Nikon D3400 Kit

Hands-on research

Features and Specs

Product Research

Recording Features
Lens Features
Playback, Editing And Printing Functions
Connections
Battery Information
Software

Recording Features

Overview: The Nikon D3400 18-55 VR Lens Kit includes the Nikon D3400 digital SLR camera body, and the AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm, f/3.5-5.6G VR standard zoom lens. The kit also includes the EN-EL14a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack, and the MH-24 battery charger.

LCD Monitor: The Nikon D3400 has a 3" TFT LCD monitor featuring approximately 921,000 dots and adjustable brightness (-5 to +5). The large 3" LCD monitor can display shooting information such as shutter speed, aperture, and number of exposures remaining as well as the settings currently applied. You can choose from a classic information display or a graphic display.

Live View: The camera features Live View, which allows you to frame your photographs in the monitor instead of the viewfinder. When the Live View button is pressed, the mirror is raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the monitor. The subject will no longer be visible in the viewfinder. The Live View display will show up to 13 items, including shooting, focus, and AF-area modes, along with other status indicators. You can opt to hide many of the indicators, or overlay a framing grid in the monitor.

Optical Viewfinder: The D3400 uses a fixed eye-level penta-mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder with a built-in diopter adjustment to set the viewfinder to your personal eyesight (with or without glasses). The viewfinder's coverage area is approximately 95% horizontal and vertical. During self-timer or remote control operation when your eye does not cover the viewfinder eyepiece, stray light may enter the eyepiece and affect the exposure when the image is captured. To prevent this, you can use an optional eyepiece cap to cover the eyepiece.

Image Sensor: The D3400 features a 23.5mm x 15.6mm DX-format CMOS image sensor with a total pixel count of approximately 24.72 million pixels and an effective pixel count of approximately 24.2 million.

Recording Media: The camera records images on SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, including UHS-I compliant cards. Cards rated UHS Speed Class 3 or better are recommended for movie recording. No SD cards are included with the camera. The camera has no internal memory.

Still Image Formats: The D3400 records still images in JPEG and NEF (RAW) formats. You can choose from the following Image Quality and Image Size settings:

Movie Recording: The D3400 records 16:9 movies in Full HD and HD, in MOV file format with H.264/MPEG-4 advanced video coding. Linear PCM audio is recorded by the built-in monaural microphone. Movies can be recorded in the following frame sizes, image quality, and rates:

Focus Modes: You can choose from the following autofocus and manual focus modes:

• Auto-servo AF (AF-A): Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus if subject is stationary, and continuous-servo autofocus if subject is moving.
• Single-servo Autofocus (AF-S): For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
• Continuous-servo Autofocus (AF-C): For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutter release button is pressed halfway.
• Manual (M): Manual focus is available for lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or when autofocus does not produce the desired results.

AF Assist Illuminator: The built-in AF assist illuminator enables the camera to focus even when the subject is poorly lit. This feature will light automatically to assist the autofocus operation when the shutter release button is pressed halfway. It has an operating range of 1'-8" to 9'-10". The length of some telephoto or zoom lenses may block the illuminator's light, making the feature ineffective or unavailable.

AF-Area Modes: The D3400 offers a choice of four focus areas that together cover a wide area of the frame. The AF-area mode determines how the focus area is selected and what happens if the subject moves out of the selected focus area while the camera is still focusing. You can choose one of the following AF-area modes:

• Single Point: You select the focus area manually and the camera focuses on the subject in the selected focus area only. The selection can be made from any one of the eleven AF spot sensors.
• Dynamic Area: In AF-A and AF-C modes, the user selects focus point manually but camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points if subject briefly leaves the selected point.
• Auto Area: Camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point.
• 3D-Tracking (11 points): In AF-A and AF-C focus modes, you select the focus point using the multi-selector. If subject moves after camera has focused, camera uses 3D tracking to select new focus point and keep focus locked on original subject while shutter release pressed halfway. If subject leaves viewfinder, you will need to remove finger from shutter release button and recompose photo with subject in the selected focus point.

Focus Lock: Focus Lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in one of the focus points in the final composition.

