Nikon D3300 Review

Nikon D3300 Review:

My Experience with the Nikon D3300:

Any ability, I claimed, is more important, but it takes practice.

I began my journey largely as a beginner photographer.

I became weary and frustrated, but as I gained more expertise in this field, everything calmed down.

My first and most priceless memory with the camera was when I took a picture of my mother when I was a beginner.

Even though it is poor, I feel a stronger connection to this picture now that my mother is gone.

As an amateur photographer, I took advantage of the Nikon D3300 camera’s capabilities to capture the first image of my mother.

I’m interested in finding the best Nikon camera for beginning photographers.

DESCRIPTION:

The black Nikon D3300 DSLR camera is lightweight and adaptable, with a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor in DX format and an EXPEED 4 image engine.

High-resolution imagery, notable low-light sensitivity to an expanded ISO 25600, continuous shooting at 5 frames per second, and Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities are all made possible by the sensor and CPU working together.

The sensor design also does not include the conventional optical low-pass filter to achieve the highest level of sharpness and resolution in photographs and videos.

An 11-point autofocus system that offers rapid and precise focusing capabilities to suit working with various subject types in almost any lighting situation supports these image assets.

Additionally, various shooting options are available to aid in artistically enhancing your photography.

A big 3.0″ (921k-dot) LCD monitor is offered for live view monitoring, image playback, and menu navigation.

It has a broad 160° viewing angle to accommodate better working from high and low angles.

The optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can enable Wi-Fi access for wirelessly transmitting imagery and remotely managing the camera from a connected Android or iOS mobile device, further expanding the viewing and shooting capabilities of the D3300.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens, a standard zoom offering a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 27-82.5mm, is included with the D3300 camera body.

A powerful VR image stabilization feature built into this lens helps to reduce camera shake by up to four shutter speed steps, which is beneficial when shooting in low light.

A rounded seven-blade diaphragm helps to produce an appealing out-of-focus look in photos with a shallow depth of field.

At the same time, Super Integrated Coating lowers flare and ghosting to maximize image clarity, contrast, and color neutrality.

Features:

• DX-Format CMOS Sensor with 24.2 MP
• Image processor EXPEED 4
• There is no optical low-pass filter
• 3.0″ LCD 921 k-Dot Monitor
• 11-Point AF Multi-CAM 1000 Sensor
• Default ISO 12800; raised to ISO 25600
• 5 full-resolution frames per second
• WU-1a Wireless Adapter compatible

Body and Style:

The D3300 has a clear plastic casing that, although an entry-level model, doesn’t feel particularly cheap but isn’t particularly strong either.

It has a broad thumb rest on the rear and a sculpted handgrip on the front, both covered in a comfortable resistive, textured leather-like feel.

Similar to the D3200, it has two infrared sensors located in the upper left-hand corner of the camera and in front of the handgrip.

Apart from this reorganization, the camera’s back panel now has buttons for drive mode and image deletion stacked side by side below the compass switch.

Everything else is in line with the model preceding it.

Viewfinder:

The D3300’s viewfinder has a 95 percent coverage rate and a magnification of 0.85x, making it slightly larger than the D5300’s 0.82x viewfinder and even more significant than the D3200’s 0.80x viewfinder.

In terms of coverage, the Pentax K-500 outperforms the competition with an unusually high 100 percent OVF and 0.92x magnification.

The D3300 is depicted in the graphic below as being average for the class.

Controls and operation:

You can control the focus and flash modes, but that’s about it when using the D3300 in Auto and scene modes, which operate very much like point-and-shoot cameras.

Guide mode is a compromise that lets you adjust the camera’s exposure settings based on “use scenario” logic, but the D3300 shines when you move to the PASM modes.

The D3300’s flash, which is visible in its closed (stowed) position, is visible from the top, along with the hot shoe, which is compatible with all of Nikon’s current Speedlight flash models.

The top plate’s left side is empty, but to the right of the pentamirror “hump” are many control buttons (the “info” button, movie start/stop, and exposure adjustment), as well as the mode dial.

Interface:

The D3300 lacks Active D-Lighting access and has a somewhat more condensed “quick” menu than its larger brothers, like the D5300, but otherwise has all the necessary functions.

It is impossible to choose or set a function using the command dial.

The D3300 user, who we anticipate using one of the automatic modes more frequently, may not find this as annoying as we did because utilizing the command dial would make changing settings a tiny bit quicker.

This camera is more specifically designed for a user upgrading from a point-and-shoot, so the interface is probably not a problem unless the user has goals beyond that method.

