Continuing our series on entry-level cameras that attract thousands of photographers for their excellent price-performance ratio, today we stand before the Nikon D3400. The first piece of good news is that we are dealing with one of the best models we can buy for under €450, and it does a great job as a "guide camera" for those enthusiasts who want to take their first steps in photography. The second piece of good news is the wide range of compatible accessories. You'll need filters, transportation options, a good tripod for low-light shots, and all the batteries you can get...
Nikon D3400: Enthusiasts, Welcome
Contagious enthusiasm, the desire to go out and shoot thousands of photos, and a credit or debit card in hand. "Where do I start?" becomes a challenging threshold, but it is at that critical crossroads that the Web and articles like the one we offer today come to the rescue. The plan is to get an easy-to-use, compatible, relatively lightweight camera that doesn't force you to give up internal organs as a payment supplement. Under those conditions, the list of recommended cameras tends to get quite short, but one of the units that stays near the top is the Nikon D3400.
A quick look at the price list tells us that the Nikon D3400 sits a step above €440 unless you decide to buy just the body, which reduces the investment to around €370. Whichever route you choose, you'll have a solid camera with excellent specifications and wide compatibility. What if you've already bought the D3300? Don't worry; this article is for you too. At the end of the day, the differences between the two cameras are not that great (lighter weight, better efficiency, and wireless support make the D3400 slightly superior), and I don't think they justify a total replacement.
Looking at the official specifications of the Nikon D3400, we find a DX-format CMOS sensor with a maximum resolution of 24.2 megapixels (6000 x 4000 pixels), a number not to be sneezed at given the size of the camera and the fact that it's an entry model in Nikon's lineup. The viewfinder is a pentamirror single-lens reflex at eye level (95% coverage), and the shutter speed can be set anywhere from 1/4000 to 30 seconds in 1/3 EV steps, with Bulb or Time modes. ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (expanded) (read our guide on the D3300 for more), and the maximum burst shooting speed is 5 FPS.
Built-in flash, 11 focus points with 3D tracking, a 3-inch LCD monitor with a 170-degree viewing angle and 921,000 dots, RAW and JPG capture, 1080p60 video recording, and the SnapBridge wireless system that transfers images to your smartphone via Bluetooth Low Energy round out the general specifications of the Nikon D3400. Some portals have discussed details like the lack of a focus motor, the non-articulating LCD screen, and the lack of 4K recording support, but these are minimized once we fully understand everything this camera delivers compared to its price. First impressions are key here, and in that regard, the Nikon D3400 passes the test. This camera doesn't intimidate; it's lightweight, easy to use, and despite the 100+ pages of its manual, you'll master all its advanced functions in less than ten minutes of reading. There are no hidden six-month courses or anything like that here; I'd even say that a computer just out of the box demands more preparation.
Of course, some difficulties may arise, and if that happens, the Guide Mode (the camera itself teaches you) should cover any gap, but there is something even more important about the Nikon D3400: its popularity guarantees a solid line of support. If you buy this camera, it won't become obsolete in six or twelve months, even if Nikon decides to replace it with another model. The D3400 debuted in September 2016 and is the result of lessons learned from four previous models, so whoever buys it gets a refined variant, a "version 5.0" if you will. As if that weren't enough, the Nikon D3400 maintains a high level of compatibility with accessories made for other members of the same family, allowing us to make more efficient investments. At this point, you probably want to enjoy your camera to the fullest, and I honestly can't blame you, but if you think it's a good time to add an accessory or two, don't go anywhere.
Accessories for Nikon D3400
If you've studied our Canon EOS 1300D accessory guide closely, you'll likely find some similarities here, and that universal profile is one of the most positive aspects that manufacturers have adopted. Of course, the market offers a huge number of "exclusive" products, but if you're interested in a particular accessory, I don't think you'll have much trouble finding a compatible variant for your camera. Our goal is to make that search a little easier without burning holes in your pockets.
