What To Know
- The Nikon D5200 uses the EXPEED 3 image processor, while the D3400 uses the EXPEED 4 image processor.
- It can capture images at a shutter speed of 1/4000s, while the D3400 can only capture images at a shutter speed of 1/2000s.
- However, if you are planning on shooting in low-light conditions or if you need the most accurate viewfinder possible, then the D5200 is the better choice.
The Nikon D5200 and D3400 are two of the most popular entry-level DSLRs on the market. They’re both great cameras for beginners, but they have some key differences that you should consider before making a decision.
Key Differences: Nikon D5200 vs D3400
| Feature | Nikon D5200 | Nikon D3400 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 24.1MP CMOS | 24.2MP CMOS |
| Image processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 4 |
| ISO range | 100-25600 | 100-25600 |
| Shutter speed | 1/4000s to 30s | 1/4000s to 30s |
| Continuous shooting | 5fps | 5fps |
| Autofocus | 39-point AF system | 11-point AF system |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism | Optical pentamirror |
| LCD screen | 3.0-inch vari-angle | 3.0-inch fixed |
| Video | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 60fps |
| Weight | 505g | 445g |
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D5200 and D3400 both have 24-megapixel CMOS sensors, but there are some subtle differences between them. The D5200’s sensor has a slightly higher dynamic range, which means it can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows. The D3400’s sensor has a slightly better signal-to-noise ratio, which means it produces less noise at high ISOs.
Overall, the image quality from both cameras is very good. However, the D5200 has a slight edge in terms of dynamic range and low-light performance.
Image Processor
The Nikon D5200 uses the EXPEED 3 image processor, while the D3400 uses the EXPEED 4 image processor. The EXPEED 4 processor is newer and more powerful, and it offers some advantages over the EXPEED 3 processor.
The EXPEED 4 processor provides faster autofocus, improved noise reduction, and better white balance. It also supports 4K video recording, although the D3400 doesn’t have 4K video capabilities.
ISO Range
The Nikon D5200 and D3400 both have an ISO range of 100-25600. This means that they can both capture images in a wide range of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dim interiors.
However, the D5200 has a slight advantage in terms of low-light performance. It produces less noise at high ISOs than the D3400.
Shutter Speed
The Nikon D5200 and D3400 both have a shutter speed range of 1/4000s to 30s. This means that they can both capture both fast-moving subjects and long exposures.
However, the D5200 has a slight advantage in terms of shutter speed. It can capture images at a shutter speed of 1/4000s, while the D3400 can only capture images at a shutter speed of 1/2000s.
Continuous Shooting
The Nikon D5200 and D3400 both have a continuous shooting speed of 5fps. This means that they can both capture bursts of images at a rate of 5 frames per second.
However, the D5200 has a slightly larger buffer than the D3400. This means that it can capture more images in a burst before the buffer fills up.
Autofocus
The Nikon D5200 has a 39-point AF system, while the D3400 has an 11-point AF system. This means that the D5200 has more autofocus points to work with, which can be helpful in low-light conditions or when tracking moving subjects.
However, the D3400’s AF system is still very good, and it should be more than adequate for most users.
Viewfinder
The Nikon D5200 has an optical pentaprism viewfinder, while the D3400 has an optical pentamirror viewfinder. The pentaprism viewfinder is brighter and clearer than the pentamirror viewfinder, but it is also more expensive.
The D3400’s pentamirror viewfinder is still very good, and it should be adequate for most users. However, if you are planning on shooting in low-light conditions or if you need the most accurate viewfinder possible, then the D5200 is the better choice.
LCD Screen
The Nikon D5200 has a 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD screen, while the D3400 has a 3.0-inch fixed LCD screen. The vari-angle LCD screen can be tilted and rotated, which makes it easier to compose images from different angles.
The D3400’s fixed LCD screen is still very good, but it is not as versatile as the D5200’s vari-angle LCD screen.
Video
The Nikon D5200 and D3400 both can record 1080p video at 60fps. This is a great option for capturing high-quality video, although the D5200 has a slight advantage in terms of video quality.
The D5200 offers more manual controls for video recording, and it also has a built-in stereo microphone. The D3400 does not have a built-in stereo microphone, so you will need to use an external microphone if you want to record stereo audio.
Weight
The Nikon D5200 weighs 505g, while the D3400 weighs 445g. This means that the D3400 is slightly lighter than the D5200, which could be an important consideration if you plan on carrying your camera around for long periods of time.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D5200 and D3400 are both great cameras for beginners, but they have some key differences that you should consider before making a decision.
If you are looking for a camera with the best possible image quality, then the D5200 is the better choice. It has a slightly higher dynamic range and better low-light performance than the D3400.
If you are looking for a camera that is lightweight and easy to carry around, then the D3400 is the better choice. It is slightly lighter than the D5200, and it has a fixed LCD screen that is less bulky than the D5200’s vari-angle LCD screen.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which camera is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Nikon D5200 and D3400?
The main differences between the Nikon D5200 and D3400 are:
- The D5200 has a slightly higher dynamic range and better low-light performance than the D3400.
- The D5200 has a more powerful image processor than the D3400, which provides faster autofocus, improved noise reduction, and better white balance.
- The D5200 has a larger buffer than the D3400, which means that it can capture more images in a burst before the buffer fills up.
- The D5200 has a 39-point AF system, while the D3400 has an 11-point AF system.
- The D5200 has an optical pentaprism viewfinder, while the D3400 has an optical pentamirror viewfinder.
- The D5200 has a vari-angle LCD screen, while the D3400 has a fixed LCD screen.
Which camera is better for beginners?
Both the Nikon D5200 and D3400 are great cameras for beginners. However, the D3400 is slightly lighter and easier to carry around, and it has a fixed LCD screen that is less bulky than the D5200’s vari-angle LCD screen.
Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Nikon D5200 has a slightly higher dynamic range and better low-light performance than the D3400. This means that it is a better choice for low-light photography.
