Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera Body, Black {24.2MP}

Nikon D3400: the proven 24.2MP APS-C DSLR that outlasts the competition on a single charge.

The D3400 built its reputation on two things: sensor performance and battery endurance. The 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor paired with the Expeed 4 processor delivers RAW files with genuine processing latitude, and reviewers consistently placed it at the top of its class for JPEG output at this level. The EN-EL14a battery earns a 1200-shot CIPA rating, a figure that puts most mirrorless alternatives to shame and makes the D3400 a genuinely low-maintenance tool for a full day of shooting.

The 11-point AF system, anchored by a single cross-type center point, performs reliably through the optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage. At 5 fps continuous shooting, the camera sustains around 70 large JPEG frames at full speed before the rate begins to slow, reaching a total burst limit of 100 frames. ISO extends to 25600, and the Auto ISO implementation reads focal length to set an appropriate minimum shutter speed automatically. SnapBridge Bluetooth keeps a low-power link to your phone, trickling 2MP transfers in the background without any manual intervention, so your shots are on your phone before you've finished shooting a scene.

The F-mount ecosystem is the deeper story here. Nikon's catalog of AF-S and AF-P lenses gives you access to fast primes like the 50mm f/1.8G, which lands at a 75mm equivalent on the 1.5x crop sensor and makes a natural portrait focal length. Anyone already holding Nikkor glass has a ready-made reason to pick this body up.

Who It's For

Travel photographers working long days without access to charging will appreciate the 1200-shot battery rating, which removes one logistical headache from the field. Photographers building their first interchangeable-lens kit benefit from the full Nikon F-mount ecosystem, including AF-S and AF-P primes and zooms. Portrait shooters pairing the body with the 50mm f/1.8G get a 75mm equivalent working distance well suited to the focal length. Beginning photographers who want to move between guided scene modes and full manual exposure control, including aperture priority and shutter priority, can work at their own pace without being locked into either approach.

Key Features

• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Expeed 4 processor
• 11-point AF system with single cross-type center point
• 5 fps continuous shooting with 100-frame burst limit
• ISO 100–25,600 with Auto ISO reading focal length
• 1200-shot CIPA battery rating with EN-EL14a
• SnapBridge Bluetooth for automatic 2MP photo transfers
• 1080p/60 video with improved continuous AF in kit lens
• F-mount compatibility with AF-S and AF-P lenses

FAQ

How long does the EN-EL14a battery last on a single charge?

Nikon rates the EN-EL14a at 1200 shots per charge under CIPA conditions. That's a significant jump from the 700-shot rating on the same battery in the D3300, and it puts the D3400 well ahead of mirrorless competition at this price point-the Sony A5100 manages 400 shots, the Lumix G7 only 360.

What's the autofocus system like for moving subjects?

The 11-point AF system with a single cross-type center point is reliable for stationary and slowly moving subjects, but it's not designed for erratic motion. The center point is particularly strong and reads down to -1 EV. In Live View, the camera switches to contrast-based AF, which is slower and can hunt when tracking moving subjects-it's best used for static composition or when you have time to let it settle.

How much can you shoot before the buffer fills up?

At 5 fps in Large Fine JPEG mode, the D3400 sustains around 70 frames at full speed before the rate slows, with a total burst limit of 100 frames. In RAW mode, buffer depth drops to 12 frames before the camera hiccups, so you're better off sticking with JPEGs if you need sustained high-speed shooting.

Does SnapBridge work as well as Wi-Fi for transferring photos?

SnapBridge uses Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi, which is technically slower, but in practice it's more seamless because it works automatically in the background. Once paired with your phone, it continuously trickles 2MP JPEG transfers without any manual intervention-you don't have to pause and initiate a transfer. The trade-off is you can't remotely trigger the camera via the app like you can with Wi-Fi equipped Nikons. Battery drain is higher with SnapBridge enabled and auto-download active.

Can you use older Nikkor lenses on the D3400?

Only recent lenses with AF motors will autofocus-that means AF-S, AF-P, AF-I, and type G/D lenses. Older manual-focus Nikkors or AF lenses without a built-in motor will focus manually only. The D3400 has no internal AF motor, so compatibility is limited to lenses that handle their own focusing.

What's the video autofocus performance like?

The new AF-P kit lens dramatically improved continuous AF during video compared to the D3300. It's quieter, more confident, and holds focus better than before-though it can still hunt or jump focus if the subject has low contrast or moves erratically. The D3400 doesn't offer full manual exposure control for video; you can adjust shutter speed and ISO but aperture is locked to whatever you set before entering Live View.

How does the 24.2MP sensor perform in RAW?

The Expeed 4 processor paired with the 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivers RAW files with genuine processing latitude-reviewers consistently ranked it at the top of its class for latitude at this price point. JPEG output is also strong, with punchy color and good white balance handling, especially in the auto modes. RAW files are compressed 12-bit NEF format.