The Nikon D3300 is an entry-level DSLR with an impressive spec list, including a 24-megapixel sensor and 1080/60p HD video recording. It provides the right level of controls for a beginner, offers a number of in-camera retouch options, and boasts excellent battery life. A beginner specifically looking for a DSLR experience who may want to eventually take a little control over shooting settings.
The Nikon D3300 is a solid entry-level DSLR camera, in more ways than one. It has a solid build quality and solid image quality. Its autofocus performance is a little below average. Limited external controls plus a smaller size may be a turn-off for some photographers.
Nikon D3300 excels in most areas. Ready to make the jump to the best beginner DSLR camera? The Nikon D3300 is the real deal. Â This beginner camera provides a nice starting point with a great combination of image quality. It is also easy to use, and the price is pocket-friendly.
Check Out: Best Lenses for Nikon D3300
Nikon D3300: Handling and Build
From the outset, the Nikon D3300 is a new DSLR camera. It comes with a basic control layout that is almost unchanged from its predecessor. Nikon D3300 sports a brand-new body incorporating carbon fiber. The camera is built slightly smaller with a design offering better ergonomics. This reduction in size comes in at 0.1inch in width, and 0.2 inches in depth.
This lightweight and compact entry-level DSLR from Nikon brings a lot to the table for any budding DSLR photographer. Another significant upgrade over the previous D3200, the new Nikon D3300 offers improvements in both body construction and under-the-hood features. It also includes the sensor, the image processor, and the ISO range.
Nikon D3300: Autofocus
Performance is good overall for this entry-level class of cameras. Â Autofocus speed for Nikon D3300 is a bit slower than the average beginner DSLR. It suffers a lot in low-light situations. Buffer depth with RAW files is shallow too. For an entry-level class of camera, JPEG buffer performance is much better.
Nikon D3300: Image Quality
The picture quality of this entry-level camera is top-notch for its class. Images are sharp, and detail resolutions are both magnificent for Nikon D3300. The camera has high ISO performance and dynamic range. This matches well with experience with Nikon’s other recently released 24MP DSLR APS-C cameras.
Digital images from Nikon D3300 look excellent with impressive print quality. Get large prints sizes at a wide range of ISOs.
Nikon D3300: Video Quality
For videographers, the Nikon D3300 feels decidedly a non-entry-level. This small DSLR features Full HD video recording up to 60fps. It comes with a 3.5mm external microphone jack. You enjoy the ability to output clean, uncompressed Full HD 30p video via HDMI. This feature used to be a reserve for higher-end, if not pro-level cameras.
Live View AF, including during video recording, leaves a lot to desired for Nikon D3300. It’s quite sluggish. The aperture for this best beginner camera cannot be adjusted while in Live View. Users find this awkward and frustrating at times.
Nikon D3300: Specifications
| MSRP | Body w/18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR II lens ($649.95) |
|---|---|
| Body type | Compact SLR |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 4512 x 3000, 3008 x 2000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Expeed 4 |
| ISO | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600 (with boost) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 12 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal, Basic |
| Autofocus |
|
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 11 |
| Lens mount | Nikon F |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 921,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD (160 degree viewing angle) |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.85× (0.57× 35mm equiv.) |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject / scene modes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or wireless) |
| Flash modes | Auto, 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 drive | 5.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs (1-9 exposures)) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone | Mono |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage included | None |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (mini HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Optional |
| Wireless notes | WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter |
| Remote control | Yes (Optional) |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 700 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 430 g (0.95 lb / 15.17 oz) |
| Dimensions | 124 x 98 x 76 mm (4.88 x 3.86 x 2.99″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | Optional |
| GPS notes | GP-1 |
Nikon D3300: Conclusion
The 24MP sensor is capable of providing outstanding levels of information, to begin with. Then there’s the interface; the crisp and tidy look of the Guide Mode of the D3300 tends to be something that keeps this camera enticing to casual consumers, helping you get to grips and appreciate the fundamentals of photography while you shoot, whilst the 18-55mm collapsible kit lens is perfect while you’re on the move.
