Although the Nikon D3300 succeeded by the D3400, which the D3500 followed, there is no need to disregard this affordable entry-level DSLR because of this.
Even while it lacks some of the more advanced features found on more expensive DSLRs, the D3300 nevertheless provides everything a novice needs to produce high-quality photographs. It is an affordable entry point into a comprehensive system that comes with a wide variety of lenses, and it is straightforward to operate because its creators made it with those who are inexperienced in photography in mind.
Do you require a mirrorless camera, or would a DSLR be more appropriate for your needs now? Mirrorless cameras of this category sometimes give a few sweeteners, such as 4K video capture, tilting displays, and USB charging. DSLRs typically have the advantage of additional lenses and often have superior handling. Read our comparison of mirrorless and DSLR cameras if unsure which type of camera might work best for you.
The D3300 will also be difficult to purchase brand new because retailers are clearing out their inventory to make room for more recent cameras. You’ll have little trouble locating used models, but we recommend starting your search with the Nikon D3400 and D3500; these cameras provide outstanding value.
Nikon D3300 Features
The APS-C sensor in the Nikon D3300 has 24.2 megapixels, which may be standard for a camera in its class. Still, it’s pretty impressive when you consider the enthusiast-focused (and much more expensive) D7200 shares an almost identical sensor. The Nikon D7200 also has a higher resolution than the D3300.
In line with the rest of Nikon’s offerings, the D3300 lacks an optical low-pass filter on its image sensor. Without this filter, the camera can capture more information on the subject matter.
In addition, the natural sensitivity range extends from 100 to 12,800 ISO, and an extension setting brings it up to the equivalent of 25,600 ISO. It would be best if you had plenty of versatility for various lighting settings, allowing you to continue filming even as the number of available light decreases.
The EXPEED 4 is Nikon’s now second-generation image processing engine, and it is included in some of the cameras positioned above the D3300 in Nikon’s range. The D3300 also features this engine.
This enables the camera to take pictures in a continuous stream at a maximum rate of 5 frames per second, and it can maintain this burst rate for as many as 100 JPEGs of high quality. Although possibly not entirely up to par with specific mirrorless competitors, it is more than adequate for the requirements of the vast majority of individuals.
Nikon D3300 Performance
The user interface of the D3300 has an appealingly contemporary look thanks to the high resolution that gives the display elegantly rounded edges and does an excellent job of showing the colors used in the interface.
Whenever you take a picture, the camera will show you three circles. These circles will indicate the shutter speed, aperture, and sensitivity (ISO). These displays modify when you adjust the settings using the scrolling dials. The aperture circle is the most noticeable of these changes, as it physically closes and opens to mimic the opening and shutting of the aperture blades. This is an excellent approach to acquiring a handle on the fundamentals of creative photography if you are starting in the field.
Nikon D3300 Image Quality
The D3300, as was to be expected, had the exceptional resolving capability. Even when zoomed in to photographs at 100%, very minute details can still be seen.
Because this camera has such a high pixel count (24 million pixels), there is a greater likelihood that the photographs may contain noise. The D3300 performs exceptionally well in environments with low light and high sensitivity. Even when shooting at ISO 3200 or higher, noise is tolerable and better than a blurry or missing photo. The noise becomes very noticeable when the ISO setting is increased over 3200.
Image smoothing may be noticed over the entirety of the sensitivity range; however, at the lower end of the spectrum, it is not evident; the only time it becomes apparent is when images are scrutinized at 100%. It does not cause difficulty printing at conventional sizes, such as A4, or when sharing online.
If you have been shooting at high sensitivity and wish to crop a picture, this is something to keep in mind. One of the advantages of having a big pixel count is the ability to cut photographs while maintaining good quality. However, this is something you should keep in mind. The more you crop a picture, the more likely any image smoothing or noise will become more noticeable.
Nikon D3300 Specs
| Body type | Compact SLR |
|---|---|
| Body material | Carbon fiber, composite |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 4512 x 3000, 3008 x 2000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Expeed 4 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600 (with boost) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 12 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal, Basic |
| File format | NEF (RAW, 12-bit)JPEG |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 11 |
| Lens mount | Nikon F |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 921,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD (160 degree viewing angle) |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.85× (0.57× 35mm equiv.) |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes | Programmed auto with flexible program (P)Shutter-priority (S)Aperture priority (A)Manual (M) |
| Scene modes | Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up, Night portrait |
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or wireless) |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto slow sync, Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Off, Rear-curtain sync, Rear-curtain with slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Drive modes | Single-frameSelf-timerQuiet shutter-releaseQuick response remoteDelayed remoteContinuous |
| Continuous drive | 5.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs (1-9 exposures)) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot AF-area |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone | Mono |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage included | None |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (mini HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Optional |
| Wireless notes | WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter |
| Remote control | Yes (Optional) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 700 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 430 g (0.95 lb / 15.17 oz) |
| Dimensions | 124 x 98 x 76 mm (4.88 x 3.86 x 2.99″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | Optional |
| GPS notes | GP-1 |
Nikon D3300 Verdict
Because of the release of the more recent D3400 and D3500, the D3300 has begun to lose some of the lusters that made it one of our favorite entry-level DSLRs. The sole reason is that Nikon has released the D3400 and D3500. But this is still a terrific deal if you aren’t too concerned about having the newest technology. It has a fantastic sensor, an intuitive body and menu system as its primary selling points, and a vast array of lenses that will allow you to express your creativity.