Battery, Charger, and AC Adapter for Nikon D3400
Our battalion of Nikon D3400 accessories starts with an essential element: power. The standard model is the EN-EL14a, and for just €25 you can get a compatible Gloxy module that works wonders. Naturally, every battery needs a secondary charger, and one of the most convenient is the Gloxy MH-24, which in addition to a dedicated power source also provides a connector compatible with your car's cigarette lighter. As a final option, the official EP-5A AC adapter will help you remove the battery factor from the equation, ideal for longer-than-normal sessions (requires the EH-5B power source). Available SKUs: "VDTS-4604-CH-DI86,0712565902,DI2694".
Bag and Case for Nikon D3400
A Nikon D3400 backpack is essential. Without proper protection, the photographic adventure of any enthusiast can end up being much shorter than we imagine, and no list of Nikon D3400 accessories is complete without the bag and case combo. The Gloxy PRO AW series is our spearhead, with three different models, excellent storage capacity, and a waterproof cover that resists harsh weather. If you prefer something a bit more compact with a "toploader" style, you can buy a Lowepro Zoom 55 AW II case, which holds your camera and an 80-400 lens. Finally, we cannot ignore the official CF-DC1 case, with a semi-rigid design that repels dust and dirt.
Filter Kit for Nikon D3400
Sometimes the difference between one more shot and the photo of your dreams lies in something as simple as a filter, and any group of Nikon D3400 accessories should include one or two. Fortunately, Gloxy has made available to us a kit made up of three filters: ultraviolet, polarizer, and neutral density. From contrast and saturation adjustments to the famous "silky effect" that looks great on water, you definitely want the help of this kit, and it can be yours for just €50.
Tripod for Nikon D3400
Stability is critical in any shot, and no matter what the camera can do to correct unexpected movements, sooner or later you'll need a tripod to accompany your Nikon D3400. Our workhorse is the Gloxy GX-T6662A Plus with a universal screw thread, anti-slip legs, and a maximum load of 10 kilograms. One of the best ways to complement the tripod is to use the Gloxy Z articulated head, which features auxiliary threads and a small level for calibration. And in more extreme cases where resistance is non-negotiable, you should get the services of the Takeway T1 clampod, which will give your D3400 a stable point in almost any situation. SKUs: "0712163592,0713869670,0713929355".
Flash for Nikon D3400
Our love-hate relationship with light is as complicated as it seems... and even more. But despite the huge number of lights and diffusers on the market, the battle begins with a good flash, and when the built-in unit on the Nikon D3400 falls short, we need to add solutions like the Gloxy GX-F1000N flash, which includes wireless support, a stand, a diffuser, 20 color gels, and a carrying case. Cheaper options? Of course! The Gloxy GX-F990N and GXTR985N flashes are also very good options. They aren't as complete as the GX-F1000N, but it all depends on your needs.
Converter Lenses Kit for Nikon D3400
This is probably the easiest recommendation on the list, because when it comes to adding converter lenses to our Nikon D3400 accessory package, the most efficient purchase remains the Gloxy megakit, consisting of a wide-angle lens, a macro lens, and a telephoto lens. The adapter rings, cases, and cleaning cloths are all there, along with protective caps and all basic documentation. If our budget isn't yet strong enough to jump into a dedicated lens, the Gloxy megakit does an excellent job at a fraction of the cost.
Lenses for Nikon D3400
As always, our last section is dedicated to lenses. Unless the market decides to blow up the balance between price and performance with a revolutionary model, all our arrows will continue to point in the direction of Irix Firefly lenses, wide-angle available in 11 and 15 mm, and their big brother Irix Blackstone, with a reinforced magnesium and aluminum body that offers better resistance to the demands of more extreme shots. SKUs: "0713464495,0713043558".
And that's it for today. Our suggestions are made, and it's time to step aside so you can take your Nikon D3400 and go out and find the best photographs. Never stop experimenting. Good luck!
