximately 1200 pictures on a single refill of its battery.

Does Nikon D3400 have autofocus?

The Nikon D3400 does come with autofocus capabilities.

Can I use my phone as a remote for Nikon D3400?

With the Nikon SnapBridge software installed on your phone, you can use your phone as a remote control for the Nikon D3400.

Can I connect my Nikon D3400 to my laptop?

A USB connection will allow you to connect your Nikon D3400 to your notebook, which is correct.

Is the Nikon D3400 good for landscape photography?

To answer your question, panoramic photography is a strong suit for the Nikon D3400.

What is the best setting for Nikon D3400?

The optimal setting for the Nikon D3400 will vary depending on the circumstances of the photograph, but selecting aperture priority mode as your beginning point and adjusting the ISO and aperture values as needed is a decent place to begin.

How many photos can a D3400 take?

The storage capability of the memory card inserted into the D3400 will determine the maximum number of photographs it can take.

Is Nikon D3400 a 35mm camera?

The Nikon D3400 is not a 35mm camera, as that format is unsupported. Instead, it employs a digital camera.

Why won’t my Nikon D3400 take pictures?

A few things could be preventing your Nikon D3400 from taking photographs, including a dead battery, a full memory card, or a malfunctioning camera.

What sensor is in a D3400?

The APS-C CMOS camera in the Nikon D3400 has a resolution of 24.2 megapixels.

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