The Nikon D3400 is a 24-megapixel DX format DSLR from Nikon. It’s designed as an entry-level DSLR, and was released in August 2016. It uses Nikon F-mount lenses.
It replaced the D3300, and the D3400 was replaced by the D3500 in August 2018.
These are the posts on this site that are mostly or substantially about shooting with the Nikon D3400.
The Nikon D3400 has three separate reset options — a full reset plus two targeted ones for setup and shooting menus — and none of them touch firmware or erase your memory card. Here's exactly what each one changes.
Turning on the D3400's self-timer takes one button press, but it also has delay and shot-count settings worth knowing. Here's how to set it up and put it to use for group shots or long exposures.
The Nikon D3400 can shoot bursts at up to 5 frames per second, but buffer size and flash settings affect how it performs. Here's how to turn on continuous mode, read the buffer indicator, and avoid the quirks that catch people out.
Updating the Nikon D3400's firmware is simple once you know the steps — from checking your current version to downloading, installing, and confirming the update without interrupting it.
The Nikon D3400 won't shoot a single frame without an SD card, and getting one in correctly is the first thing you'll need to do with your new camera. Here's how to insert, format, and remove it safely, plus a few things worth knowing about the D3400's card slot.
Formatting your Nikon D3400's SD card regularly helps prevent file corruption and flags compatibility issues early. Here's exactly where to find the option in the menu and what it actually does to your card.
The Nikon D3400 shoots video, and it has surprisingly good video quality at the price point, but it also comes with real limits: 1080p at up to 60fps, low bitrates, a 20-minute recording cap, and no external mic input. Here's exactly what it can and can't do, plus how to start recording.
Getting photos and videos off a Nikon D3400 isn't obvious if it's your first DSLR. Here are three ways to do it — USB cable, memory card reader, or wireless via SnapBridge — with the upsides and catches of each.
By default, the Nikon D3400's Live View will turn itself off after 10 minutes. You can bump that up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Unlike many cameras, the Nikon D3400 won't charge its battery over USB while it's still in the camera. Here's why, which charger and battery models you actually need (EN-EL14a, MH-24), and which aftermarket options are worth considering.
Changing the aperture on a Nikon D3400 depends on your lens and shooting mode. Here's exactly which dial or button to use in Aperture-Priority and Manual mode with common lenses.
If the Bluetooth option on your Nikon D3400 is grayed out, that's normal — it can only be activated through the SnapBridge app, not the camera's Bluetooth menu. Here's exactly how to pair it and fix common connection problems.
Yes, the Nikon D3400 shoots video up to 1080p60, but starting a recording isn't obvious. Here are direct answers to the video, RAW, battery, and Wi-Fi questions readers keep asking about it.
Just like old-school film cameras, the Nikon D3400 has options for imprinting date and time information in the bottom corner of the photo. Here's how it works.
I've been out shooting with the Nikon D3400. Here's a collection of images taken across the D3400's ISO range (ISO 100 through ISO 25600) to give a sense of how it performs under low light conditions at high ISOs.
Here are some samples of photos I've taken with Nikon's AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR to give a sense of how it performs in real-world shooting. It's a versatile zoom lens designed for Nikon's F-mount DX DSLRs.
The Nikon D3400 doesn't offer the option to choose a different aspect ratio when taking photos, but here's a partial workaround that works for small numbers of images at a time.
Here are some practical examples that show the zoom range of the Nikon 18-55mm lens in case you're trying to decide which lens bundle to go with.
Running low on power mid-shoot is inevitable, so here's a practical look at Nikon D3400 battery and charger options — from the stock EN-EL14a to Wasabi Power spares and USB chargers worth carrying.
The Nikon D3400 offers several ways to change ISO, from quick manual adjustments with the Fn button and dial to customizable Auto ISO behavior. Here's how each method works, and when to use it.
A look at real Nikon D3400 sample photos, shot mostly RAW with the 18-55mm kit lens and 50mm prime across varied lighting, with settings listed for each shot and full-resolution versions to click through.
Nikon removed the D3400's Easy Panorama mode, so getting a seamless panorama now means shooting overlapping tiles manually and stitching them yourself. Here's the full two-step process, from camera settings to software.
The Nikon D3400 DSLR has two color space options in its settings. Here's an explanation of which to use when.
The Nikon D3400 has a number of options you can choose relating to image quality, image file formats, and size. Here's a rundown of what they mean and which is best for what.
My name is David Coleman, and this is my site. I take photos for a living. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Underwater. And a bunch of places in between. I'm based in Washington, D.C.
This site is where I post practical photography help, tips, and troubleshooting.
All posts and reviews on this site are written by me. And I only review gear with which I have personal hands-on experience. By a photographer, for photographers. More about me.
© 2009-2026 David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel LLC
Photos by David Coleman. Please contact me for licensing images. Images are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Have Camera Will Travel LLC | 901 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203 | +1.703.942.9245
