Announced today, Nikon has updated their popular entry-level D3xxx series of cameras with the new D3400. Highlights of the new DSLR include always-connected Bluetooth for automatic sharing with mobile devices, double the battery life of the previous D3300, and image quality that is a step up from mobile photography. The D3400 will come with a new Nikkor DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens and cost $646.95, with the option to also add on the new Nikkor DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED for a total of $996.95.
Shipping on September 13, the new D3400 features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the EXPEED 4 image processor, ISO 100-25,600 native capabilities, 5 frames per second shooting, a built-in pop-up flash, and surprisingly no optical low-pass filter.
The Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor of the D3400 sports 11 phase detect points. There’s a movie mode capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video at 60/50/30/25/24p.
The main attraction and push from Nikon marketing appears to be with the Nikon SnapBridge camera-to-smartphone connectivity. According to Nikon, the camera can pair with up to five devices via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology. After the one-time setup, when a photo is taken with the D3400 it can automatically send 2 MP images directly to your devices wirelessly. This seems to be a smart move for Nikon at the entry-level in working with their greatest threat, the phone, rather than working against it and against how their potential customers already interact with photography.
This looks like quite an awesome camera for and entry level body.
I understand that cameras basically only get judged based on the last thing that was available, but it's still remarkable to me just how much value you get from entry-level cameras these days. My first DSLR was the D70 and it was awesome at the time, but now in comparison it was also fairly limiting in how much you could grow with it.
My first was a D70 too, still have it, sensor worn out I used it so much, amazing how fare we have come these days with stuff like available to the beginner segment of the market.
Its so true. We're at the stage where even the most entry level DSLR is capable of such high quality shots. Between the fantastic value cameras and all the 3rd party companies like Tamron and Sigma upping their game in recent years, it'd be a great time to be starting out and buying your first kit.
Agree. Put good glass on this camera and I will take shots with it to rival my D750.
Really interested to see how the automatic 2MP upload to phone will play out as it impacts the photographers workflow. Mobile editing only getting easier and faster!
Definitely makes it easier for Instagram/other social media usage and BTS posts, as well as perhaps sending previews to clients. I think for the average person who just wants good photos to share online, this is a huge feature. Hopefully Nikon keeps working on the app to ensure compatibility with all devices and a smooth user experience.
This is actually a pretty nice update and will make selling the Nikon Entry levels a little easier around the Camera shop I work at :D
Much more mature commenting here on this little bugger. Over at Nikon Rumors they're ripping this poor little beginner camera to shreds. They can't seem to get a grasp of it's intent. The way they're going at it, you'd think Nikon just announced this as a replacement for the D500 LOL!
Seem to be a more mature and even minded semi pros and pros on this forum. Stupid fan boys on the other. Its an ENTRY LEVEL dslr. I skipped the 3000 series and went to the D5100 for my fiancee for her xmas present . Put my 70-200mm f2.8 on it and it takes great photos.
Can I use my older manual focus AI'd lenses on this little body?