Nikon Launches 24.2MP D3400 DSLR And AF-P Lenses For Newbie Photographers

Nikon has a new entry-level digital SLR (DSLR) camera for anyone who's outgrown their point-and-shoot and is looking for something better suited for serious photography. It's the Nikon D3400 and it's designed to help budding photography buffs learn more about the hobby without feeling intimidated by a swath of advanced settings.

The way it does that is through Nikon's Guide Mode, an integrated feature that provides step-by-step assistance when adjusting camera settings. Photographers can turn the top Command Dial to Guide Mode and see a full range of capture options, which the camera then guides them through to snap the desired shot. It's intended for first-time DSLR owners and helps make the transition from a point-and-shoot less daunting.


Another selling point for those new to DSLRs is the combination of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Nikon's SnapBridge feature. They allow users to share photos wirelessly by creating a connection between the D3400 and a compatible smart device. Once paired, the D3400 stays connected and transfers photos automatically without needing to re-connect the devices each time.

"Featuring a variety of user-friendly features like Nikon SnapBridge, the new D3400 gives those new to DSLR photography the opportunity to proudly capture what they love and easily share with friends and family," said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. "The introduction of the new series of NIKKOR lenses demonstrate Nikon’s commitment to providing affordable and versatile lens options to DX-format DSLR photographers looking to capture their own unique perspective of the world."

Though the D3400 is being pitched as a DSLR for those new to the category, it's pretty well-equipped for an entry-level model. Nikon outfitted the D3400 with a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter. It also has a native ISO range from 100-25,600, a top continuous shooting of 5 frames per second, and support for Full HD 1080p (1920x1080) video recording at up to 60 frames per second.


In addition to the D3400, Nikon announced a series of lightweight AF-P DX NIKKOR lenses with various specialties, including a few compact telephoto options, the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED.

Nikon will make the D3400 available in September kitted with the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR for $650 MSRP. There will also be a dual-lens option bundled with the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED, for $1,000.

As for the individual lenses, the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR ($250), AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ($200), AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR ($400) and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED ($350) will all be available around the same time and sold separately.