Release Modes: The camera can take pictures one at a time, or continuously as long as the shutter release button is pressed. You can also take photos using the self-timer or with an optional remote control. The camera allows you to choose from the following Release Modes:

• Single Frame: The camera takes one photograph each time the shutter release button is pressed
• Continuous: The camera records photographs up to 5 frames per second while the shutter release button is held down.
• Quiet Shutter Release: The camera takes a single photograph, as in Single Frame mode, except that the camera makes no shutter sound when shooting or beep when focusing.
• Self-timer: This mode can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portraits. The shutter is released about 2, 5, 10, or 20 seconds after shutter-release button is pressed depending on setting. You can set the camera to take 1-9 exposures.
• Delayed Remote: Shutter is released 2 seconds after the shutter release button on the optional ML-L3 remote is pressed.
• Quick-response Remote: Shutter is released when the shutter release button on the optional ML-L3 remote is pressed.

Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II: The D3400's 3D Color Matrix Metering II evaluates each scene for brightness, color, contrast, size and position of shadows and highlights, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, comparing that information against an onboard database of more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes. The result delivers instantly and precisely determined exposures for each scene, even in challenging lighting conditions. It is active when using type E or G lenses.

Metering: You can choose from the following Metering Modes to determine how the camera sets exposure:

• Matrix: Produces natural results in most situations. Camera uses 420-pixel RGB sensor to meter a wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and with type E or G lenses, range information. (See 3D Color Matrix Metering II above). With other CPU lenses, the camera uses color matrix metering II, which does not include 3D range information.
• Center-weighted: The camera meters the entire frame but assigns greatest weight (75%) to center area.
• Spot: The camera meters exposure in active focus point only. This ensures that the subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.

Shooting Modes: The Mode Dial on the top of the camera offers a choice of shooting modes, divided into the following categories:

• Guide Mode: The Guide Mode gives you access to a variety of frequently-used and useful functions. In the Guide Mode, you can shoot photos, view and/or delete pictures, or change camera settings.
• Auto Modes: You can choose from two Auto modes for simple point-and-shoot photography: Auto and Auto (Flash Off).
• P, S, A, and M Modes: Select one of these modes for full control over the camera settings: Programmed Auto, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, and Manual.
• Scene Modes: The camera automatically optimizes the settings to suit the scene selected with the mode dial. Scene modes include Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait.
• Special Effects Modes: Special effects that can be used during shooting include: Night Vision, Super Vivid, Pop, Photo Illustration, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key, and Low Key.

Scene Auto Selector: When in Live View in Auto or Auto Flash Off modes, the camera will automatically analyze the subject and select the appropriate shooting mode when autofocus is enabled. Modes that can be selected include: Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, and Night Portrait.

AE/AF Lock: If your subject is off-centered in the frame, it can become difficult to achieve proper exposure and focus. By engaging the AE/AF Lock feature, you can focus and meter on your subject, lock the exposure and focus by pressing the shutter release button halfway, then recompose your shot before taking the picture. You can choose from the following AE/AF Lock settings.

• AE/AF Lock: both focus and exposure lock while the AE/AF lock button is pressed
• AE Lock only: exposure locks while the AE/AF lock button is pressed while the focus is unaffected
• AF Lock only: focus locks while the AE/AF lock button is pressed while the exposure is unaffected align
• AE Lock Hold: exposure locks when the AE/AF lock button is pressed and remains locked until the button is pressed again
• AF-On: the AE/AF button initiates autofocus while the shutter-release button cannot be used to focus

Exposure Compensation: You can alter the exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. You can adjust the exposure from -5.0 to +5.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps while shooting in P, S, A, and M modes.

White Balance: White balance is used to preserve natural colors under different types of lighting. When the camera is set to one of the exposure modes, you can choose one of the following white balance options: Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, and Preset Manual.

Note: In addition to the the basic White Balance options, the camera features Color Temperature settings for specific types of lighting. You can choose from Sodium-vapor lamps, Incandescent/Warm-white fluorescent, White fluorescent, Cool-white fluorescent, Day white fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Daylight Fluorescent, Shade, and high temp Mercury-vapor lamps.