Although losing the shortcut to Active D-Lighting is regrettable since it can only be used in on or off states, it doesn’t seem like a significant loss (the D5300 offers more control over ADL modes).

The configurable Fn button can be used to assign it, but doing so means sacrificing your only direct access to ISO.

Both the D3300 and the majority of its entry-level DSLR competitors lack a touch screen.

But there are touch screens among the mirrorless rivals; the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic GF6 feature them.

In our opinion, those upgrading to a more sophisticated camera and are accustomed to point-and-shoot or smartphone interfaces should feel at ease using a touch screen.

 ISO Auto:

The D3300 provides a similar Auto ISO feature to the D5300.

It can be accessed from the shooting menu, where you can select the minimum shutter speed, maximum sensitivity, and baseline ISO.

In P and A modes, choosing Auto keeps the “1/equivalent focal length” guideline for shutter speed.

Depending on your belief in virtual reality and trust handholding, you can also opt to skew this higher or lower on the D5300.

The D3300 does not offer this option.

The D3300 makes it unusually difficult to activate and deactivate Auto ISO because you can only do it from the main menu, as has always been the case with Nikon.

You can continue to specify an ISO when in Auto ISO mode manually, but all you’re doing is determining the minimum that the camera will use.

This could not be very clear for beginners.

Live view:

The ‘Lv’ button on the back panel of the D3300 must be depressed to enter the live view mode.

The “info” button on the top panel provides access to the four selectable display modes.

You may access settings like white balance and focus mode by pressing the I button, much like when shooting through a viewfinder.

The panel will brighten and dim in PAS shooting modes to reflect any exposure adjustment selected.

In manual exposure mode, this won’t occur, but the exposure meter will still display exposure in 1/3EV steps on a +/-2EV scale.

Unfortunately, the strange glitch that we saw on the D5300 and that first appeared on the D300 is still present in the live view mode of the D3300.

The camera will stop down to the set or metered aperture value when you enter Live View (providing an undocumented depth-of-field preview in the process).

Still, it cannot ‘live’ correct the diaphragm if the aperture setting is changed.

Shooter’s report:

The D3300 is a pick-up-and-go DSLR that comes equipped with a kit lens so that you can start shooting right away.

The Fn button has been designated as a direct access point to ISO in its default control setup.

With the back command dial, directional buttons for choosing the direct AF point, and direct exposure compensation button, the D3300 feels it can access the proper fundamental controls in suitable locations from the start.

I shot primarily in aperture priority mode on several outings, so I hardly ever had to access the camera’s menus to achieve the photo I wanted.

Auto ISO is an exception because it can only be turned on and off from the shooting menu.

Since it is constantly in auto mode, auto-only shooters should not be concerned about this, but there is a problem to be aware of.

Whether flash is on or off, Full Auto mode anticipates the user will be using flash and modifies its program line accordingly.

For additional information on that, look at the review’s operating section.

Performance:

If the kit lens is in its extended form, the D3300 starts up quickly and may begin shooting right away.

Overall, the camera is very responsive.

Pressing a button immediately opens the associated menu, and the settings that may be altered via the rear command wheel are easily accessible.

We’ve already voiced our displeasure about the inability to traverse short menus using the rear dial, but that discussion is for another time.

When scrolling over photographs in playback mode, the default settings use a slideshow-style transition that irritates impatient people (like us).

The transition effects can be simply disabled in the playback menu (playback display settings > off).

With the kit lens, autofocus moves quickly in bright light and gradually slows down in low light, but it is never excessively slow for its class.

Although complete focus failures were uncommon, putting the focus points closer to the center produced more consistently sharp images in less-than-perfect lighting.

When the environment tests the D3300’s 11-point autofocus system, the ability to directly reach the AF point makes it simple to take charge and bring your subject into focus.

Buffering while Shooting Continuously:

According to Nikon, the D3300’s top burst speed is 5 fps at full resolution, an increase over the previous model.

The camera consistently maintained this fps in every compression setting we tried, which is terrific news.

Unfortunately, it only stays at that speed for 5 or 6 frames. There was a slight test delay when images were written to the card.

When shooting only until the buffer is complete, it takes a few seconds for a more significant burst of images to write to the card in all settings.

However, you are not prevented from using the camera menus or shooting during this time, so there is no significant “lockout” period following a long burst of shooting.

With continuous viewfinder shooting, continuous AF is accessible, but there is a brief delay as the camera re-acquires focus on a different subject in the middle of the burst.

Live view also offers continuous shooting; the focus is set from the first frame, but exposure is not.

In live watch mode, there is a 4-second blackout following a burst.

A battery’s life:

The Nikon EN-EL14a rechargeable lithium-ion battery powers the D3300 right out of the box and has a CIPA-rated life of 700 shots per charge.

