Nikon D3400 (649.95, 18-55mm lens), is the latest entry-level SLR from the company. The D3400 is a powerful performer thanks to its 24MP sensor. It also features an 11-point autofocus system, which tracks subjects at up to 5.1 fps. Wireless file transfer is possible, as well as a kit lens which silently focuses in Live View. A Guide Mode allows you to set the camera for various scenes and makes it a reliable SLR that families can use to capture memories.
This is a great choice for casual photography, as it captures images far superior to any smartphones. The Editors Choice Canon EOS 6s is our favorite affordable SLR. It costs less than $1,000 but has more enthusiast-friendly features, and doesn't come with a lens.
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Design
Dell Technologies' D3400 is a compact SLR measuring just 3.9x4.9x3.0 inches (HWD), and only 13.9oz. It extends the body's length by 2.5 inches, and weighs in at 7.2 ounces. Mirorrless cameras (including models that have electronic viewfinders such as the Sony Alpha 6000) offer a small advantage in size.
A SLR can only be as good as its lens. It comes with an AF-P Nikkor 18 55mm f/3.5-55.6G VR (Amazon: $246.95) which provides a solid starting lens. You can find out more about the D3400 in our complete review. The D3400 has interchangeable lenses, which makes sense when you can change lenses. The versatility of the D3400 can be greatly enhanced by adding a telezoom or wide aperture prime lens.
You may prefer a different type of camera if you are looking for a sturdy camera but don't need to replace lenses. You will be better served by a model that has a longer zoom lens, but a smaller (1-inch) image sensor.
The FZ1000 has an electronic viewfinder. Despite how great EVFs have been over the years, it's still frustrating for many. Although the D3400 has an optical viewfinder similar to the D7200, it features a smaller pentamirror that is more common in entry-level cameras. To get a pentaprism locater, Nikon recommends that you upgrade to the D7200 (at Amazon $518.99) Pentax is currently the only SLR manufacturer to sell pentaprisms on entry-level models. This includes the K-S2 ($518.99 at Amazon)as well as the K-70 ($649.95 body only).
The controls of the D3400 are not cramped despite their small dimensions. Except for the button to release the lens, there are no controls on your faceplate. Just behind the lens, the flash release button and the programmable Fn (ISO control default) are located on the left. You will find the power switch, shutter release and Record, Info and EV controls on the top plate just behind the flash and hot shoe.
On the rear, the Autofocus/Autoexposure Lock (AE-L/AF-L) and the control dial sit at the top, to the right of the eyepiece. The rear LCD has the Live View, Drive and Delete buttons. There is also a 4-way directional pad that includes an OK button. The column that runs to the left of LCD contains the buttons i, Play, Menu and Zoom In. The optical viewfinder does not allow you to see depth of field, which Nikon reserved for more expensive models such as the D7200.
Rear LCD measures 3 inches and is crisp at 920k dots. The LCD is bright enough for daylight viewing and has excellent detail. It can't tilt and doesn't accept touch input. To get these features, you will need to upgrade to the Canon EOS RebelT6iat Office Depot and OfficeMax. Touch input is missing from the Canon EOS Rebel T6i, which will be a disappointment to shooters who have upgraded from smartphones. Olympus PEN EPL7 at Amazon- Many mirrorless entry-level cameras have touch displays.
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Connectivity and Features
Wireless file transfers are available for Android and iOS devices using the Nikon SnapBridge application. The camera connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone so that you do not have to move Wi-Fi settings from your network to send an image. You can set the camera to automatically transfer every photo, or just the ones you want to—the i button is used to flag photos for selective transfer.
Bluetooth comes with its own advantages and drawbacks. Bluetooth's ease-of-use is an advantage, particularly when considering that the D3400 is an entry level model. It is also quite slow. It takes around a minute to view thumbnail galleries on your smartphone's camera. To transfer a 24MP full-resolution image to your phone it takes approximately a minute. If you choose to automate transfers, images can be reduced down to 2MP. This is the perfect size for Instagram or Facebook.
Hot shoe for mounting an external flash is included in the D3400, along with mini HDMI and microUSB ports. The USB port is not compatible with this camera. Instead, you will need to charge it using the battery charger included. It supports SDHC, SDHC and SDXC cards.