ISO Sensitivity: ISO Sensitivity is the digital equivalent of film speed. When lighting is poor, the camera will automatically increase sensitivity, permitting faster exposures, and minimizing blur caused by inadvertent camera movement, up to a maximum equivalent of ISO 25600. In most shooting modes, you can manually select from ISO settings 100 to 25600, with incremental steps of 1 EV.

Active D-Lighting: Nikon's Active D-Lighting can correct exposure issues due to difficult lighting conditions instantly and automatically while you shoot. Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast.

Built-in Flash/Optional Speedlights: The camera comes with a convenient built-in pop-up flash. When using the built-in flash, you can choose from the following flash modes:

• Auto Flash Modes: Auto, Auto + Red-Eye Reduction, Auto Slow Sync + Red-Eye Reduction, Auto Slow Sync, and Flash Off.
• Manual Flash Modes (in P, S, A, and M modes): Fill Flash, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync + Red Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain Sync + Slow Sync, and Rear Curtain Sync.

Accessory Shoe: The camera's accessory shoe, located above the viewfinder, allows you to add an optional Speedlight for more creative flash photography. Nikon Speedlights offer intelligent through-the-lens (i-TTL) flash control and bounce flash capability for a more natural lighting effect without strong shadows. Some Speedlights give you wireless multiple-flash operation through the Nikon Creative Lighting System. The shoe is compatible with the flagship SB-5000, SB-700, and SB-300, and others. The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units.

Picture Controls: You can choose from the following Picture Control options:

• Standard: Standard processing for balanced results--recommended for most situations.
• Neutral: Minimal processing for natural results. Choose for photos that will later be extensively processed or retouched.
• Vivid: Pictures are enhanced for a vivid photoprint effect. Choose for photographs that emphasize primary colors.
• Monochrome: takes photos in black and white
• Portrait: lowers contrast while lending natural texture and rounded feel
• Landscape: produces vibrant landscapes and cityscapes
• Flat: for photographs that will later be extensively processing or retouched.

Lens Features

18-55mm VR Lens: This package includes the AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR standard zoom lens. This lens is part of Nikon's new "P" series of lenses, using a pulse motor (utilizing stepping motors) for ultra-fast, near silent autofocus. The lens is optimized for DX-format cameras, but can be used with FX-format cameras in DX Crop Mode. The lens includes a 55mm snap-on front lens cap and a slip-on rear lens cap.

Nikon Lens Features: The Nikon 18-55mm lens has the following Nikon lens technologies:

• Pulse Motor (P): Nikon's new "P" series of lenses use a pulse motor (utilizing stepping motors) for smoother and quieter focusing, compared to previous drive systems. This type of drive system is very quiet, making it ideal for shooting video.
• Super Integrated Coating (SIC): The lens features a multi-layered coating of the optical elements.
• M/A: The lens can be used in manual or automatic focusing. You can easily and seamlessly switch from one mode to another with no lag time by simply turning the focusing ring.
• Vibration Reduction (VR): Nikon's Vibration Reduction helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, and allows shutter speeds up to 4.0 stops slower than without VR. Vibration Reduction applies lens shift correction using voice coil motors (VCMs).
• Aspherical Lens Elements (AS): The lens contains Aspherical lens elements which contain non-spherical surfaces on either or both sides to eliminate certain types of lens aberration.

Specifications:

Playback, Editing And Printing Functions

Nikon SnapBridge: The Nikon D3400 is compatible with SnapBridge, which establishes a connection between the camera and a compatible smart device. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and the SnapBridge app, your photos and videos are automatically transferred from the camera to your smart device as they are taken. They can also be uploaded to cloud storage services, such as Nikon Image Space, for access from several devices. The SnapBridge app is compatible with the following:

• iOS: 8.4 or later, 9.1 or later, 10
  • Available from iTunes
• Android: Android 5.0 or later, 6.0.1 or later, 7.0
  • Available from Google Play

Auto Image Rotation: Photographs taken while this feature is set to "On" allow the image to be played back automatically in the orientation it was taken, including Landscape, Portrait (rotated clockwise) or Portrait (rotated counter-clockwise). When viewing the photos on your computer using ViewNX-i or Capture NX-D software, the photos recording with Auto Image Orientation turned on will display at the proper orientation.