Compared to Canon’s T5 and Pentax’s K-50, that’s an enormous amount of shots to capture (and miles ahead of the 300-odd images most of its mirrorless rivals will produce due to their need to use their rear screens).

This was tested and found to be a realistic figure, operating without issue throughout a long day of shooting and requiring a recharge with moderate use every few days.

The camera comes with an MH-24 charger that can recharge a low-battery camera in under two hours.

Film Mode:

The D3300 gradually adopts the 1080p/60p video spec that the D5300 did.

H.264/MPEG-4 compression is used, and the maximum clip recording time is 20 minutes.

An articulated LCD, which is only available on the step-up model above this one, is the feature that video shooters will most notice is absent from this device.

The camera provides access to video exposure adjustments for those who desire them, although getting there is a little challenging.

You may access various exposure controls by turning on “Manual Movie Mode” into full manual mode in live view. When you start recording video in live view without this option, all exposure modes become auto modes.

While the video is being recorded, full-time servo AF, face identification, and subject tracking are all possible.

An external microphone can be plugged into the D3300 using a 3.5mm stereo connection.

A monaural microphone incorporated into the device has 20 levels of manually adjustable sensitivity settings.

Video Quality:

The D3300 produces excellent, detailed video at its highest resolution and 60p framerate.

Since the action is relatively fluid at this framerate, it would be perfect for casual videos of children’s athletic activities.

When still photography shoots, fine detail tends to blur as light levels drop, and grain in dark areas is kept under control.

Where you’d expect moiré to appear, there is a significant amount of it, but not enough to cause concern for casual photography.

Live view (and video mode) supports the AF-S single-servo and full-time ‘AF-F’ autofocus modes.

There are options for tracking, face detection, and standard and wide AF area settings.

Subject tracking with full-time AF is adequate as long as your subject has a sharp edge and doesn’t move too wildly.

It’s not the best option for shooting crucial videos because there’s a chance that the focus can veer off into the distance and damage your clip.

At least with the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR II kit lens, the camera’s microphone picks up the sound of the AF system in operation, resulting in a film that occasionally has brief bursts of obtrusive electronic noise.

This sound will be audible whenever the AF system locks on focus when recording video; it is not just loud during continuous focus.

Although it was only with really swift subjects or quick side-to-side panning that we noticed some rolling shutters.

The camera’s readout is quick enough to minimize its influence in most cases.

Image Features and Quality:

The 24-megapixel APS-C sensor utilized by the D7100 and D5300’s siblings serves as the basis for the D3300.

Similar to those cameras, it lacks an optical low pass filter, a part of the sensor that blurs tiny details to lessen the likelihood of moiré.

The removal of the OLPF should allow the sensor to capture a little more fine detail.

It turns out that utilizing the best lenses at their sweetest apertures makes it quite difficult to distinguish between the sharpness of this sensor with and without an OLPF in real life.

Rarely are kit lenses, such as the 18-140mm F3.5-5.6 VR we used with the D5300 and the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR II included with the D3300, sharp enough to produce any additional sharpness that the elimination of the OLPF gives.

Since many D3300 customers will be content to continue using the kit lens, we don’t see any significant benefits or adverse effects from the sensor design of the camera.

The image quality of JPEG:

Did we mention the 24-megapixel APS-C sensor on the D3300?

A 24-megapixel sensor is present.

Those pixels produce excellent JPEG image quality, consistent with what we’ve observed from other Nikon bodies using the same sensor.

Around ISO 3200, Nikon’s JPEG processor starts to show its inclination for an overly aggressive noise reduction strategy that muddles a little more fine detail than we’d prefer.

But remember that those above are pixel-level particulars from huge photos.

A sharpening effect results from scaling down for printing or viewing at web-friendly sizes.

Sharper images can also be achieved by reducing the noise reduction settings on the camera, and for the best outcomes, the D3300’s raw files offer a wide range of post-processing options.

Raw:

A significant advantage of shooting in raw is restoring tone and information to areas of an image that the camera’s JPEG engine has hidden.

The example below demonstrates how far Adobe Camera Raw can stretch the 12-bit raw data from the D3300.

The example on the right shows increased exposure and darker shadows.

The left image was converted with ACR 8.3 using the default exposure settings.

ACR did not apply any noise reduction to either image.

Simple Panorama:

An “Easy Panorama” mode can be found on the mode dial under the heading “Effects.” When chosen, a popup to switch to Live View will appear.

From there, users may choose between “Normal” (4800 x 1080) and “Wide,” adjust focus mode, and JPEG compression (no raw file is saved).

