Since 1912, Nikon Corporation has been producing a range of imaging and optical products. It’s the leading supplier of cameras, lenses, binoculars, microscopes, rifle scopes, and steppes around the world.
Nikon digital cameras were used to film the historic Apollo 15 NASA mission in 1971. Also, they have supported numerous space exploration missions helping scientists uncover the mysteries of deep space.
Undeniably, Nikon has been pushing technology and winning the trust of customers by delivering products that satisfy their diverse needs. From DSLR cameras for everyday photography to flat-panel displays for entertainment and modern precision equipment, Nikon’s products are unique and innovative.
In this Nikon D3300 vs. D3400 review, I will be comparing two starter DSLR cameras with single-lens reflex. Do their features and strengths mirror their age difference? Let’s find out.
Short on time?
To sum things up, the D3300 is best for those who need a lightweight camera with impressive battery life, while the D3400 is better for those wanting a DSLR with great sound quality for recording.
Individual Product Reviews
Nikon D3300
The D3300 camera lets you capture and preserve beautiful moments and memories in your life in stunning 24.2MP or full 1080 HD. Easy to use, this model comes with a zoom lens that brings distant objects into sharp focus.
Features
- 2 Megapixels
- Full HD at 1080p
- Five frames per second
- EXPEED 4 Image Processor
- Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi Functionality
Pros
- Stunning simplicity – The D3300’s superior NIKKOR lens captures real and vibrant images and videos.
- Built-in image editor – You can adjust colors, soften a blurred background, and crop your images.
Cons
- No image stabilization – Unfortunately, the Nikon D3300 doesn’t support image stabilization so you may not as sharp images as you’d like when in motion. It doesn’t also have Bluetooth.
Nikon D3300 is a powerful camera with advanced features and capabilities. You can use it to shoot stills or record videos in Full HD as it supports continuous shooting. It’s optimized for AF-S DX-format and is fully compatible with Nikkor lense.
Overall rating – 4.8/5
Check Price of the Nikon D3300 on Amazon
Nikon D3400
The D3400 is a compact and lightweight camera that suits photographers who want powerful cameras for shooting in low light or for capturing fast action.
Key Features
- 2 Megapixels
- Weighs 445g
- 1,200 shots per charge
- 3-inch LCD, 921k dots
- ISO 100-25,600
- Optical viewfinder
- Nikon F mount lenses
Pros
- Long battery life – the D3400 can take up to 1,200 shots when it has a full charge and its Bluetooth not in use.
- Compatible with Wi-Fi: You can seamlessly connect your D3400 camera to a compatible iPhone, iPad, or any smartphone that runs on Android and share pics and videos.
Cons
- No touch screen – Nikon D3400 lacks a touch screen and doesn’t have a microphone port.
If you’re looking for a robust camera with powerful lenses and an easy-to-use interface, you won’t go wrong with the D3400 from Nikon. You can share images quickly using SnapBridge Bluetooth and even store them in Cloud.
Overall rating – 4.9/5
Check Price of the Nikon D3400 on Amazon
About the Category
Just like other cameras in their price range, Nikon Cameras are commonly used to shoot high-res photos for portrait/print/publication or record full HD videos at 1080p. These DSLRs are immensely popular with adventurers and amateur photographers around the world.
Many people use these cameras to capture amazing scenes and beautiful moments in their day-to-day lives. However, that’s not all. Some people use them for street photography while others for sports photography. No matter what purpose you intend for your Nikon camera, it can serve you for many years if you handle it properly and take good care of it.
What makes them stand out is that they’re more powerful than smartphone cameras yet easy to handle and operate. Thanks to their ergonomic design and compact sizes, these DSLRs take away the strain of shooting and filming outdoors.
When shopping for cameras, there are a couple of things that you should keep in mind. The first is the weight of the camera. You want to be sure that the camera you intend to buy is compact and lightweight for obvious reasons. That way, you will be able to take your camera along and capture beautiful scenes and moments.
Secondly, you should consider the battery life of the camera as that determines the number of shots you can take when it’s charged fully. Some cameras can record up to 1,000 shots per charge. If you’re going outdoors for an extended period or plan to shoot numerous pics or record videos, go for one that allows you to take as many shots you want.
Don’t overlook the color depth and the number of megapixels of the camera. Models with better color depth prevent banding and allow for a smoother transition of colors. To capture a higher degree of detail in your pictures, go for a camera with a high megapixel camera sensor.
