Nikon D3300 vs. D3400 DSLR: Specifications Comparison & Differences

Nikon D3300 vs. D3400 DSLR

Nikon has been one of the most popular camera manufacturing companies that have become a hot favorite with the professional photographers worldwide. It has recently launched Nikon D3400 as part of its ever-growing portfolio. In fact, the camera has been designed as the go-to option for the newbie photographers. The camera is designed to be a predecessor for the Nikon D3300. Practically speaking, there are not many huge differences between the two cameras. How do Nikon D3300 vs. D3400 compare with each other? We will check it out in the following paragraphs.

Nikon D3300 vs. D3400

To begin with, we would reiterate what we said before; both Nikon D3300 and D3400 are almost similar in most of the functionalities. Almost all the features tend to be the same and that includes sensors, processors, ISO range and shutter speed. If you already have Nikon D3300 and eyeing a D3400 just because it has recently been announced, we find no reason why you should upgrade. Well, if you are about to buy a new camera, you may opt for the Nikon D3400.

The sensor and processor

The Nikon D3300 comes with a 24.2 MP APS CMOS sensor with an ISO range of ISO 100-12,800, while the Nikon D3400 has almost the same options except that the ISO range is 100 – 25600. Both have EXPEED 4 processor powering it.

The D3300 was launched in 2014 and the D3400 was made available in 2016. Even with the huge gap of over two years between the two cameras, Nikon has decided to continue with the same resolution and sensor on the latest option. The ISO levels do differ as we outlined above. However, the D3300 can have the maximum ISO of 25600, though not as a native option.

Powered by the same processor, both cameras offer you the ability to shoot 12-bit RAW files and JPGs.

Autofocus

The Nikon D3300 shares the specifications exactly the same as in the case of D3400. Both of them offer you 11 Autofocus points that include one cross type point.

The cameras use the Nikon’s own Multi-CAM 1000 module with TTL phase detection option. You have access to single focus, continuous focus and manuals focus options available as with any other camera in the same genre. The cross type focus point tends to be light sensitive and thus can be the best for the low light photography.

Burst Shooting

The maximum burst rate offered by both the cameras is the same 5 fps. Of course, there are cameras with the better burst shooting speeds like 8 fps in the more advanced cameras from Nikon. But, the 5 fps threshold available on the Nikon D3300 and D3400 would be suitable for all practical purposes.

The 5 fps autofocus system may not provide the faster performance as such, but should be quite ideal for a camera with a 24MP resolution. We would not consider the cameras being underpowered in any way as long as the burst shooting functionality is concerned.

Video Shooting Capabilities

Both the Nikon D3300 and D3400 offer you full HD recording functionality up to 60p and thus share the specifications without any differences between them. That would make them compatible with the standards that folks looking for entry-level cameras would opt for.

You have access to multiple frame rates that you can choose as per your preferences. There are options for 24 fps, 30 fps, and 50/60 fps. Opting for the 60 fps option can have better options for slow motion recording.

The older sibling, the D3300 has a positive feature in its favor. It supports port for an external microphone, while the newer D3400 lacks it. So, if you are opting to use an external microphone during the video recording, Nikon D3300 could be your best bet.

The Design

Well, that was a point we had to take up in the beginning. But, for a camera – the most crucial aspects would be its photography capability. Both the devices come under entry-level DSLR devices. That would be precisely what has been taken care of in the build and design for both the siblings.

Both of the cameras come with same dimensions at 124 x 98 x 75.5mm. Both of them weigh just less than 500 grams thus enhancing the compactness of the devices. The D3300 is slightly a little more substantial at 460 grams, while the D3400 weighs at 445 grams. Both the cameras have used polycarbonate for the body construction, but tend to durable enough.

We would find both the Nikon D3300 and D3400 would be capable of taking the daily handling with good ability. It is interesting to note that there are no enhancements of any nature between the two siblings even when they are two years apart from the launch point of view. Even the button configuration and D-Pad access remain same across both of them.

Viewfinder

The similarities do not stop at just the features we have discussed above. The saga continues with the LCD and viewfinder options as well.

Both the cameras come with the LCD screen resolutions of 921k dots. The eye-level pentamirror viewfinder is yet another standard feature between both the cameras. It offers you a 95 percent coverage.

Additional Features

This is where the siblings differ regarding their features. The major among them is the connectivity features available on the DSLRs.

The older D3300 does not offer you any connectivity options like Bluetooth. The D3400 comes with the Bluetooth connectivity option. In fact, the Bluetooth connectivity option provided on the D3400 is through the SnapBridge connectivity system, the proprietary connectivity solution from Nikon.

As for other additional features, both Nikon D3300 and D3400 come with the inbuilt flash system and hot shoe arrangement (for adding an external flash). Almost all alternatives remain similar across both of them.

Battery

Both D3300 and D3400 come with excellent battery life. Of course, there are differences between the two – though not many poles apart. Both Nikon D3300 and D3400 come with the same battery pack in the form of Li-ion EN-EL14a.

However, there are differences regarding the shots you would get per charge on either of the devices. The D3300 offers you 700 shots per charge. Using the Live View and Long exposures may drain the battery life further though. However, the D3400 appears to be more efficient regarding being energy consumption. You would get 1200 shots per charge with it. That will make D3400 a better option if you are going on a long trip that would last a day out.

The Tabular Comparison

The tabulated comparison arranged side by side would help to understand the differences between the two cameras with ease. Here is how we would go about it –

FeaturesNikon D3300

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Nikon D3400

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Sensor24.2 MP24.2 MP
ProcessorEXPEED 4EXPEED 4
Autofocus11 Focus points with one cross type11 point with one cross type
ISO range100-12800(max at 25600)100-25600 native
Viewfinder0.85x at 95% coverage0.85x at 95% coverage
ConnectivityNo (optional with WU-1a Mobile Adapter)SnapBridge aided Bluetooth
LCDFixed 3.0″ 921k-dot LCDFixed 3.0″ 921k-dot LCD
Maximum video capture1080 at 60p1080 at 60p
Continuous/burst shoot5 fps5 fps
Built-in flashYes – 12mYes – 7m
External Microphone slotYesNo
Weather sealingNoNo
BatteryLi-ion EN-EL14aLi-ion EN-EL14a
Battery life per charge700 shots1200 shots
Physical dimensions124 x 98 x 76mm124 x 98 x 76mm
Weight460 grams445 grams

Which one would we suggest?

The D3400 comes with two best features that may make it one of the best choices. The integrated connectivity options aided by the SnapBridge technology should make it one of the excellent opportunity for sharing your masterpieces. Battery performance is yet another feature that would make it an attractive option. It can take almost the double shots at the same battery charge in comparison to the D3300.

On the other hand, the D3300 has a few factors in its favor making it one of the excellent options in its own right. If you are getting almost all the features at the same level in comparison to the D3400, why spend extra for the D3400? Then there is another feature that would make it an exceptional service. It offers you a port for the external microphone. Shooting a video without external mic may not provide you the kind of audio quality you may be expecting.

The final choice should rest with you. In fact, the lack of huge differences between the two cameras would make the decision a little tougher. The exact choice rests with the personal preferences you have. Opt for the one that appeals to you the most and share your experiences with your new camera. Of course, with the launch of D3400 – the D3300 would be son going out of stock. If you are planning to opt for the D3300, do it fast before it is late. Or else, you have the equally capable D3400 at your disposal.

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