There is also exposure compensation available.

The “Wide” panorama comes close to capturing a 360-degree vista, whereas the “Normal” picture only records about 180 degrees.

Overall Verdict:

Said, the Nikon D3300 strives to be a beginner’s DSLR and succeeds in that regard.

It works well in point-and-shoot mode (as long as you don’t mind using flash).

It contains most of the controls necessary for users who wish to experiment with Aperture or Shutter priority mode and go beyond the fundamentals.

The same performance quirks that irritated us with the Nikon D5300 may still annoy those who aren’t complete beginners, though.

For example, the command dial cannot be used in the quick menu, and the ‘Auto’ ISO option must be selected from the menu.

Additionally, the D3300 lacks a few features that could be crucial but are present in the step-up model, such as integrated Wi-Fi and a flip-out LCD.

The D3300 will probably appeal to its intended demographic, especially beginners, as these functions aren’t essential to every user.

Handling:

It is balanced and comfortable to use the D3300.

Although its plastic construction gives it a slightly cheap feeling, it is a sturdy camera that doesn’t complain.

At the same time, I carried it on numerous bus trips and stuffed it in a less-than-comfortable backpack for the duration of this review.

Unusually for a DSLR, it is tiny enough to fit in a more oversized purse without displacing too many other items. Still, it is best carried over the shoulder or in a dedicated camera bag.

The command dial works almost instantly, and when combined with the Fn button, it gives you an excellent level of control.

Despite its usefulness, the quick ‘info’ menu is relatively tricky because it can only be accessed by pressing directional buttons rather than the command wheel.

But overall, the camera seems responsive, and putting aside complaints about the menu navigation speed, it seems to have just the right amount of access to settings for a novice.

Is Nikon D3300 still worth buying?

Yes, Nikon D3300 is still worth buying. Even in 2022, it’s ideal for novices and offers fantastic value because so few DSLR cameras of this caliber are available at such a low cost. But by adding quality glass to the end of your D3300, you can make the most of the 24.2 MP CMOS DX sensor. I enjoyed how well it functioned for me. The battery may last about 700 shots. That is computed by using additional criteria and approximately half of the images being taken with flash. During the White Nights, a weird and romantic time to be in the city, I shot Saint Petersburg since it never truly becomes dark.

Is Nikon D3300 suitable for beginners?

I find that Nikon D3300 is a good camera for beginners. It is a fantastic place to start if you’re looking for a camera to capture family memories and feel that your smartphone or a small camera falls short in image quality. Small and lightweight. It includes a compact lens with optical stabilization. Beginner’s like to play with this camera in a routine. I like this for my kids to capture pictures that are simple, fun, and have excellent image quality. I love the way I get amazing results at just a reasonable price.

Is Nikon D3300 have Wi-Fi?

Although it contains built-in Wi-Fi, I must acquire the Nikon Wireless Mobile Adapter to use those features (WU-1A). It’s in the neighborhood of $70. enables me to use my iPhone or iPad as a viewfinder, timer, or remote to take shots with a tripod or of my family. I can transfer my data and upload it on my social media sites with this feature’s help. It has been an essential requirement for photographers in this age of technology.

Can I connect Nikon D3300 to the phone?

The WU-1a wireless adapter is necessary for the D3300 to connect to any iOS or Android smartphone. It is a simple way for me to connect my phone and transfer all my data in just a few minutes. I like to play with my pals and carry stuff anywhere. I’ve always wanted a device to make it simple to share my images and movies with my social media friends on time. I take it with me on excursions, connecting to my phone effortlessly so I can submit data anywhere. After clicking with this device, the National Art Museum and beautiful Saint Michael’s Church, which serve as the focal point of the historic district, come into breathtaking view.

The last word:

Conclusion:

The D3300 isn’t particularly innovative or exciting, but that’s not necessarily bad because we’ve grown accustomed to Nikon offering solid, incremental updates to their entry-level models.

Its purpose isn’t to advance the category, so the Nikon D3300 doesn’t do that.

Its task is to give a novice photographer enough equipment to shoot quality pictures.

It does just that while also going just far enough beyond the fundamentals to continue to please the photographer as they develop and learn.

Is the D3300 the ideal camera for all new photographers? Most likely not.

Look into models having two command dials, like the Pentax K-50 or Fujifilm X-A1, if you know you’ll want to learn quickly and have more control over settings.

A Sony a3000 or Olympus E-PM2 is viable if you want something smaller, more mobile, and with an excellent range of in-camera creative features.

But if you require something in the DSLR form factor, the D3300’s superb resolution, battery life, video capabilities, and general performance are tough to criticize.

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