Nikon specifically designed the D3400 to make clicking images with a digital camera fun and easy for beginners who just switched from capturing pictures with a smartphone. The brand announced the gadget on 17th August 2016 to replace the D3300. It is affordable, user-friendly, and performs intelligently even when the lighting condition is poor or low. Its set of easy-to-operate expansive features makes it popular among hobbyists.
In addition to being user-friendly, the D3400 entry-level camera also features a 24.2 Megapixel DX sensor and a maximum ISO range of 25,600, which enable and enhance the camera’s capability to capture crip photographs even in low light. Although Nikon replaced the D3400 with the D3500 camera in 2018, it still has several features that can be found in newer camera models.
However, is the camera still worth buying? This informative essay will cover the vital things you need to know to make your decision.
Nikon D3400 Review Final Thoughts
The Nikon D3400 is an excellent semi-professional camera suitable for tourists aiming to click good photos of their trips. It is also a great camera for capturing pictures at formal events like weddings and graduations.
General
Pros |
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Lightweight (395g) |
Good battery life span |
Fast AF system |
Produces high-quality images and videos |
Max. ISO range of 25,600 |
24.2MP sensor with no optical low-pass filter |
Cons |
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Poor connectivity |
No tilt or touch screen option |
Fixed LCD |
Price – $500. Buy on Amazon.
Primary Niche Features/Extras
24.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Sensor With No Optical Low-pass Filter And A Max. ISO Range Of 25,600
These features allow you to capture crip landscape, portrait, and even architectural photographs*. The absence of an optical low-pass filter enhances the camera’s ability to produce sharp and detailed images of your subjects.
Unlike the Canon EOS Rebel T7 entry-level DSLR camera, the Nikon D3400 features a max. ISO range of 25,600. This allows the photographer to capture vibrant and clear images in low-light environments with little to no camera shakes or noise. In conjunction with the high ISO range, the camera also features an EXPEED 4 image processing engine which enables the recording of high-resolution photos and videos by suppressing image noise.
*Note: You can use the D3400 for all forms of photography, but do not forget it has some limitations because it is an entry-level camera.
SnapBridge Connectivity
The Nikon D3400 is the first beginner’s DSLR camera with the SnapBridge connectivity feature. This feature allows you to connect and automatically transfer images from the camera to your smartphone or device.
11-Point Autofocus System With Continuous Shooting Up to 5fps
The Nikon D3400 features a fast and accurate autofocusing or tracking system. It boasts an 11-point AF system that makes it less challenging for you to track and maintain focus on your subject. You can set the AF system to focus on your photographic subject continuously. The camera can also autofocus in live view and when recording images. Manual focus (MF) is also possible.
In addition, the camera can shoot a max. of 5 frames per second in burst or continuous mode. Therefore, you can freeze fast actions such as sports and click crip shots of moving objects such as the Ferris Wheel at carnivals.
Check other camera reviews under $600-
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Photos clicked by Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera Review
Build And Handling
The Nikon D3400 body build and handling are designed to be user-friendly. Although the camera is small and lightweight, the brand provides a deep grip that offers an easy hold on the camera. It has soft rubber around the grip, which allows for more comfortable holding and shooting. There is also enough space in the rear for the thumb to rest comfortably without punching any control keys accidentally.
The mode dial rests on the camera comfortably. Most of the important buttons are well-sized and placed at the right on the back of the camera – this allows smooth control and operation. Overall, the D3400 controls are smartly laid out for easy operations and precise handling.
Display And Viewfinder
The D3400 has an Eye-level Pentamirror Single-Lens Reflex viewfinder with 95% approximate viewing coverage. The bright optical viewfinder allows a sharp, glare-free live view of the scene. The display also allows newcomers to capture well-detailed and composed photographs.
Display
Viewfinder
Battery Life And Performance
The camera boasts a long-lasting battery performance. You can capture about 1200 to 1,550 shots in a single charge.
This gives the D3400 camera a huge advantage over other brands’ entry-level DSLR models. The battery’s long life span allows users to concentrate on capturing or recording the moment without worrying about charging the gadget.
Lens System
Exposure & White Balance
Camera Flash
Communications
Video Recording
Additional Features
Image And Video Qualities
The absence of an optical low-pass filter in the front of the image sensor enhances the camera’s overall image and video qualities. You can record sharp and detailed pictures and videos with the D3400 entry-level camera. However, shooting with an ISO range higher than 800 can make the photographs noisy.
Regarding video quality, the camera allows quality Full HD 1,920×1,080 recording in up to 60 frames per second. You can use the AF system to track and keep your subject in focus throughout the recording process. In addition, the device has an in-built monaural microphone that records high-quality sound during movie recording.
Overall Speed Performance
Regarding speed performance, the Nikon D3400 features a fine and fast AF system – at least in its class. The autofocus speedily acquires your subject and curates precise focus, especially when clicking images in low light environments or shooting fast actions.
Low Light Performance
The Nikon D3400 can perform suitably in low light conditions due to its high ISO range of 25,600. Therefore, you can record beautiful pictures in dimly lit indoor scenes. In addition, you can also click epic night landscapes without a tripod.
Note: The camera does not feature image stabilization. Therefore, we recommend that you shoot with a moderate ISO value.
What Type Of Photography Is The Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera Suitable For?
You can capture beautiful landscape photographs in extremely low light without a problem. You can also freeze fast actions and create portraits with rich natural skin tones and creamy blurred backgrounds.
Who Should Buy? And Value For Money?
The Nikon D3400 is the best and most affordable entry-level DSLR camera you can buy from the market right now, especially if you are a newcomer seeking to grow or sharpen your photography skills. It is a beginner’s camera, so you shouldn’t expect expansive features such as a tilt or touchscreen and brilliant all-around performance. But it can teach you how to improve your overall shooting skills.
Regarding competition, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the closest rival to the D3400. Although the T7 offers faster wireless connectivity, it doesn’t pose any great threat to the D3400. Therefore, the Nikon newcomers’ DSLR camera is still worth buying.
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