Is the Nikon D3400 STILL Worth Buying in 2024?

Summary

In this 2024 review, a user shares her experience with the Nikon D3400, an entry-level DSLR camera that she’s used for over 8 years. While praising its ease of use, portability, and solid photo performance, she highlights some major drawbacks: unreliable autofocus, poor sound quality, and a frustrating 20-minute video recording limit. Ultimately, the reviewer switched to the Sony ZV-E10 for its superior video capabilities and autofocus. While the D3400 still serves well for photography, it’s not the best choice for those focused on both photo and video in 2024.

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Q & A

Is the Nikon D3400 still worth using in 2024?

The Nikon D3400 is still worth using in 2024 if you're primarily focused on photography. It’s a reliable and lightweight DSLR that's great for beginners and offers excellent value for those just learning photography. However, it has limitations for video work, especially for creators looking for continuous recording and better sound quality.

What are the main advantages of the Nikon D3400?

The main advantages of the Nikon D3400 include its lightweight and compact design, ease of use, automatic point-and-shoot function, and the ability to swap lenses. It’s also a great camera for learning the basics of photography and comes with a separate battery charger for longer battery life.

What are the main drawbacks of the Nikon D3400?

The main drawbacks of the Nikon D3400 are its unreliable autofocus system (due to contrast detection), poor sound quality for video due to the lack of an external mic jack, and a 20-minute recording limit for video. These factors make it less suitable for serious video content creation.

Why is the autofocus on the Nikon D3400 considered problematic?

The autofocus on the Nikon D3400 is problematic because it uses contrast detection, which struggles in low light or when shooting fast-moving subjects. Users often find it more reliable to manually focus the lens rather than rely on the camera's autofocus.

What is the limitation of the Nikon D3400 in terms of video recording?

The Nikon D3400 has a 20-minute video recording limit, meaning you have to manually restart the recording every 20 minutes. This can be a significant issue for content creators who need to capture longer video sessions, like interviews or events.

How does the Sony ZV-E10 compare to the Nikon D3400 for video use?

The Sony ZV-E10 is a far better choice for video creators than the Nikon D3400. It allows for continuous video recording without the 20-minute limit, has excellent autofocus for video, and includes an external mic jack, offering superior sound quality. The ZV-E10 is specifically designed for vlogging and video content creation.

Can the Nikon D3400 still be a good option for photography in 2024?

Yes, the Nikon D3400 can still be a good option for photography in 2024, especially for those who are new to the field. It provides a simple and effective way to learn DSLR photography, and for those who are comfortable with the camera, it can still produce great photos.

Why is the sound quality on the Nikon D3400 considered a major drawback?

The sound quality on the Nikon D3400 is considered a major drawback because it has a tiny built-in microphone, which results in poor audio quality. Additionally, there is no external microphone jack to improve the audio, so users need to record sound separately, which can be cumbersome in post-production.

What camera did the reviewer switch to after using the Nikon D3400, and why?

The reviewer switched to the Sony ZV-E10 after using the Nikon D3400. The primary reasons for the switch were the Nikon's limitations in video recording (20-minute cap, poor sound quality), unreliable autofocus, and the need for a more versatile camera for video content creation.

Would the Nikon D3400 still be a good choice for someone starting out in photography in 2024?

Yes, the Nikon D3400 is still a good choice for beginners in 2024. It’s an affordable, reliable, and user-friendly camera that provides a solid foundation for learning photography. However, if you plan on creating video content, you may want to consider other options due to its video limitations.