Photography News Issue 40

Photography News | Issue 40 | absolutephoto.com

Camera test 46

Specs

Price £359 body only, £409 with 18- 55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-P VR kit Sensor 24.2 megapixels Sensor format 23.5x15.6mm DX, CMOS ISORange 100-25,600 in steps of 1EV Shutter range 1/4000sec to 30secs, in steps of 1/3EV, Bulb, Time Drivemodes Up to 5fps Metering system Matrix metering: 3D Color Matrix metering II, centre-weighted metering and spot metering: EV2-20 range. Matrix and centre- weighted metering EV0-20 Exposuremodes PASM, scene modes, special effect modes Exposure compensation +/- 5EV (1/3 steps) Monitor 3in TFT LCD with 921K dots Focusing Single-point, dynamic-area, auto- area, 3D tracking (11 points) Focus points 11 focus points (including one cross-type sensor) Video 1920x1080: 60p (progressive), 1280x720: 60p Connectivity Hi-Speed USB, with Micro- USB connector, Type C HDMI connector, Bluetooth Specification Version 4.1, SnapBridge Storage media SD, SDHC (UHS I compliant) SDXC (UHS I compliant) Dimensions (wxhxd) 124x98x75.5mm Weight 445g Contact nikon.co.uk

Nikon D3400 While Nikon has recently released a number of cameras aimed at pros and enthusiasts with the D5, D500 and D5600, the D3400 is its latest entry-level DSLR offering. With an ISO range of 100-25,600 the D3400 has an increase of one stop compared with its predecessor the D3300. It boasts a 24.2-megapixel DX-format sensor offering high- quality images in a compact body that weighs just 445g. Even when attaching the 18-55mm kit lens the D3400 is a lightweight option and is easy to handle. To make the kit even more portable the lens can be retracted when not in use to take up even less space in your bag, clicking into place with a button on the top. The lensmust be extended into place before you are able to start shooting and the camera will display a message to inform you to rotate the zoom ring to extend the lens. portraits, macro, sports and more. The D3400 also has an in-camera Guide Mode which can be accessed easily from the top dial. Within this guide it offers a limited menu with handy tips and advice to help you set up your camera and choose the best settings for different subjects. While aimed at beginners and enthusiasts the inclusion of a manual mode lets you take full control so as you develop your photography skills you can advance further with the same camera. The shutter speed dial is positioned on the back of the camera, while aperture can be changed by holding down the exposure compensation button in front of the shutter. ISO can be altered by holding down the Fn button on the left of the camera, again using the same dial to change it. All of these buttons are in easy reach, but alternatively you can change the ISO by hitting the ‘i’ button and using the directional pad to switch between other settings suchaswhite-balance, imagequality, focus mode, AF-area and metering without accessing the menu. connectivity. By downloading the SnapBridge app to your smart phone you can transfer lo-res files from your camera to your phone, even when shooting and also while the camera is in sleep mode. You can then upload themdirectly fromyour smartphone to your favourite social networking sites or email them to friends and family. While other Nikon camera models feature Wi-Fi the D3400 doesn’t, which means that while you can transfer lo-res files you won’t be able to transfer full resolution images or shoot remotely using the SnapBridge app. SnapBridge uses low-energy Bluetooth, to help avoid draining the battery life of your camera, and thanks to a low-energy design and a high-capacity battery Nikon claims that on one full charge As the first entry-level DSLR from Nikon to boast SnapBridge connectivity, the D3400 has a range of features allowing you to do everything in camera while offering a helping hand to help you capture your best images Review and pictures by Jemma Dodd As an entry-level camera it’s ideal for beginners and has a limited number of buttons on the back including playbackmaking it simple to use. In addition to the usual PASM modes, which can be found on other Nikon DSLRs, there are also dedicated modes which include The D3400 is Nikon’s first entry- level DSLR to feature SnapBridge the D3400 can capture up to 1200 shots. The D3400 also has creative filters which you can apply to your photos after shooting with the retouchmenu. You canalsouse them by simply switching the top dial to Effects and using the dial on the right of the camera to swap between filters, including Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Selective Colour, Silhouette, High key, Low key, Night Vision, Super Vivid, Pop and Photo Illustration. Once you have chosen a filter to use, simply press OK and then switch to Live View which will allowyou to preview the filter before you shoot. Full HD video recording is also included and can be accessed by pressing the (Lv) Live View button and then the red button on the top of camera to begin recording. While aimed at beginners and enthusiasts the inclusion of a manual mode lets you take full control...

Above The D3400 is well equipped to help beginners get more from their photography, yet there is also the potential with a full set of exposure modes for more creativity as their camera skills develop.