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Can't decide of my first camera (D3400/D5300)

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TheUnreal

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So after alot of reviews I finally made it to 2 cameras:

1. Nikon D3400, KIT: 18-55 AF-P VR

2. Nikon D5300, KIT: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

* I'm am willing to do image processing using Photoshop and Lightroom for most of my photos. WIll be used to photo special events, mostly people and friends, my dog, and a my ski vacation

Why I want the D3400:

1. Newer

2. Supports the new AF-P Nikon lenses

3. better overall score at DXOMARK (https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Com...Nikon-D5500-versus-Nikon-D5300___1105_998_919)

4. Better battery life

5. More autofocus modes

Why I want the D5300:

1. More focus points

2. Wi-fi

Hope you can help me decide. Thanks!
 
If you can, you should go to a store where you are able to try out both cameras in your hands to check out the feel and operation of each. In particular, check out the autofocus features and how they work - having used older Nikon DSLR's with the 11 AF points, I found the single cross-type sensor to be a weakness in consistently capturing focus when photographing moving objects. The 39-point system on the D5300 features nine of the cross-type sensors and this will result in a significant improvement in focusing ability. It really does make a difference in my opinion. Good luck!
 
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In my opinion, D5xxx is throwing out money compared to D3xxx unless you absolutely must have an articulated screen. You don't really get any of the higher end goods by buying D5xxx, no secondary screen, no AF motor, no dual wheels, no dual cards, no bigger viewfinder... you are basically buying D3xxx with a few mostly useless tricks (excluding the articulated screen).

Focus points? I'd have a hard time remembering when was the last time I used any other than the central point. I wouldn't even want to, they are almost never as accurate as the central one, if need be, I switch to liveview with unlimited number of focus points.
Wifi, well if you really need it you must get it, personally I don't see it finding it's way into my workflow anytime soon: Capture raw - copy to computer - process in Lightroom - tweak in Photoshop if needed - export to jpeg.

I'd get the D3200 if it's still out there new, cheaper while it's the same camera as D3400 if not better given some of the D3400 cripples. Nikon (and other) dlsrs tech progress has been pretty much stagnating since the appearance of D3200/D7100, nothing really significant has happened, so why race the consumerism race?

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There is no difference in IQ between the 2 lens, both are as good as each other. In fact you may well find that you will become restricted with either lens and over time will buy something else anyway as your standard kit lens.

There is no real difference associated with the newness of the sensor in the D3400, the D5300 is just as good.

So what you are paying for is the extra features in the D5300. I use the articulated screen extensively. I use the GPS functionality a lot, like most of the time. I don't care much about Wi-Fi but it does mean some extra control over remote shooting.

The main thing though is the articulated screen, it allows much more composition opportunities than you will ever get without one. No more pictures of the back of peoples heads when shooting over a crowd, the ability to take low down shots without getting on your hands and knees. Put your camera on a long pole and take pictures you will never be able to take without an articulated screen, elephants look far more impressive taken from ground level for example. (Put your camera on a monopod with a remote release, lean it over the side of your land rover and take your pictures of the elephant herd from ground level as they walk past.)

The extra AF points are significant if you short a lot of moving objects.

The D3400 has none of these features but costs less and will take great photos.
 
I meant shoot not short.
 
Hi,

As a Nikon D3300 and former D5300 owner my advise is to get the D3300 instead of D3400 as
  • I has the exact same sensor as the D3400 and D5300 (and actually all the newer Nikon DX bodies, like D7100, D7200, D5500), so you will get the same picture quality.
  • It is cheaper
  • It has all the features of the D3400 minus the SnapBridge. But since you are also considering the D5300 I think you don't need Snapbridge. If you need Wifi, just get a wifi card.
  • It is better than D3400 because has built in sensor cleaning. D3400 doesn't have it anymore.
  • The battery is practically the same. D3400 is graded for more shots because they reduced the flash power and CIPA standards measure battery capacity with half of the shots done with full flash. So battery is the same, flash is actually weaker.
  • D3300 works with AF-P lenses just fine, worst case you need to do a firmware upgrade
Now D5300 actually has more features, buy it if you need
  • More focus points. This is useful if you use Auto focus area, but be aware that cameras usually focus on the closest object they found. I find this restrictive and usually use single point, for most of the cases the center one. Having more focus point is better, but that alone did not justify the price difference for me.
  • Articulating screen. It is nice, I like it, especially for video. But please consider the following:
    - If you want to do video, Nikon is not the best tool for that. Autofocus is just bad (in all the bodies, not just these ones) and you don't have focus peaking
    - For stills, you should not count on live view either, unless you capture static objects on a tripod. For anything moving shooting from live view is not good, bot the D3300 and D5300 have around 1sec shutter delay in live view.
    I bought an used D5300 especially for the articulating screen to do better videos and low profile shots of my 1 year old daugther, it is just not worked. I sold the D5300 and kept the D3300 as it did not justify the price difference.
  • Built-in HDR and bracketing. Can be handy when doing landscapes.
  • Built in wifi and gps - I never used those on D5300
So overall advice: get an used D3300 (one with 10-20k shutter count is still practically new) and get a 18-105 lens and a 35mm f1.8g for the rest of the money. If you grow out the body or any of the lenses, just sell it with minor money loss.
Get the D5300 or AF-P lens only if you want to do video. But if so, probably you should look at other brands.
 
TheUnreal said:
So after alot of reviews I finally made it to 2 cameras:

1. Nikon D3400, KIT: 18-55 AF-P VR

2. Nikon D5300, KIT: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

* I'm am willing to do image processing using Photoshop and Lightroom for most of my photos. WIll be used to photo special events, mostly people and friends, my dog, and a my ski vacation

Why I want the D3400:

1. Newer
Click to expand...
True
TheUnreal said:
2. Supports the new AF-P Nikon lenses
Click to expand...
The D5300 also support them, on adorama they sell you the D5300 with a 2 AF-P kit:

Loading…

www.adorama.com

(that 70 300 is the non-VR version so be warned)
TheUnreal said:
3. better overall score at DXOMARK (https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Com...Nikon-D5500-versus-Nikon-D5300___1105_998_919)
Click to expand...
That score really means nothing, both cameras use the same sensor and EXPEED processor so you get the same IQ.
TheUnreal said:
4. Better battery life
Click to expand...
The better baterry life is just because the D3400 has a downgraded flash. You are not getting better battery perfomance for free, the D3400 is nerfed version of the D3300 and thats the reason because it has lower battery requirements.
TheUnreal said:
5. More autofocus modes
Click to expand...
The autofocus is IMO the biggest reason to pick the D5300 over the D3400. The D3400 AF system is very good for his entry level category, but in my opinion what make the differences between D3x00 and D5x00 series is the autofocus more than an articulated screen. I believe that the only thing that the D3400 do better than D5300 in terms of autofocus is in live view mode, because you are skipping the AF module.
TheUnreal said:
Why I want the D5300:

1. More focus points

2. Wi-fi

Hope you can help me decide. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Also has stereo sound on video, GPS, articulated screen, sensor cleaning and few more minor extras. I believe there is no reason to pick the D3400 over the D5300, but there are several to pick the D5300 over the D3400.
 
I had a d3300 which I bought as a smaller lighter alternative to my d7200. I got it to supplement the d7200 as well. I had it for a week or so before I exchanged it for a d5300.

The d3300 and the d5300 are virtually the same size and the latter just a bit heavier though they both have a similar carbon fibre chassis. But for me it was worth it.

Firstly, the AF is quite a bit better. It really tracks better and has more options that a beginner can grow into. Its more sensitive as well and the extra cross hatch points are great and allows you more options other than the focus and recompose technique.

I use the Wi-Fi on my d7200 all the time and the d5300 has the exact same. Using it along with the Live View is also very convenient. It's not perfect but it does the job for me at least and it's not as problematic as the SnapBridge on the d3400.

14 bit NEF capture is also available for those who want to extract every bit of data for their photos.

There are a lot more options that are present in the d5300 that the d3300 lacks. Small things but can make a difference to the growing user.

The articulating screen is also great and surprisingly useful. Would have loved to have had a touch screen but sadly not at this price point.

Bottom line is that unless you're really short on cash the d5300 is a better camera, and one that will grow with user as they become more adept.
 
MightyPir said:
I had a d3300 which I bought as a smaller lighter alternative to my d7200. I got it to supplement the d7200 as well. I had it for a week or so before I exchanged it for a d5300.

The d3300 and the d5300 are virtually the same size and the latter just a bit heavier though they both have a similar carbon fibre chassis. But for me it was worth it.

Firstly, the AF is quite a bit better. It really tracks better and has more options that a beginner can grow into. Its more sensitive as well and the extra cross hatch points are great and allows you more options other than the focus and recompose technique.

I use the Wi-Fi on my d7200 all the time and the d5300 has the exact same. Using it along with the Live View is also very convenient. It's not perfect but it does the job for me at least and it's not as problematic as the SnapBridge on the d3400.

14 bit NEF capture is also available for those who want to extract every bit of data for their photos.

There are a lot more options that are present in the d5300 that the d3300 lacks. Small things but can make a difference to the growing user.

The articulating screen is also great and surprisingly useful. Would have loved to have had a touch screen but sadly not at this price point.

Bottom line is that unless you're really short on cash the d5300 is a better camera, and one that will grow with user as they become more adept.
Click to expand...
Actually the D5300 and the D3400 are in the same price here. Your comment did really make me perfer the D5300 over the D3400
 
Zoltan Ilyes said:
Hi,

As a Nikon D3300 and former D5300 owner my advise is to get the D3300 instead of D3400 as
  • I has the exact same sensor as the D3400 and D5300 (and actually all the newer Nikon DX bodies, like D7100, D7200, D5500), so you will get the same picture quality.
  • It is cheaper
  • It has all the features of the D3400 minus the SnapBridge. But since you are also considering the D5300 I think you don't need Snapbridge. If you need Wifi, just get a wifi card.
  • It is better than D3400 because has built in sensor cleaning. D3400 doesn't have it anymore.
  • The battery is practically the same. D3400 is graded for more shots because they reduced the flash power and CIPA standards measure battery capacity with half of the shots done with full flash. So battery is the same, flash is actually weaker.
  • D3300 works with AF-P lenses just fine, worst case you need to do a firmware upgrade
Now D5300 actually has more features, buy it if you need
  • More focus points. This is useful if you use Auto focus area, but be aware that cameras usually focus on the closest object they found. I find this restrictive and usually use single point, for most of the cases the center one. Having more focus point is better, but that alone did not justify the price difference for me.
  • Articulating screen. It is nice, I like it, especially for video. But please consider the following:
    - If you want to do video, Nikon is not the best tool for that. Autofocus is just bad (in all the bodies, not just these ones) and you don't have focus peaking
    - For stills, you should not count on live view either, unless you capture static objects on a tripod. For anything moving shooting from live view is not good, bot the D3300 and D5300 have around 1sec shutter delay in live view.
    I bought an used D5300 especially for the articulating screen to do better videos and low profile shots of my 1 year old daugther, it is just not worked. I sold the D5300 and kept the D3300 as it did not justify the price difference.
  • Built-in HDR and bracketing. Can be handy when doing landscapes.
  • Built in wifi and gps - I never used those on D5300
So overall advice: get an used D3300 (one with 10-20k shutter count is still practically new) and get a 18-105 lens and a 35mm f1.8g for the rest of the money. If you grow out the body or any of the lenses, just sell it with minor money loss.
Get the D5300 or AF-P lens only if you want to do video. But if so, probably you should look at other brands.
Click to expand...
You did not mention why would you perfer the D3300 over the D5300?

The price here is almost identical, so I really have to make a solid choice between them
 
TheUnreal said:
So after alot of reviews I finally made it to 2 cameras:

1. Nikon D3400, KIT: 18-55 AF-P VR

2. Nikon D5300, KIT: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

* I'm am willing to do image processing using Photoshop and Lightroom for most of my photos. WIll be used to photo special events, mostly people and friends, my dog, and a my ski vacation

Why I want the D3400:

1. Newer

2. Supports the new AF-P Nikon lenses
Click to expand...
I think this is the most important point here, you may want to buy the new 70-300 AF-P ens at some time in the future and there may be other new AF-P lenses released that you would want to buy.
TheUnreal said:
3. better overall score at DXOMARK (https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Com...Nikon-D5500-versus-Nikon-D5300___1105_998_919)

4. Better battery life

5. More autofocus modes

Why I want the D5300:

1. More focus points

2. Wi-fi

Hope you can help me decide. Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
cosmicnode said:
TheUnreal said:
So after alot of reviews I finally made it to 2 cameras:

1. Nikon D3400, KIT: 18-55 AF-P VR

2. Nikon D5300, KIT: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

* I'm am willing to do image processing using Photoshop and Lightroom for most of my photos. WIll be used to photo special events, mostly people and friends, my dog, and a my ski vacation

Why I want the D3400:

1. Newer

2. Supports the new AF-P Nikon lenses
Click to expand...
I think this is the most important point here, you may want to buy the new 70-300 AF-P ens at some time in the future and there may be other new AF-P lenses released that you would want to buy.
Click to expand...
The D5300 is also fully compatible with the AF-P lens, its even on sale rigth now with the AF-P 18 55 and the new 70 300 DX. From the beginning the only 3 cameras that were fully compatible with the new AF-P lens were D3300, D5300 and D5500 (several months before the D3400 was announced), so he will have no problem picking an AF-P lens.
cosmicnode said:
cosmicnode said:
3. better overall score at DXOMARK (https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Com...Nikon-D5500-versus-Nikon-D5300___1105_998_919)

4. Better battery life

5. More autofocus modes

Why I want the D5300:

1. More focus points

2. Wi-fi

Hope you can help me decide. Thanks!
Click to expand...
--
Mike.
"I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit, it's the only way to be sure."
Click to expand...
 
TheUnreal said:
Zoltan Ilyes said:
Hi,

As a Nikon D3300 and former D5300 owner my advise is to get the D3300 instead of D3400 as
  • I has the exact same sensor as the D3400 and D5300 (and actually all the newer Nikon DX bodies, like D7100, D7200, D5500), so you will get the same picture quality.
  • It is cheaper
  • It has all the features of the D3400 minus the SnapBridge. But since you are also considering the D5300 I think you don't need Snapbridge. If you need Wifi, just get a wifi card.
  • It is better than D3400 because has built in sensor cleaning. D3400 doesn't have it anymore.
  • The battery is practically the same. D3400 is graded for more shots because they reduced the flash power and CIPA standards measure battery capacity with half of the shots done with full flash. So battery is the same, flash is actually weaker.
  • D3300 works with AF-P lenses just fine, worst case you need to do a firmware upgrade
Now D5300 actually has more features, buy it if you need
  • More focus points. This is useful if you use Auto focus area, but be aware that cameras usually focus on the closest object they found. I find this restrictive and usually use single point, for most of the cases the center one. Having more focus point is better, but that alone did not justify the price difference for me.
  • Articulating screen. It is nice, I like it, especially for video. But please consider the following:
    - If you want to do video, Nikon is not the best tool for that. Autofocus is just bad (in all the bodies, not just these ones) and you don't have focus peaking
    - For stills, you should not count on live view either, unless you capture static objects on a tripod. For anything moving shooting from live view is not good, bot the D3300 and D5300 have around 1sec shutter delay in live view.
    I bought an used D5300 especially for the articulating screen to do better videos and low profile shots of my 1 year old daugther, it is just not worked. I sold the D5300 and kept the D3300 as it did not justify the price difference.
  • Built-in HDR and bracketing. Can be handy when doing landscapes.
  • Built in wifi and gps - I never used those on D5300
So overall advice: get an used D3300 (one with 10-20k shutter count is still practically new) and get a 18-105 lens and a 35mm f1.8g for the rest of the money. If you grow out the body or any of the lenses, just sell it with minor money loss.
Get the D5300 or AF-P lens only if you want to do video. But if so, probably you should look at other brands.
Click to expand...
You did not mention why would you perfer the D3300 over the D5300?

The price here is almost identical, so I really have to make a solid choice between them
Click to expand...
The price is not identical in my country, the D5300 is about 35% more expensive, than the D3300. Overall the D5300 is a good choice if you are actually going to use the extra features. Otherwise, it is throw out money.

However I agree with practically everybody in this thread that there is no reason to buy the D3400 over the D5300.
 
TheUnreal said:
So after alot of reviews I finally made it to 2 cameras:

1. Nikon D3400, KIT: 18-55 AF-P VR

2. Nikon D5300, KIT: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

* I'm am willing to do image processing using Photoshop and Lightroom for most of my photos. WIll be used to photo special events, mostly people and friends, my dog, and a my ski vacation

Why I want the D3400:

1. Newer

2. Supports the new AF-P Nikon lenses

3. better overall score at DXOMARK (https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Com...Nikon-D5500-versus-Nikon-D5300___1105_998_919)

4. Better battery life

5. More autofocus modes

Why I want the D5300:

1. More focus points

2. Wi-fi

Hope you can help me decide. Thanks!
Click to expand...
If these are the only choices you have, D5300 sure.
 
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