Best Equipment Camera Comparisons

Nikon D3400 vs Sony A6000 – Comparison

Let’s compare the Nikon D3400 vs Sony A6000. They’re both companies’ cheapest models, so if you’re looking for your first camera and can’t decide between a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, we’re going to compare the two and see which one is better for you.

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 D3400Sony A6000
Megapixels24.224.3
Sensor TypeCMOSCMOS
Sensor FormatAPS-C (DX)APS-C
Crop Factor1.5x1.5x
AA FilterNoneYes
Image Resolution6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Body Image StabilizationNoNo
Lens MountNikon FX/DXSony E
ISO100 - 25,600100 -25,600
Expanded ISONo51,200
AF Points11179
Cross-type AF Points1179 phase
Continuous Mode5fps11fps
LCD3.0" - Fixed3.0" - Articulating
LCD Resolution921,600 dots921,600 dots
TouchscreenNoNo
Focus PeakingNoYes
Top LCD DisplayNoNo
Viewfinder TypeOpticalEVF (1.44M)
Viewfinder Coverage95%100%
Viewfinder Magnification0.85x1.07x
Video Resolution1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p)1920x1080 (60/24p)
 1280x720 (60/50p) 
Microphone JackNoNo
Headphone JackNoNo
Memory Card TypeSDSD or MS Pro
Dual Card SlotsNoNo
SD UHS SupportUHS-IUHS-I
Fastest Shutter Speed1/40001/4000
Slowest Shutter Speed30"30"
Bulb ModeYesYes
JPEG Buffer Size10047
RAW Buffer Size1222
Time LapseNoYes
Built-in FlashYesYes
Max Flash Sync Speed1/2001/160
Startup Time0.5s2.2s
Built-in Wi-FiNoYes
Built-in GPSNoNo
Built- in NFCNoYes
BluetoothYesNo
USB TypeUSB 2.0USB 2.0
Environmentally SealedNoYes
Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots360 shots
Battery IncludedYes (EN-EL14a)Yes (NP-FW50)
Weight15.17 oz (430g)12.1 oz (344g)
Size4.9 x 3.9 x 3.0"4.7 x 2.6 x 1.8"
PriceAmazonAmazon
Release Date20162014

Nikon D3400 Advantages:

  • AA Filter – The Nikon D3400 has no AA filter.
  • JPEG Buffer Size – 100 vs 47. Useful for long bursts.
  • Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/200 vs 1/160.
  • Battery Life – 1200 shots vs 360 shots.
  • Bluetooth Support
  • Less Expensive – The D3400 with the kit lens costs around $100 less

The D3400 is our favorite DSLR for beginners and more experienced users looking for something affordable, yet good enough for advanced use. It’s got plenty of megapixels, 5fps, a very long battery life and costs less than the A6000. It’s small for a DSLR, so unless you absolutely want something even smaller, the A6000’s smaller exterior shouldn’t make that much of a difference to you.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.


Sony A6000 Advantages:

  • ISO  25,600 vs 51,200. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.
  • AF Points – 179 vs 11. More means you have a lot more focus points to choose from to perfectly frame your subject.
  • Continuous mode – 11fps vs 5fps – More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.
  • LCD – It is articulated.
  • Focus Peaking – Very useful for seeing if your subject is in focus (both photo and video).
  • Viewfinder Coverage – 100% vs 95%.
  • Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.
  • RAW Buffer Size – 22 vs 12.
  • Time-Lapse
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in NFC
  • Environmentally Sealed – The Sony A6000 is much more protected for shooting outdoors in difficult terrain and bad weather conditions.
  • Weight – The Sony A6000 weighs 86g less.
  • Size – The Sony A6000 is noticeably smaller.

For only $100 more, here’s the important advantages you get: way more AF points, twice as fast burst mode for sports and action, an articulating LCD screen, focus peaking, built-in Wi-Fi and environmental sealing. The body is a lot smaller too, so if you have smaller hands or want to travel as light as possible, get the A6000.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

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