Rotate Tall: Portrait photos are displayed in tall orientation during playback. This feature can be turned off in the menu, if desired.

Image Review: When this setting is enabled, the camera displays the image on the LCD monitor after the picture is taken. You can choose how long photographs are displayed in the monitor after shooting. If Image Review is turned off, pictures can only be displayed by pressing the playback button.

Single-Image Playback: During single-image playback, you can view all the pictures stored on the memory card one at a time.

Thumbnail Playback: This feature allows you to view 4, 9, or 72 images at once on the LCD monitor so that you can search for an image quickly. You can also choose a calendar playback, sorted by date.

Image Retouch: Once you have taken a photo, you can create trimmed or retouched copies through the Retouch Menu. You can choose from the following options: NEF (RAW) processing, Trim, Resize, D-Lighting, Quick retouch, Red-eye correction, Straighten, Distortion control, Perspective control, Fisheye, Filter effects, Monochrome, Image overlay, Color outline, Photo illustration, Color sketch, Miniature effect, Selective color, Painting, Edit movie, and Side-by-side comparison.

Slide Show: This features plays photographs back in an automatic slide show manner. You can set the frame interval to 2, 3, 5, or 10 seconds. Transition effects (each frame is pushed out of the display by the following frame) can be turned on or off.

Playback Zoom: During single-image and thumbnail playback, you can zoom in on the selected image. You can zoom in up to 38x for large images, up to 28x for medium images, and up to 19x for small images. Once the image is enlarged, you can pan around the image on the LCD monitor using the multi selector.

Playback Menu: The playback menu includes the following options: Delete, Playback folder, Playback display options, Image Review, Auto Image Rotation, Rotate Tall, Slide Show, Rating, and Select to send to smart device.

Protecting Images: The protect feature allows you to protect important images from accidental erasure.

PictBridge Printing Capability: You can connect this camera directly to a PictBridge-compliant printer. PictBridge allows you to connect the camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer and make prints, regardless of brand. A Micro-USB cable is required for connecting the camera to the printer.

Connections

Micro USB Port: The Nikon D3400 has a Micro USB port for connecting the camera to your computer for uploading photos and videos, or for updating the camera firmware. The port is USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatible. No USB cable is included with the camera.

Mini HDMI: When playing back movies and high resolution still images, you can connect the camera to your HDTV via an optional Mini-HDMI cable (Type C).

Battery Information

Li-ion Battery Pack: The D3400 comes with the EN-EL14a rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1230mAh, 8.9Wh), with the capacity of approximately 1200 shots per charge (using supplied lens) or approximately 60 minutes of continuous movie recording (at 1080/60p).

Battery Charger: The camera comes with a Battery Charger (MH-24) to the charge the supplied Li-ion battery pack. The MH-24 will charge the EN-EL14a battery pack in approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.

Auto Off Timers: This feature allows you to choose how long the monitor and exposure meters remain on when no operations are performed to prevent battery drain. You can choose from the following four selections:

Optional AC Adapter: The optional EH-5b AC adapter and optional EP-5A power connector are recommended for extended playback.

Software

ViewNX-i: No software is included with the D3400. You can download Nikon's ViewNX-i software for uploading and viewing pictures and videos. In addition, Nikon's Capture NX-D, which launches within ViewNX-i, can be used for editing and fine-tuning photos, and to change the settings of NEF (RAW) images and convert them to other formats. For editing movies and creating multi-media projects, ViewNX-Movie Editor software (included with ViewNX-i) can be used.

Supported Operating Systems: ViewNX-i software is compatible with the following operating systems:

• Windows: Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise), Windows 8.1 (including Pro and Enterprise), and Windows 7 (Home Basic, Home Premium Service Pack 1, Professional SP1, Enterprise SP1, and Ultimate SP1)
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.12, 10.11.6, or 10.10.5

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