The battery life for the Nikon D3400 isn’t bad, but it’s pretty much inevitable that you’ll run into situations where your battery is running out of juice right when things are getting interesting. So having fully charged spares on hand is always a good idea–a truism with any digital camera, not just the D3400.
If you’re after a spare battery for a Nikon D3400, or need to replace a dying one, the obvious choice is to get the Nikon-branded replacement batteries. And while that’s a safe way to go, there are also options with some other features that you (and your wallet) might prefer.
- Snap Bridge Bluetooth Connectivity
- 24.2mp dx format CMOS sensor
So here’s a quick rundown of different Nikon D3400 battery and charger options that work well with this camera. It includes Nikon original versions as well as some good options from aftermarket manufacturers.
Nikon D3400 Battery
Nikon makes two models of batteries that will work in the D3400. The best option, and the one that comes with the camera, is the EN-EL14a. It’s a lithium-ion (aka li-ion battery) rated for 1230mAh.
Another similar model, EN-EL14, will also work just fine but will drain more quickly. That’s because the EN-EL14 is rated to 1030mAh, while the EN-EL-14a is rated for 1230mAh. In short, the “a” version holds more juice. There’s really no reason to seek out the older model–go with the newer version if possible.
Obviously, Nikon has their own, and they’re the ones that they recommend. They’re the safe option. But they’re not necessarily the most affordable option.
But I’ve also found some of the more affordable aftermarket versions to work well, particularly the batteries from Wasabi Power. I’ve used their batteries for several years in other cameras and found them to be one of the better aftermarket camera battery manufacturers.
The Wasabi Power batteries that I’ve found to work well in the Nikon D3400 have a model number of BTR-ENEL14-JWP. It also has a capacity rating higher than either of the Nikon models: 1500mAh. I’ve been using these in my D3400 and found them to work well. You can buy them individually, in 2-battery packs, and bundled with a USB dual charger.
- COMPATIBILITY - Works with these popular Nikon cameras that use ENEL14 batteries: Nikon Coolpix P7000,...
- BATTERY SPECS - Premium Grade-A cells rated at 7.4V, 1500mAh for longer run-time and battery life
Nikon D3400 Battery Chargers
There are a few different varieties of battery chargers for the Nikon D3400, ranging from the simple, single-battery AC charger provided by Nikon to dual-bay USB chargers from aftermarket manufacturers. Here’s a quick rundown of the options.
The D3400 comes with a battery charger. It’s a single-bay AC charger, with the prongs for the wall socket folding back into the body of the charger. If you need to replace it, the one manufactured by Nikon has the model number MH-24.
- Charger for EN-EL14 Li-ion Battery
- Compatible with Nikon D3100 SLR and P7000 Digital Cameras
As always, Nikon recommends using their own branded products. But something I don’t like about the MH-24 is that it only works with an AC power outlet–and one with enough room to fit the charger, at that. That’s not always convenient when traveling.
But there are other good options from aftermarket manufacturers, some of which use a much more convenient, if slower, charging method: via USB. That saves me having to carry around a bunch of different AC adapters whenever I travel (I like to travel light). It also means that I can charge my camera batteries from an external powerbrick even while I’m out and about taking photos.
My current favorite is the NiteCore UNK1 USB charger. It has two bays, one for the EN-EL14/a and another for the EN-EL15/a batteries like the ones the Nikon D810 takes. If you’re only using the D3400, you’ll only be using one of these bays. It also has a small LED screen that shows a more precise percentage for charging status as well as battery health and the current flowing. It’s smaller and lighter than the official Nikon MH-24 charger and can be powered via USB by an external powerbank, AC charger, or in the car.
Another good option that also uses USB are these dual-battery chargers. They’re a little slower to charge–they’re 0.6A rather than the 0.9A of Nikon’s MH-24, but they’re still very lightweight and convenient if you’re traveling.
- Charge 2 batteries at a time for the Nikon EN-EL14
- Universal power from any USB source (2.1A recommended); Outputs 600mA max (x2)
An Even More Versatile Alternative
If access to AC power isn’t a problem, I’m a big fan of these dual-chargers because you can mix and match adapter plates for different types of batteries. Since I use a range of different cameras, it means I can cut down on the overall bulk by taking the one charger and a few lightweight and inexpensive adapter plates. Or you can, of course, charge two batteries of the same type together. It also has an LED screen that gives a more precise indication of the charging status–something I find very handy when I’m trying to head out the door and want a sense of how long the charge is likely to take.
The main charger acts as a docking base. Here’s a direct link for the adapter plates for the Nikon D3400’s EN-EL14/a batteries.
Nikon D3400 Battery FAQs
Which battery is best for the Nikon D3400, and how many shots can I take with it?
The Nikon D3400 uses the EN-EL14a rechargeable Li-ion battery. With a fully charged battery, you can take approximately 1200 shots, depending on usage and settings like live view.
Is the Nikon D3400 discontinued, and what replaced it?
Yes, the Nikon D3400 has been discontinued. It was replaced by the Nikon D3500 in August 2018.
How old is the Nikon D3400, and when did it come out?
The Nikon D3400 was released in August 2016.
How long does a Nikon D3400 battery last, and when should I replace it?
A fully charged Nikon D3400 battery can last for approximately 1200 shots before it needs recharging. However, the overall battery life depends on usage, settings, and temperature.
You should replace the battery when it no longer holds a charge or if the performance significantly degrades.
Do camera batteries degrade if not used?
Yes, lithium-ion batteries like those used in the Nikon D3400 can degrade over time, even if not used. It is essential to store batteries in a cool, dry place and recharge them periodically to maintain their capacity.
What charger does the Nikon D3400 use, and what is the charging time?
The Nikon D3400 uses the MH-24 Quick Charger. Charging time for a fully depleted battery is approximately 2 hours.
Can I charge my Nikon camera without a battery?
You can’t charge the camera without a battery. However, you can use an AC power source adapter, like the Nikon EH-5c, along with the EP-5A power connector to power the camera without a battery for extended use. This setup is particularly helpful for situations like studio photography or time-lapse photography.
How do I know when my Nikon battery is fully charged?
While using the MH-24 Quick Charger, the charging indicator light will blink while the battery is charging. When the battery is fully charged, the light will stop blinking and remain solid.
How do I check battery life on my Nikon D3400?
You can check the battery life on your Nikon D3400 through the camera’s menu. Go to the “Setup” menu and look for the “Battery info” option, which will display the battery charge level, the number of shots taken since the last charge, and the battery’s overall health.
What are some recommended accessories for the Nikon D3400?
Some recommended accessories for the Nikon D3400 include:
– Extra EN-EL14a batteries
– MH-24 Quick Charger
– An 18-55mm lens for versatile shooting
– High-quality SD memory cards
– A sturdy camera bag or case for protection
– A tripod for stable shots and long exposures
– Lens cleaning kits to keep your optics clean
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