Nikon D3400 vs D3300 Specs Comparison – Which One Should You Buy?

by Jeany Jane · September 6, 2016

Nikon, last month, announced their latest entry level DSRL camera, the Nikon D3400, replacing the previous D3300. The new D3400 offers improvements from its predecessor; featuring new 24.2MP sensor, longer battery life, improved low-light performance and many more. Together with the new Nikon D3400, Nikon also released 4 new Nikkor lenses in addition to their P-series. These new lenses are built with pulse motor utilizing stepping motors for fast and silent autofocus. The new Nikkor lenses are the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G, AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR. In this article, we will be comparing the new Nikon D3400 vs its predecessors, the D3300. I don’t normally recommend people to upgrade from the same category or level, example from D3200 or D3300 to D3400. Honestly, that would be a stupid decision. But articles like this will help buyers to decide whether they should go for the newer D3400 or the older (but now cheaper) D3300, if they don’t have one yet. In this article, let’s also see what has been added (or removed) on the new D3400 vs the D3300.

Nikon D3400 vs D3300: Features

The new Nikon D3400 brings a number of features that are not present on the D3300. However, there are also features that are no longer present on the D3400 that were previously on the D3300. Both cameras are actually very similar in one way or another, so despite the introduction of the new D3400, the D3300 is still worth to buy as an entry level DSRL.

Let’s start with what the new D3400 has to offer. For starters, the new D3400 supports the new AF-P series lenses that are introduced together with the camera. I’m not sure if the P-series will be compatible with the D3300, but when you buy a D3300 kit, you will get an AF-S lens with it. The D3400 boasts longer battery life that is rated to take 1200 shots per charge, vs the rated 700 shots on the D3300. But this doesn’t actually mean that the D3400 has a much bigger battery capacity, both of them are actually using the same battery. It has (more or less) something to do with the built in flash. The D3400 has an approximate of 7/22, 8/26 with manual flash, while the D3300 has an approximate of 12/39, 12/39 with manual flash.

The Nikon D3400’s body is slightly lighter compared to the D3300 (395g vs 410g). However, Nikon has removed some of the features (that may be important for some users) and are no longer present on the D3400. The D3400 has no option to use external microphone and there is no port for the WR-R10 remote and WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. However, Nikon has added the SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity in the D3400 instead.

It’s also worth to mention that there is no ultrasonic sensor cleaning on the D3400, however it still supports Nikon’s Image Dust Off Reference Photo feature for software removal of dust spots, and mirror lock-up is still provided for manual sensor cleaning.

When it comes to photo and video performance, the D3400 and D3300 are basically similar. Both entry level DSRL cameras sport the same 24.2MP sensor size, no optical low-pass filter, 5 fps shooting speed, full HD 1080 60fps video capture and Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF System.

Currently, the new Nikon D3400 with an AF-P 18-55mm lens retails for $646.95, meanwhile the older Nikon D3300 with an AF-S 18-55mm lens retails for $546.95. That’s a $100 difference for a marginal “improvement”. So unless you want something new, or there’s a feature on the D3400 that you really want, for an entry level DRSL, the D3300 is still worth it. For users who are looking for more features, flexibility and performance, you may want to check out Nikon’s mid-range D5500 or the higher-end D7200.

Below is a specifications table of the Nikon D3400 vs D3300, for a much more detailed comparison between the two.