Nikon D3300
Announced January 7, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Nikon D3300 is a capable entry-level DSLR that pairs a high-resolution 24-megapixel sensor with a compact, user-friendly design. Although it lacks modern conveniences like a touchscreen or built-in Wi-Fi, it remains a strong choice for beginners seeking professional-grade image quality.
Weighted from 37 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-resolution 24-megapixel sensor produces excellent image quality and detail
- Compact and lightweight body with an ergonomic grip
- Capable 1080/60p HD video recording with external microphone input
- Intuitive Guide mode assists novice photographers
- Strong battery performance
Cons
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and touchscreen functionality
- Fixed LCD screen cannot be tilted or flipped
- Slow autofocus performance, particularly in Live View mode
- Limited physical controls require frequent menu navigation
- Aperture cannot be adjusted during Live View shooting
- Launch price $649.95 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 5 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 37 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 77/100
The Nikon D3300 is an entry-level DSLR with an impressive spec list, including a 24 megapixel sensor and 1080/60p HD video recording.
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Nikon squeezes so much good stuff into the trim and affordable D3300, it’s an easy Dave’s Pick.
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When it introduced the D3300’s predecessor, the D3200, Nikon established a new benchmark for resolution on entry-level DSLRs.
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Nikon’s D3300 doesn’t change too much compared with the D3200—and that’s mostly a good thing.
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With fierce competition from CSCs, entry-level DSLRs have to offer a lot at a very competitive price.
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The D3300 is a feature-limited camera with a DX image sensor that's at the top of the heap for its size. This is a little bit of a conundrum for many, as the build quality and feature set is decidedly consumer but the image quality decidedly prosumer or better.
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It looks like Nikon is really hitting out the entry level market with this SLR, and if I was Canon I'd either come out with new cameras or be very scared.
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The Nikon D3300 is, without doubt, capable of producing impressive images, with excellent noise performance. The new 18-55mm VR II kit lens delivers sharp results, whilst giving a more compact complete package.
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Otherwise we can continue to highly recommend the new Nikon D3300 as a great camera for beginners who want a little more oomph from their DLSR, and who are prepared to spend a little extra to get it.
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The D3300 is a great entry-level camera that offers a lot of bang for your buck.
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The Nikon D3300 is a solid entry-level camera for shooters moving up to a D-SLR, but it's not quite worthy of being named Editors' Choice.
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With the Nikon D3300, you get a lot of seriously good kit for your money.
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The fact that you can buy a 24.3-megapixel DSLR (with a decent lens) for $650 shows how competitive the digital camera market has gotten recently.
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[W]e do highly recommend the Nikon D3300.
- Digital Trends 8/10
Like the older D3200, the new Nikon D3300 easily earns our recommendation. Image quality is excellent and videos have taken a nice step forward.
- CNET 7.6/10
If you’re looking for a competent but inexpensive general-purpose first dSLR, the D3300 is a fine choice. I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handing out buying advice for more than 25 years.
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A highly capable starter camera that produces great images and has one of the most friendly and intuitive interfaces we’ve seen.
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I have to say, I like this camera a lot. It's cheap, light, fun for all, and in a DRTV first, here are the pros and cons.
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The D3300 remains a solid entry-level camera at a bargain price. The lightweight and compact body will make it an attractive option for anyone looking to step up from more basic point and shoot cameras and get their first “real” camera.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
Like its predecessor, the D3300 offers plenty of desirable features for photographers wanting to upgrade from fixed-lens point-and-press cameras.
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[I]f you want to use the camera's rear screen rather than a viewfinder then a DSLR is unlikely to be for you.
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The Nikon D3300 is a superb entry-level DSLR - the upgrades from the last model are small but significant and the combined result is superb. And the new, compact lens is simply fantastic.
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As an entry-level camera, the Nikon D3300 excels. Stick it in Auto or play around with the Guide mode and you’ll almost always get great photos, thanks mainly to that pixel-packed 24.3MP sensor and excellent autofocus.
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If you're looking for your first DSLR because you want great quality images or great video and you want to start with a nice kit lens and have room to grow, especially as you learn about camera settings and add to your lens collection, have a look at the Nikon D3300.
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The Nikon D3300 delivers an incremental improvement over its predecessor with its new 24 megapixels CMOS sensor without anti-alias filter.
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All in all, you get an awful lot of camera for not much money with the Nikon D3300, making it an excellent choice if you’re new to DSLRs.
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I recommend the Nikon D3300 to everyone who asks what camera to buy for great photos of family, friends, sports, concerts, theater and action.
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Nikon D3300 is an impressive entry level DSLR.
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[I]t’s a great DSLR for beginners which will give you excellent results without much fuss.
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Those looking to improve their photography with a proper digital SLR will find the Nikon D3300 a fine choice.
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Do check out this one. It's it's a really good entry levelvel DSLR.
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So I'll definitely recommend picking up this camera if you are thinking about buying it, maybe if it was gifted to you, you want to know if you should use it, just go ahead and take some pictures, take those videos and just practice, practice, practice.
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All in all, I would say this is a very, very good camera. There's really not anything negative to say about it.
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It's a great camera, it has some great feature as compared to some of the other entry-level DSLRs, plus it's one of the most forward-looking DSLR cameras I have seen.
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That's pretty hard deal to beat.
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[F]or the first-time DSLR user, the D3300 combines the ease of point-and-shoot and enough technical sophistication to challenge any amateur.
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If you want your first digital SLR, or you just want a digital SLR at a low price point, I would take a good hard look at the Nikon D3300. One you try it, I think you’ll be walking out of the store with one.
