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Nikon D3400 vs Sony A9 III

The Nikon D3400 and the Sony Alpha A9 III are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2016 and November 2023. The D3400 is a DSLR, while the A9 III is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3400) and a full frame (A9 III) sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3400
versus
Sony A9 III
Nikon D3400   Sony A9 III
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/120p Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 250-25,600 (125 - 51,200)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (9440k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fully flexible touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 120 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge530 shots per battery charge
124 x 98 x 76 mm, 445 g 136 x 97 x 83 mm, 702 g
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Check D3400 offers at
ebay.com
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Check A9 III price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3400 and the Sony Alpha A9 III? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3400 and the Sony A9 III is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D3400 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the A9 III is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3400 vs Sony A9 III
Compare D3400 versus A9 III top
Comparison D3400 or A9 III rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A9 III is notably larger (9 percent) than the Nikon D3400. Moreover, the A9 III is substantially heavier (58 percent) than the D3400. It is noteworthy in this context that the A9 III is splash and dust-proof, while the D3400 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D3400) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A9 III). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A9 III, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D3400 gets 1200 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14a battery, while the A9 III can take 530 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A9 III can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A9 III 136 mm 97 mm 83 mm 702 g 530 Y Nov 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 US$ 549ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 US$ 499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5200 129 mm 98 mm 78 mm 555 g 500 n Nov 2012 US$ 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 US$ 1 999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A9 127 mm 96 mm 63 mm 673 g 650 Y Apr 2017 US$ 4 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D3400 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 92 percent) than the A9 III, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3400 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A9 III a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A9 III is 131 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D3400 and Sony A9 III sensor measures

Even though the A9 III has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This implies that the A9 III has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 3.91μm for the D3400), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the A9 III is much more recent (by 7 years and 2 months) than the D3400, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D3400 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The A9 III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D3400 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A9 III are ISO 250 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-51200.

In terms of underlying technology, the D3400 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A9 III uses a Stacked CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D3400 versus A9 III MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
2.
 
Sony A9 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/120p25.414.7324396
3.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
4.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
5.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
6.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
7.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
8.
 
Nikon D5200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.213.9128484
9.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
10.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
11.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
12.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
13.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
14.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
15.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
16.
 
Sony A9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.913.3351792
17.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A9 III provides a better video resolution than the D3400. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/120p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A9 III has an electronic viewfinder (9440k dots), while the D3400 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the A9 III offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D3400 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the A9 III has a higher magnification (0.9x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D3400 and Sony A9 III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Sony A9 III9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/80000s 120.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D5200optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A93686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D3400 has one, while the A9 III does not. While the built-in flash of the D3400 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The A9 III has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D3400 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A9 III is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A9 III has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D3400 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A9 III uses CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards. The A9 III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3400 only has one slot. The A9 III supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the D3400 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D3400 and Sony Alpha A9 III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
2.
 
Sony A9 IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
5.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
8.
 
Nikon D5200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
12.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
13.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
16.
 
Sony A9Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
17.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY

It is notable that the A9 III offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3400 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A9 III (unlike the D3400) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A9 III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the D3400 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D3400 was succeeded by the Nikon D3500. Further information on the features and operation of the D3400 and A9 III can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3400 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A9 III Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3400 and the Sony A9 III? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3400:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 257g or 37 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1200 versus 530) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (92 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2016).

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A9 III:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/120p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.9x vs 0.57x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/80000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (120 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 2 months of technical progress since the D3400 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A9 III is the clear winner of the contest (32 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3400 07:32 A9 III

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3400 and the Sony A9 III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3400 or the A9 III. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A9 III4.5/5.......... Nov 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 US$ 549ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 US$ 499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D52004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2012 US$ 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 US$ 1 999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A95/5+ +4.8/589/1005/55/5 Apr 2017 US$ 4 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check D3400 offers at
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Check A9 III price at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3400 vs Sony A9 III

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D3400 Sony A9 III
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2016 November 2023
    Launch Price USD 499 USD 5,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3400 Sony A9 III
    Sensor Technology CMOS Stacked CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/120p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 250 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 125 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 4 Dual BIONZ XR
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 86 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.8 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.9 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1192 ..
    Screen Specs Nikon D3400 Sony A9 III
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x 0.9x
    Viewfinder Resolution 9440k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3400 Sony A9 III
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/80000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 120 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/80000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CFexA or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3400 Sony A9 III
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3400 Sony A9 III
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14a Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots per charge530 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 124 x 98 x 76 mm
    (4.9 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    136 x 97 x 83 mm
    (5.4 x 3.8 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 445 g (15.7 oz) 702 g (24.8 oz)
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