The Nikon D3400 features a 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, for sharp detailed images, and the camera has an ISO range from ISO100 to ISO25600, with an extended “Night Vision” mode that extends the ISO range even further.

The camera has built-in Bluetooth for low-power image transfer, using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi.

In kit form, the D3400 comes with an updated AF-P NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens which does away with the VR and AF/MF buttons. Instead, you can use the camera’s menus to change these settings.

The D3400 updates the D3300 with:

Bluetooth
Improved battery life of up to 1200 shots
Black shutter release button
Weaker GN7 (8 with manual) Flash (vs GN12)

There are numerous features and shooting modes to make the camera easier to use for beginners, including scene modes, a built-in guide mode, special effects, and auto shooting modes. When you’ve got used to the more basic shooting modes, you can then move on to full manual controls if you want.

The camera records FullHD video at 60/50p with mono sound.

Battery life is impressive, with the camera now offering up to 1200 shots, an improvement over the D3300’s already good 700 shots.

There is 11-point auto focus (AF) with the focus points highlighted in the optical viewfinder. As well as the traditional optical viewfinder, which has a dioptre adjuster, you can use Live View which is activated by a button on the rear.

The photo retouch menu lets you edit photos, where there are a range of tools and effects. Options include Resize, Quick Retouch and Straighten as well as effects including Selective Colour, Colour Sketch, and Miniature Effect. Active D-Lighting helps retain more detail in the dark and bright areas of high-contrast lighting conditions.