Nikon D3400
Announced August 17, 2016
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 D3400 is a lightweight and accessible entry-level DSLR that delivers high-quality images and impressive battery life for beginners. While it offers excellent value, the camera lacks several connectivity and hardware features found in its predecessor, such as Wi-Fi and an external microphone jack.
Weighted from 24 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality image output with strong dynamic range and low-light performance
- Fast, quiet autofocus performance with updated AF-P lenses
- Compact, lightweight, and sturdy body design
- Excellent battery life reaching up to 1200 shots per charge
- User-friendly interface including a dedicated Guide Mode
Cons
- Missing essential hardware like an external microphone jack and sensor cleaning system
- Limited connectivity options due to the lack of Wi-Fi
- Fixed, non-touch LCD screen with limited viewfinder coverage
- Basic control layout and lack of advanced features like AE bracketing
- Underwhelming flash performance compared to previous models
- Launch price $649.95 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 24 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 76/100
Although the D3400 only received a modest update it still hold its own as one of the better beginner DSLRs on the market. [It] performs very well and produces quality photos.
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The Nikon D3400 doesn’t represent a particularly impressive upgrade from its predecessor, the D3300, but it is still an excellent value at current prices, a strong overall performer and a great entry-point for budding photographers looking to acquire their first DSLR.
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The Nikon D3400 is an update to Nikon's entry-level DSLR, replacing the two year old D3300.
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The Nikon D3400 is a solid camera all around, but its main benefit over other options today is the impressively low price.
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Entry-level DSLRs are cheaper and more powerful than they’ve ever been. Of course, this can be said of most electronics.
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Judged on its own merit, there’s a lot to like about the D3400. It’s a well-thought-out and nicely designed camera that caters for the needs of first-time DSLR owners in a number of different ways.
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As a dirt simple, basic, crop sensor DSLR, the Nikon D3400 is arguably the best of what’s out there. Except for maybe the D3300;~).
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Designed to be an entry-level, easy to use DSLR the D3400 features built-in Bluetooth (but not Wi-Fi) and unfortunately, there are limitations including the inability to shoot remotely, and the camera has less connectivity than the D3300.
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The D3400 is a great entry-level DSLR for those who want to learn the ropes of photography, and who don’t want to spend a fortune on their first camera.
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Nikon has treated us with some terrific entry-level SLRs, but the D3400 is a relatively minor upgrade that almost negates its new features by cutting and downgrading others.
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The Nikon D3400 is a solid entry-level SLR camera with wireless transfer capability and a Guide Mode to help you get better shots.
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The Nikon D3400 is a fine performer and more than enough camera for most people just getting started with DSLR photography.
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The D3400 delivers consistently good images with little effort, thanks to a multitude of automatic, semiautomatic and manual options.
- CNET 7.7/10
Very good photo quality for its class plus performance fast enough to capture kids and pets make the Nikon D3400 A solid choice for a first dSLR.
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Despite being a fairly unexciting camera, the D3400 deserves our Editor’s Choice commendation because it delivers high picture and video quality at an affordable price.
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The D3400 has an excellent autofocus system, brilliant battery life and superb image quality, but it’s also easy enough for complete beginners.
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The Nikon D3400’s key rival in this space is the Canon EOS 1300D. Both are entry-level SLRs with broadly similar features.
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I included the Nikon D3400 in my recent guide to the best cameras under $500, naming it the best DSLR under $500 in 2018.
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The D3400 is small, light, quiet, easy to use, has a great flash and takes great pictures. It's one of my very top camera recommendations, and if price matters, is the top camera today.
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Nikon D3400 is a perfect DSLR for those who want to upgrade from mere smartphone cameras. It has all the basic controls one needs to learn for manual photography and moreover has a wireless connectivity now for easy sharing of images.
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If you're looking to get into DSLRs, is this a good camera for you? My opinion is yes, absolutely.
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So if you're looking for a camera around this $500-$600 price range, I still think that this Nikon is going to be the way to go.
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[Y]eah, I think the Nikon D3400 is a very good camera. Specifically with this kit, it's very compact and light.
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Well the NIKON D3400 is an excellent camera for entry-level DSLR photographers. It is very well made, very sturdy and the sensor and processor combination are very good.
