CameraReview

Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D5500 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Nikon D3400
Nikon
Nikon D3400
DSLR · 24.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
61
SCORE
$290.13
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Nikon D5500
Nikon
Nikon D5500
DSLR · 24.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
61
SCORE
$271
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Best Price →
General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20162015
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
17/08/201606/01/2015
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 124 x 98 x 76 mm124 x 97 x 70 mm
Camera weight 445 g420 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 23.515.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-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 fps0455 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 DXNikon 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 4Expeed 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
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.
256003003280000256003003280000
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.
1003020010030200
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.
256003003280000256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
400080032000400080032000
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.
110300390300
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/AN/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 HDFull 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 10801920 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 fps60 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.
MOVMOV
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 LCDLCD
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.
921000115000150000010370001150001500000
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 / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
Battery type EN-EL14aEN-EL14
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1200 shots1505000820 shots1505000
USB charging

The Nikon D3400 and Nikon D5500 both score 61/100, making them comparable DSLR cameras. They share the same camera type, announcement year, and similar dimensions, with the D3400 measuring 124 x 98 x 76mm and the D5500 at 124 x 97 x 70mm. The D5500 is slightly lighter at 420g compared to the D3400’s 445g.

The D3400 has a lower launch price of $650, making it more affordable than the D5500’s $900. However, the D5500 was released in 2015, a year earlier than the D3400. Each camera has its advantages, with the D3400 being more budget-friendly and the D5500 having a longer market presence. Ultimately, the choice depends on the user’s preferences and budget.

Nikon D3400 vs D5500 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D3400 and Nikon D5500 both score 65/100 in optics, showing no clear winner in this category. They share several specifications, including 24.2 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, a CMOS sensor type, an Expeed 4 processor, an APS-C sensor size, a Nikon F DX lens mount, and a lack of image stabilization.

Despite having the same score, the D3400 has a slight edge in terms of sensor performance, with a DXOMARK score of 86, compared to the D5500’s 84. This means the D3400’s sensor provides marginally better image quality, specifically in areas such as dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance.

On the other hand, the D5500 does not have any particular advantages in optics over the D3400. Both cameras possess the same specifications in this area, resulting in similar image quality and performance. The D5500 does not offer any additional features or improvements that would give it an edge in the optics category.

In comparing the optics of the Nikon D3400 and Nikon D5500, it is evident that both cameras have similar specifications and performance. The D3400 has a minor advantage in sensor performance, but this difference is not significant enough to declare a clear winner. Both cameras are suitable for users seeking quality optics in their photography.

Nikon D3400 vs D5500 Video Performance

The Nikon D5500 emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison, with a score of 70/100, while the Nikon D3400 scores 56/100. Both cameras share common specifications in this category, such as Full HD video resolution, maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps.

The Nikon D5500 outperforms the D3400 in terms of video capabilities primarily due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to capture stunning time-lapse videos with ease, without requiring any additional equipment or software. This makes the D5500 a more versatile option for videographers looking to add creative elements to their work.

On the other hand, the Nikon D3400 does not have any specific advantages in the video category. However, it is worth noting that the D3400 shares the same core video specifications with the D5500, making it a capable option for standard video recording tasks.

Taking these points into consideration, the Nikon D5500 is the superior choice for those prioritizing video capabilities, offering additional creative possibilities through its time-lapse functionality. The Nikon D3400, while not excelling in this category, remains a viable option for basic video recording needs, sharing the same fundamental specifications with the D5500.

Nikon D3400 vs D5500 Features and Benefits

The Nikon D5500 wins in the features comparison with a score of 59/100, while the Nikon D3400 scores 54/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as a 3-inch screen size, screen resolution of 921,000 dots, and the absence of GPS. However, the D5500 excels in certain aspects that give it an edge over the D3400.

The D5500 has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches and a higher screen resolution of 1,037,000 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed display. Additionally, the D5500 features a touchscreen, making navigation and menu selections more efficient. The D5500 also has a flip screen, which is useful for capturing images and videos from various angles. With built-in WiFi, the D5500 allows for easy sharing and transferring of files, a feature that the D3400 lacks.

On the other hand, the D3400 has Bluetooth connectivity, enabling remote control of the camera and seamless file transfers to compatible devices. This is a feature that the D5500 does not possess. However, this advantage does not significantly impact the overall performance and usability of the cameras.

In the features comparison, the Nikon D5500 proves to be a better choice due to its larger screen size, higher screen resolution, touchscreen, flip screen, and WiFi connectivity. The D3400’s advantage of having Bluetooth connectivity does not outweigh the benefits provided by the D5500’s superior features. Therefore, the Nikon D5500 is the winner in this comparison.

Nikon D3400 vs D5500 Storage and Battery

The Nikon D3400 emerges as the winner in the storage and battery category with a score of 45/100, while the Nikon D5500 trails behind with a score of 35/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as having a single memory card slot and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. Neither camera offers USB charging.

The Nikon D3400 outperforms the D5500 in battery life, providing 1200 shots per charge with its EN-EL14a battery, compared to the D5500’s 820 shots using the EN-EL14 battery. This longer battery life makes the D3400 a more reliable option for extended shooting sessions.

However, the Nikon D5500 does not have any advantages in storage and battery over the D3400. As a result, the D3400 proves to be the superior option in this aspect, offering greater reliability and endurance for photographers who prioritize extended battery life.

Nikon D3400 vs D5500 – Our Verdict

Nikon D3400 vs D5500 Comparison image.

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 D5500: