Let’s compare the Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D5500. They both use the same sensor and look quite similar, but there are a few important differences you should be aware of.
Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.
Nikon D3400 Nikon D5500 Megapixels 24.2 24.2 Sensor Type CMOS CMOS Sensor Format APS-C (DX) APS-C (DX) Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x AA Filter None None Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 6000 x 4000 Body Image Stabilization No No Lens Mount Nikon FX/DX Nikon FX/DX ISO 100 - 25,600 100 - 25,600 Expanded ISO No No AF Points 11 39 Cross-type AF Points 1 9 Continuous Mode 5fps 5fps LCD 3.0" - Fixed 3.2" - Fully Articulated LCD Resolution 921,600 dots 1,036,800 dots Touchscreen No Yes Focus Peaking No No Top LCD Display No No Viewfinder Type Optical Optical Viewfinder Coverage 95% 95% Viewfinder Magnification 0.85x 0.82x Video Resolution 1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p) 1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p) 1280x720 (60/50p) 1280x720 (60/50p) Microphone Jack No Yes Headphone Jack No No Memory Card Type SD SD Dual Card Slots No No SD UHS Support UHS-I UHS-I Fastest Shutter Speed 1/4000 1/4000 Slowest Shutter Speed 30" 30" Bulb Mode Yes Yes JPEG Buffer Size 100 100 RAW Buffer Size 12 7 Time Lapse No Yes Built-in Flash Yes Yes Max Flash Sync Speed 1/200 1/200 Startup Time 0.5s 0.4s Built-in Wi-Fi No Yes Built-in GPS No No Built- in NFC No No Bluetooth Yes No USB Type USB 2.0 USB 2.0 Environmentally Sealed No No Battery Life (CIPA) 1200 shots 820 shots Battery Included Yes (EN-EL14a) Yes (EN-EL14a) Weight 15.17 oz (430g) 14.8 oz (420g) Size 4.9 x 3.9 x 3.0" 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8" Price Amazon Amazon Release Date 2016 2015
Nikon D3400 Advantages:
- Raw Buffer Size – 12 vs 7. Useful for long bursts.
- Bluetooth Support
- Battery Life – 1200 shots vs 820 shots.
- Less Expensive – The D3400 with the 18-55mm costs around $200 less
The D3400’s main advantage is the lower price. Other than that, it features the same 24MP sensor, great high ISO performance and Full HD video. It’s a perfect camera for beginners who don’t want to spend a lot, yet want to get a lot from an entry-level DSLR. It’s by far our favorite camera for the price.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
Nikon D5500 Advantages:
- AF Points – 39 vs 11. More means you have a lot more focus points to choose from to perfectly frame your subject.
- Cross-Type AF Points – 9 vs 1. Cross-type AF points are much more accurate and faster in low light.
- LCD – 3.2” vs 3.0” and it’s fully articulated too.
- LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.
- Touchscreen Support
- Microphone Jack – If you’re going to record videos where audio quality is important, a microphone jack is super helpful.
- Time-Lapse
- Built-in Wi-Fi
The Nikon D5500 offers a bigger LCD that supports touchscreen is fully articulated. One big advantage is its AF system with 39 vs 11 AF points, and 9 of those are cross-type. In real world, this means you’ll be able to focus more precisely on a specific part of your subject, and it’ll focus quicker in low light thanks to cross-type.
It does cost more, but if you’re serious about photography and plan on shooting plenty of action, you’ll be glad you went with it.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.