Check Price of the Nikon D3400 on Amazon
About the Brand
Nikon Corporation is a Japanese technology company that manufactures and distributes a range of products such as SLRs, NIKKOR optics, Coolpix digital cameras, speedlights, and system accessories.
As a leader in the imaging space, its technology and award-winning products continue to shape the photography industry. Its powerful cameras leverage the new ZMount with world-class lenses that blend reliability and beauty to deliver the next-level optical performance.
Nikon has a strong reputation worldwide and a significant presence in every continent too. Its core strength is its unwavering commitment to deliver high-quality and high-performance consumer digital SLR cameras that leverage the latest technology and innovation.
In 2017, Nikon got bashed for identifying 32 male photographers from the most populous areas of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to feature in the promotion of the D850 DSLR camera without including a single lady. This omission drew the ire of social media users who branded Nikon as being “sexist.”
Cameras, lenses, speedlights, and accompanying accessories have a 1-year limited warranty. If you receive a defective product in terms of material or craft, you can take it for repair in any of Nikon’s authorized repair facilities. However, this warranty doesn’t cover batteries or software drivers.
Also, all NIKKOR and 1 NIKKOR Lenses that are purchase at a Nikon store include a 4-year extended service coverage. Refurbished products have a 90-day limited warranty against both material and workmanship defects. It’s advisable to retain the original receipt or print a copy of the credit card statement as proof of purchase.
Product Variants / Models
Launched in 2014, the Nikon D3300 is two years older than the Nikon 3400, but they share quite a few features. Both cameras are excellent for sports photography, though you can also use them for daily photography or street photography. They’re also made of quality parts and are highly-regarded by customers around the world.
Check Price of the Nikon D3300 on Amazon
Some of their standard features include:
- 24MP – APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Superior image quality:
- Nikon F Mount
- 3-inch Fixed Type Screen
- Optical viewfinder
- Lightweight and compact
Ergonomics and handling are equally good, so you should have an easy time operating both DSLRs. You can use both in low-light as they come with in-built flash. They also feature Optical Viewfinders for better framing and control. Face detection focus is supported and will come handy for portraits. With 921k dots (VGA), you’re going to enjoy higher screen resolutions.
Slightly lighter than its counterpart, the Nikon D3400 is suitable for individuals who’re looking for a lighter camera with higher color depth and longer battery life. You can take up to 1,200 shots per charge at a higher dynamic range. It’s also possible to pair it with other devices such as iPhones and smartphones that run on Android, unlike the D3300.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3300 is ideal for those who want an entry-level DSLR camera that’s compact and packs more features than a standard smartphone camera. It has a better Low Light ISO and an audio quality that’s superior to that of the D3400. When fully charged, this 430g camera can take up to 700 shots.
Head to Head Comparison Table
Specification | Nikon D3300 | Nikon D3400 |
---|---|---|
Weight | 430 g/0.95lb | 445 g/0.98lb |
Max ISO | 12,800 | 25,600 |
Battery life | 700 shots | 1200 shots |
Average Customer rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Weight
Camera weight and size, by extension, is a crucial factor when shopping for a camera. You want to make sure you buy a camera that you can carry for a whole day. Nikon D3400 is 35g lighter than D3300, but I don’t think this makes any difference.
Battery life
This refers to duration and number of shots that you can take with your camera. Though weighing slightly less than the D3300, the D3400 has a longer battery life meaning you can take more shots.
Max ISO
In digital photography, ISO refers to the measure of sensitivity. The lower the ISO for an image sensor, the finer the grain and the less sensitive your camera is to light. With an ISO of 25,600, almost twice that of the D3300, the Nikon D3400’s sensor is more sensitive to light.
Check Price of the Nikon D3400 on Amazon
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Final Thoughts
Overall, the Nikon D3300 and the D3400 are fantastic, all-around cameras that strike a balance between image quality, portability, and usability. They have powerful image sensors, an EXPEED 4 image engine that delivers razor-sharp detail, many user-friendly features, and compact designs.
The Nikon D3400 is suitable for photographers who’re looking for medium-sized sensor cameras with a high ISO and longer battery life for everyday photography. Users can carry it with ease and pair this camera with other portable devices via Bluetooth.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3300 is suitable for individuals who are looking for DSLR cameras with better HIGH ISO performance and superior audio quality for either street photography or portrait photography.
Check Price of the Nikon D3300 on Amazon
I recommend the lighter and compact Nikon 3400 as it has longer battery life and provides better connectivity to other portable devices than the Nikon D3300.
Check Price of the Nikon D3400 on Amazon
If you’re still at a loss about what camera to buy, check out our ultimate guide to buying a camera right here.
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