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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Nikon D3400 Accessories
Here are some of the key accessories and official part numbers for the Nikon D3400.
Battery & Charger for Nikon D3400
If you're looking for a replacement or spare battery for your D3400, the Nikon D3400's battery is model EN-EL14a. It's a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that's also used by many other Nikon DSLRs (7.2V, 1230mAh). You can also find very good aftermarket versions, like this one from Watson or these from PowerExtra that provide more cost-effective alternatives.
- ✔ Battery Specs：Capacity: 1500mAh / Battery Type: Lithium-ion / Voltage: 7.4V /Package includes: 2...
- ✔ Standard Compatible with Nikon EN-EL14 / EN-EL14a：Ideal Replacement for Nikon D3100 battery, Nikon...
The battery charger is model MH-24. It's an AC quick charger that plugs directly into the wall socket. Unlike many other cameras, you can't charge the Nikon D3400's battery in the camera. Some of the aftermarket batteries come with a dock charger, which can be a cheaper way to solve the problem.
Memory Card
A memory card is right up there with a battery as an essential accessory for your D3400. But, unlike the battery, it doesn't come with the D3400.
There's no official SD card for the D3400, but there are some that make more sense than others. Some older-model cards are too slow. And some newer, faster (and more expensive) SD cards will work in the D3400 but go beyond what the D3400 can make use of, so you'd be paying for SD card performance that the camera can't take advantage of.
I've put together more detailed SD card recommendations for the Nikon D3400. But here's the Cliff notes version. Any of these make for a good choice and are reasonably priced:
USB Cable for Nikon D3400
If you're looking to connect a Nikon D3400 to a computer to download your photos and videos, you'll need a USB cable. If you've misplaced the one that came with the camera, replacements are easy to find and not expensive. If you'd prefer to get the Nikon original, the model number you're after is UC-E20, and you can find them at camera specialists like B&H Photo.
But there's no particular reason you have to stick with the Nikon-branded one. There are also many aftermarket micro-USB cables that will work just fine. But there is a bit of a catch: not all micro-USB cables will work with the data transfer that the D3400 needs.
By all means try any others you have lying around to see if the camera mounts to your computer--it won't hurt it. If it doesn't mount, you can pick up replacement data transfer cables like this aftermarket version or this one.
And a reminder that this is only for data transfer. You can't charge the battery while it's in the D3400. For charging, you'll need the MH-24 charger or equivalent (see above).
- Length: 3FT, light and easy to carry.
- Brand new, high quality usb 2.0 Data cable/lead.( Non-OEM )
Camera Strap for the Nikon D3400
There's no particular reason you have to use the original Nikon strap with the D3400--any camera strap will work. But if you want to replace the original (the black one with the gold/yellow Nikon branding), its model number is AN-DC3.
There's also a huge variety of other good alternatives. My personal favorites are the ones by Peak Design, which come in especially handy if you're going back and forth between multiple cameras because they come with a quick-release system. And they're very strong.
Remote Shutter Release for Nikon D3400
There's a number of different options for remotely triggering your D3400 (unlike the D3500, where this functionality was removed).
The first step is Nikon's ML-L3 wireless remote. It's very simple--just a single button, without any intervalometer or other features--and with an infrared signal, its range is limited to about 16 feet or less. But it's inexpensive and designed by Nikon for use with their cameras.
And there's a variety of other wireless receiver/transmitter kits that can be set up to work, some of which get up there in terms of complexity and price.
Lenses for Nikon D3400
One of the great things about DSLRs--and especially ones that use a long-standing mounting system like Nikon's F-mount--is that there's a huge variety of lenses that you can use. So there's no "right" lens to use.
But for the D3400, in general, you want to look for lenses that have Nikon's F-mount system and that are designed for DX camera bodies (that's the cropped sensor size of the D3400). And you'll probably want one that has autofocus. None of these things are requirements, though--there are any number of ways to use adapters or manual older manual-focus lenses--but sticking to those basics will make things easier if you're looking to expand your lens collection.
If you're after some recommendations on lenses to get for the D3400 to step beyond the kit lens that comes with the camera (usually a basic 18-55mm zoom lens), I've put together some recommendations on wide-angle lenses for the Nikon D3400.
