Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D3400 | D5300 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2016 | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
17/08/2016 | 17/10/2013 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 124 x 98 x 76 mm | 125 x 98 x 76 mm |
| Camera weight | 445 g | 480 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.6 x 23.5 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 4 | Expeed 4 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
256003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 390300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✓ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9210001150001500000 | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✓ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14a | EN-EL14a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1200 shots1505000 | 600 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D3400 emerges as the winner with a score of 61/100, compared to the Nikon D5300‘s 57/100. Both cameras share the DSLR type and have similar dimensions, with the D3400 measuring 124 x 98 x 76mm and the D5300 measuring 125 x 98 x 76mm. The D3400 is also lighter, weighing 445g, while the D5300 weighs 480g.
The D3400 has the advantage of being more recent, released in 2016, and a lower launch price of $650 compared to the D5300’s 2013 release and $800 launch price. However, the D5300 may still offer some features that the D3400 lacks, despite its lower score. Ultimately, the D3400’s higher score and lower price make it a more attractive option for those seeking a DSLR camera with solid performance.
The Nikon D3400 and Nikon D5300 both receive a score of 65/100 for their optics, showing no difference in overall performance. These cameras share several specifications, including 24.2 megapixels, 5 fps shooting speed, a CMOS sensor, Expeed 4 processor, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and no image stabilization.
Despite having the same overall score, the D3400 has a slightly higher DXOMARK score of 86 for its sensor, compared to the D5300’s score of 83. This indicates that the D3400 may produce marginally better image quality.
On the other hand, the D5300 offers additional features that may benefit some users, although these do not directly impact the optics. It is important to consider these features when choosing between the two cameras.
Based on the optics alone, there is no clear winner between the Nikon D3400 and Nikon D5300, as they both perform equally well in this aspect. However, the D3400 has a slight edge in sensor performance, while the D5300 offers extra features. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras depends on the individual’s priorities and preferences.
The Nikon D5300 emerges as the winner in the video category with a score of 70/100, while the Nikon D3400 trails behind at 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. They also have the same maximum video frame rate of 60fps.
The winning camera, Nikon D5300, surpasses the D3400 with the inclusion of time-lapse functionality built-in. This feature allows photographers to create stunning time-lapse videos without needing additional equipment or software. This advantage makes the D5300 more versatile and appealing to videographers who require time-lapse capabilities.
The Nikon D3400, despite having a lower score, still offers solid video performance with its Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate. It may not have the time-lapse functionality, but it remains a reliable choice for users who do not require this feature. The D3400’s lower score does not mean it is a poor choice for video recording; it simply lacks the added functionality found in the D5300.
After comparing the video capabilities of both cameras, the Nikon D5300 stands out as the better choice for videographers, especially those who value time-lapse functionality. The Nikon D3400, on the other hand, remains a viable option for users who prioritize high-resolution video and fast frame rates without needing the extra time-lapse feature. Ultimately, the decision between these two cameras depends on the specific video requirements and preferences of the user.
The Nikon D3400 comes out on top with a feature score of 54/100, while the Nikon D5300 trails behind with a score of 46/100. Both cameras share a few specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, absence of a touchscreen, and having Bluetooth connectivity (D3400) or Wi-Fi (D5300) for wireless image transfers. However, the D3400 stands out in certain aspects, while the D5300 excels in others.
The D3400 has a higher feature score, which is due to its Bluetooth connectivity. This allows for seamless image transfers and remote control of the camera via a smartphone. Additionally, the D3400’s screen resolution is slightly lower at 921,000 dots, compared to the D5300’s 1,037,000 dots, but this difference is negligible in real-world usage.
On the other hand, the D5300 boasts a larger 3.2-inch screen with a flip-out design, making it more versatile for different shooting angles and situations. This camera also has built-in GPS for geotagging images and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing and remote control. However, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, which might be a downside for some users.
After comparing the features of both cameras, the Nikon D3400 stands out as the winner due to its higher score and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a more user-friendly option for those who value seamless image transfers and remote control. The Nikon D5300, however, offers more versatility with its flip-out screen, GPS, and Wi-Fi, making it a strong contender for users who prioritize these features. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on individual preferences and priorities.
The Nikon D3400 triumphs over the Nikon D5300 in storage and battery with a score of 45/100, while the D5300 lags behind at 29/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as having a single memory card slot and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. Additionally, neither camera offers USB charging, and both utilize the EN-EL14a battery type.
The D3400’s superiority in storage and battery is evident in its battery life, providing 1200 shots per charge compared to the D5300’s 600 shots. This significant difference makes the D3400 a more reliable option for extended shooting sessions.
On the other hand, the D5300 does not hold any advantage over the D3400 in terms of storage and battery. The lower score simply reflects its shorter battery life.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D3400 proves to be the better choice for those prioritizing storage and battery performance. The D5300, with its shorter battery life, may not be the ideal option for photographers who require longer shooting times without frequent battery replacement.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3400 or the Nikon D5300: