Nikon's entry-level DX DSLR with Bluetooth and excellent battery life.
The Nikon D3400 was introduced in August 2016, succeeding the D3300 with two primary changes: the addition of Snapbridge Bluetooth Low Energy for automatic low-power image transfer to a paired smartphone, and the removal of the WU-1a Wi-Fi adapter socket present on the D3300. The 24.2MP DX CMOS sensor omits the optical low-pass filter, consistent with the D3300, and pairs with the EXPEED 4 processor. Battery life of approximately 1200 shots per CIPA charge became one of the D3400's most-cited practical advantages.
The 24.2MP DX CMOS sensor pairs with the EXPEED 4 processor. The 11-point AF system provides one central cross-type point; the remaining ten are line-sensitive, limiting reliable off-axis acquisition to the centre point. At 5fps the burst rate suits casual action and sequential shooting. 1080p video records at up to 60fps. Battery life is rated at approximately 1200 shots per charge using the EN-EL14a — among the highest CIPA figures for an entry-level DSLR, sufficient for extended full-day shooting on a single battery. At approximately 445g with battery and card the body is compact. A single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot handles storage.
For everyday photography the D3400 is a competent entry-level DSLR whose no-low-pass-filter sensor extracts fine detail at base ISO — a visible sharpness advantage over filtered equivalents. The 11-point AF system is adequate for static and slow-moving subjects in OVF mode; the single cross-type centre point limits tracking for fast or erratic subjects. Battery endurance is the standout practical characteristic: at approximately 1200 shots per charge the D3400 outlasts most entry mirrorless cameras and many mid-range DSLRs by a meaningful margin. Snapbridge provides automatic low-power transfer in the background without requiring a dedicated Wi-Fi session.
On the used market the D3400 is affordable and widely available. The EN-EL14a battery is shared with the D5500, D5600, and several other Nikon bodies — spares are widely available. Condition checks: AF motor response, sensor for dust, and rear screen for any damage. The D3500 (2018) is a modest further step in the same product family. Non-AF-S Nikon lenses requiring a body-side AF motor will not autofocus on the D3400.