Updating the Nikon D3400’s firmware isn’t hard, but there are some things you need to be careful of.
Primarily, the two cardinal rules of updating firmware are:
- Use a fully charged battery.
- Don’t interrupt the update process.
The Nikon D3400’s firmware has been very stable since the camera’s release. While there have been some firmware updates issued, most of them have been focused on adding and improving the wireless connection between the SnapBridge app and the camera. The most recent update at the time of writing (v1.13) was a minor tweak to the way cities were listed when adjusting the camera’s timezone setting.
How to Check the Nikon D3400’s Firmware Version
You can find the current version under:
MENU > Setup (wrench icon) > Firmware VersionThe relevant version we’re looking for here is the “C” version. Check that against the latest version on Nikon’s website.
How to Update the Nikon D3400’s Firmware Version
There is a single method for updating the firmware of the Nikon D3400. I mention this because if you read the D3400 reference manual, it implies that you can do it through the SnapBridge mobile app. (The reference manual says that one of SnapBridge’s features is “receive camera’s firmware updates.” That’s not really true. It can give you a notification that an update is available, but you can’t actually manage the update from SnapBridge.)) That’s not the case. The SnapBridge app will give you a “firmware update available” alert when you connect the camera, but you can’t actually run the firmware update from the mobile app.
Preparation for Nikon D3400 Firmware Update
There are a few things to do before you start the actual firmware updating process.
Firstly, use the method above to check the firmware version that’s already installed. If you already have the latest version installed, there’s no need to run it again.
You can find the version currently installed here:
MENU > Setup (wrench icon) > Firmware VersionAssuming a firmware update is called for, make sure your camera’s battery is fully charged. That reduces the risk of the update being interrupted.
It’s also worth using a freshly formatted SD card. So download any files you have on it and format the card. While it’s not strictly required, it reduces the risk of complications if you’re starting with a clean card.
1. Download the Latest Firmware from Nikon’s Website
You can find the latest firmware for the Nikon D3400 here.
Nikon makes their firmware available as self-extracting archives for Mac (.dmg) and Windows (.exe). So after you’ve downloaded the file, run it to extract the .bin file–that’s the actual firmware update file.
NOTE: Nikon releases all official firmware updates on its own website. But sometimes, you might find firmware updates for the D3400 or other cameras available through third-party sites. I’d recommend sticking only to Nikon sites for downloading the file–that’s the safest option, especially for something that’s so crucial to your camera running smoothly. And occasionally, you might come across firmware versions that have been hacked to provide or unlock additional features. They can be good, but they need to be used with caution and with the understanding that Nikon support won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong with that.
2. Copy the .bin File to the SD Card
Using a memory card reader, copy the .bin file across to the root of your SD card. Don’t bury it in one of the folders on the card–it should be at the top level. If you put it in a subfolder, the camera won’t recognize it.
It might have been extracted in a folder called D3400update, but the file you want has a .bin file extension and will be named something like D3400_0113.bin.
Eject the memory card from your computer.
3. Insert Memory Card into D3400
With the camera powered off, insert the memory card into the camera.
4. Run the Nikon D3400 Firmware Update
With the memory card in the camera, go back to the Firmware Version page.
MENU > Setup (wrench icon) > Firmware VersionYou should now see a new option at the bottom: Update.
Select that, and press OK.
You’ll get a confirmation screen that shows you the from and to firmware versions.
Let the camera do its thing. It should only take a few minutes. But it’s very important that the process does not get interrupted. Interrupting the firmware upgrade process can render the camera inoperable. So it’s not a good time to be messing with any buttons.
5. Confirm the Update
Once the process has finished, you can go back to the Firmware Version screen to confirm that it shows the new version.
MENU > Setup (wrench icon) > Firmware Version
6. Format the Memory Card
To remove the .bin file and set the card up as a clean slate, format it.
Nikon Firmware Types
Like most modern Nikon cameras, the D3400 has a few different types of firmware. In the D3400’s case, you might see: LF, LD, and C.
- LF = Lens Firmware
- LD = Lens Distortion Control Data
- C = Camera Firmware
Whether you see the lens firmware options will depend on what lens you have installed at that particular moment. Only newer lenses are compatible with that feature.
The one you want here is the C firmware.
Do You Really Need to Update the Nikon D3400’s Firmware?
It’s nearly always recommended that you upgrade a camera’s firmware to the latest version. That ensures you have the latest compatibility with accessories and the latest performance tweaks.
It’s very rare that a firmware update breaks something. That said, it is possible for camera manufacturers to make changes that are undesirable–an example is GoPro intentionally breaking compatibility with third-party batteries–but that’s very rare.
So I’m very much in favor of keeping a camera’s firmware up-to-date. Thankfully, though, it’s something that most camera manufacturers do relatively infrequently.
Related Posts
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.
