Some cameras let you set an aspect ratio for shooting photos. Many of the more basic cameras come with a default aspect ratio of 4:3. Many of the more advanced cameras come with a standard aspect ratio of 3:2, which, not coincidentally, is the same aspect ratio as 35mm film.
The Nikon D3400 has a sensor that generates images that are up to 6000×4000 pixels, which is an aspect ratio of 3:2.
But what if you want to change that? What if you want to shoot still images that are 16:9, for instance? That is the aspect ratio we’re accustomed to for HD video.
Well, there’s a good and not so good news.
First, the not so good. There’s no way to adjust the shooting aspect ratio in the D3400. You can change the size, which applies to the pixel measurements, but you can’t actually change the aspect ratio of the images as they’re shot. Regardless of which size setting you use, still images are always shot in the D3400 at 3:2 aspect ratio (video is always 16:9).
What you can do, however, is crop the images after the fact in the camera. What you need to do is go to the Retouch Menu and then use the Trim function.
There you’ll find options to crop the aspect ratio to 4:3, 5:4, 1:1, and 16:9. You access each of these preset templates rotating the options dial at the top right of the back of the camera.
3:2 Aspect Ratio
4:3 Aspect Ratio
5:4 Aspect Ratio
1:1 Aspect Ratio
16:9 Aspect Ratio
Making Adjustments
You can control the position and size of the crop.
To move the crop frame, use the the direction buttons around the OK button on the back of the camera.
To resize the crop frame, use the Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons. They’re both on the back left of the camera–the magnifying glass symbols with the plus and minus signs. As you resize the crop frame you’ll notice the pixel dimensions at the top right adjust. You’ll also notice that the resizing is a fairly blunt instrument because it adjusts in steps rather than smoothly.
Limitations
There are limitations. For one, it only applies to JPG files. If you’re shooting with the RAW NEF files, you can apply the trim and it will save a new JPG file alongside the original NEF. The original NEF will remain untouched.
For another, you can only work on a single image at once, so if you’re hoping to do it for a sequence you’ll find it exceedingly tedious.
So it’s not a true replacement for the option to set a shooting aspect ratio, and it doesn’t work well for multiple images. For more fine-tuned control or to apply the crop to multiple images at once you’ll be better off doing it in post with something like Lightroom. But it does come in handy if you want to share a photo with a different aspect ratio directly from the camera.
Where to find the Nikon D3400
You can find the Nikon D3400 at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Google Express.
Nikon D3400 Accessories
Here are some popular accessories for the Nikon D3400.
- Important:fit for Nikon DSLR D3400 Only! Not Compatible with other Nikon Camara!
- Important: Download function only. can Not charge camera!
- Easily screws on to the front of your lens, and instantly expands the field of view for breathtaking...
- Compatible with the Nikon D3400, D5600 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- NOTICE: This 55mm lens hood set is NOT FOR Canon 18-55mm Lens and Nikon "AF-S" DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR,...
- ULTIMATE LENS HOOD SET YOU NEED, Set includes: 55mm Reversible Tulip Flower lens hood, 55mm 3 Stages...
- Vertical Rotation Angle: 0~90 degrees, Horizontal Rotation Angle: 0~270 degrees; Note: Don't support TTL...
- Compatible with Canon Nikon Panasonic Olympus Pentax with Standard Hot Shoe and Sony Camera with New Mi...
- This Tempered Glass Screen Protector fits perfectly for Nikon D3400 / D3300 / D3200 / D3100. NOT FOR...
- The High-Transparency provides you high-definition clear viewing. Hydrophobic Oleophobic screen coating...
Images and product information from Amazon Product Advertising API were last updated on 2019-09-23 at 11:38.
Atiq says
How to change mega pixel for Nikon DS 3200
David says
There are a couple of ways to do it. Probably easiest is to use the main menu system on the back of the camera. Go to the Shooting Menu tab (camera icon) and then choose Image Size. You can choose from Large (6016x4000px), Medium (4512x3000px), or Small (3008x2000px). You can find an alternative way to change the image sizing using the Information button here.