And here are some other ideas that are sensibly priced and greatly expand your options:
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm Æ’/3.5-6.3G ED VR zoom lens. If you had to choose just one lens to take with your traveling, this is a great choice. It has a very wide zoom range. At 18mm (equivalent to 27mm on a full-frame body), it's great for interiors or landscapes. At 300mm (equivalent to 450mm on a full-frame body), there's plenty of reach for wildlife, sports, or dramatic sunsets. It has vibration reduction, is surprisingly compact and light, and is competitively priced. Sigma also makes a good version that's a bit cheaper but great quality.
- Maximum magnification of 032x
- Angle of view from 76 degree to 5 degree 20'. Focal length range: 18 300 millimeter, minimum focus...
Nikon AF-S 50mm Æ’/1.8G lens. It's hard to go past a 50mm prime lens for versatility, fun, and learning photography. They're fast, which means they're good in low-light as well as give you that nice blurry background while keeping the subject sharp. They're inexpensive. They're often very sharp. And they're small and highly portable. This is the Æ’/1.8 version. Nikon also makes a B&H Photofaster Æ’/1.4 version, but it's about double the price. because the D3400 has a cropped DX sensor, the 50mm lens will become a slight telephoto perspective, equivalent to a 75mm lens on a full-frame camera (i.e., 35mm equivalent). Which makes it all the more useful as a portrait lens, whether you're taking formal portraits or candids of the family. And if you want a more traditional "true" 50mm perspective, you can put the 35mm Æ’/1.8G on the D3400 instead.
- Fast, upgraded f/1.8, compact FX format prime lens. The picture angle with 35 millimeter (135) format is...
- Focal length 50 millimeter, minimum focus distance 1.48 feet (0.45 meter)
Nikon D3400 Body Cap
If you're transporting or storing your D3400 camera body without a lens attached, you'll want to put on a body cap over the opening where the lens goes. That prevents dust and moisture from getting inside and causing havoc (and pesky dust bunnies on your photos).
The camera comes with one, but they're easy to misplace. The model number for the replacement part is BF-1B. It's the same cap used for all Nikon F-mount camera bodies. And this is a great opportunity to save a few dollars with an aftermarket version. They're often sold paired with a rear lens cap, since you often need both of those things when removing a lens.
Nikon D3400 Rubber Eyecup
If the rubber eyecup has been knocked off when you take out of your camera bag, the replacement part model number is DK-25. There are also slightly cheaper aftermarket versions, such as the ones by Vello or JJC.
- Made from soft and durable silicone + high quality ABS
- Provide cushioning around the camera's eyepiece, and are especially useful to eyeglass wearers
Battery Dummy for Nikon D3400
A battery dummy is used for longer-term power supply to the camera. They're especially useful for things like time lapse photography, astrophotography, or using your D3400 as a webcam.
It's an accessory that fits into your camera's battery compartment. By itself, it doesn't provide any power, but it's attached to a cable that you can then attach to different power sources such as AC power or a larger battery pack.
Nikon's official model is EP-5A. You can also pick up aftermarket versions. Some include only the dummy battery part; others come bundled with AC adapters.
- [COMPATIBLE WITH MODEL:] The EN-EL14 / EN-EL14A Dummy Battery EP-5A DC coupler (Connector) work for Nikon...
- [STEPS FOR USAGE:] Remove the EN EL14 original battery, Replace with EP-5A virtual battery, and cover the...
FAQs
Where Can I Find the Nikon D3400 Manual?
You can find the Nikon D3400 manuals here. There are a few different versions. The Reference Manual is the most detailed and most complete. The User Manual is basically a quick start guide. There are also versions designed for different parts of the world.
The Reference Manual is available as both a downloadable PDF and as on online HTML version.
Where Can I Find the Nikon D3400 Latest Firmware?
Nikon releases firmware updates on their website.
There are a few different types of firmware used by the D3400. The main camera firmware is the "C" version. (The others are for the lens and lens distortion control.)
I have a detailed guide on how to check and update Nikon D3400 firmware versions here.