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High Performance and Quality Image
The D3400 is a powerful machine. The D3400 starts up, fires, and focuses in less than 0.7 seconds, which is a great result for an SLR. The optical finder allows you to lock the autofocus in bright lighting, taking 0.08 seconds and 0.5 seconds in dark conditions. The speeds for the rear LCD are 0.5 and 0.7 seconds, respectively.
Nikon's entry-level series uses an 11 point autofocus system with the support of 3D Tracking to ensure that moving targets are in lock. Although it's not as fast at following swift action as the D500 ($975.99 on Amazon), it can still keep up with targets and fire at 5.1fps. The camera can only take 6 or 13 raw images at a time before it slows down. However, a large buffer of JPGs allows for 100 shots before the camera has to stop.
Its focus system is the main reason why the D3400 was chosen over the Canon T6 (which costs $549.99, with lens). Although we haven't yet reviewed the T6, its image sensor is the same as the T5 ($399.95 Amazon). The T6 has Wi-Fi and an LCD that is crisper. Canon's entry-level model has a 9-point focus system, which is less accurate than that of the D3400. It also features a smaller 18MP image sensor.
Imatestwas used to verify the quality of the D3400's 24MP sensor image. The camera produces JPGs with noise levels below 1.5 percent in ISO 6400 and about 1.8% at ISO 12800. ISO 3200 is a good setting for details. ISO 6400 can show some blurring of fine lines, however it is still an excellent option to shoot in low light. This camera works well with smartphones and other budget point-and-shoots. ISO 12800 output is noticeable blurry. Avoid extreme settings.
You can choose to allow Raw image capture if your photography skills improve. Raw images can be uncompressed and have no noise reduction. The 12-bit Raw format allows you to adjust the exposure and color. However, the options are not as flexible as those captured with 14-bit SLRs. High ISO images have more detail and more grain.
Raw images from ISO 3200 have strong detail and not much grain. The camera can be set to ISO 6400 to add a grainy texture, which gives photos more detail than JPG. ISO 12800 gives you more raw detail than JPG. The highest ISO 25600 sensitivity raw output can be quite grainy. Fine details may get lost but the image doesn't look as blurred like the JPG.
You can record video in 1080p60 resolution. There are also 24, 25, 30 and 50 frames per second options. You can reduce the file size by shooting at 50 and 60 frames per second, or 720p resolution. There are two quality options for video: Normal and High. The camera can choose to automatically set the settings for video recording, or you can enable manual control to take full responsibility of exposure.
You're limited to using the internal microphone—that's a downgrade from the D3300 ($220.00 at Amazon), which includes a microphone input jack. Although the internal microphone picks up voice clearly, it also records background noise. The default setting is to adjust the sensitivity, however, you have the option to manually set it. You can also enable wind noise filters to lower its level if you wish.
Contrast-based video autofocus causes some hunting when focus is locked. The new AF–P kit lens reduces noise, making autofocus for video recording smoother than previous models. If video is important, you might consider using a mirrorless model instead. The Sony Alpha 6000 will give you a smoother, faster focus when shooting at 1080p. If you have the budget, the Panasonic G7 (597.99 at Amazon)and supports 4K.
Conclusions
The D3400 is an excellent choice if you are tired of blurry images in low light from your phone or want to have a compact SLR that will be easy to use without breaking the bank. You'll also have Nikon's excellent lens system that supports both first- and second-party lenses. The kit lens makes a great starter choice. It is important to consider whether an SLR camera is right for you.
There are many strong fixed-lens choices on the market, which may be better suited for those who don't want additional lenses. Even if you only need one lens, mirrorless cameras can be an alternative. We love the Sony Alpha 6000, which is our low-cost favorite mirrorless camera model. However, Olympus and Panasonic also have solid Micro Four Thirds models.
But for those who prefer the form factor and optical viewfinder of an SLR, or have already their own Nikon lenses, the D3400 offers quick, accurate autofocus, superb image quality, and easy smartphone connectivity—all strong pulls for family snapshooters. The D3400 is a great choice considering the price. It also includes the Guide Mode which allows you to take better photos without having to read through user manuals and go into detailed tutorials.