Review: Nikon D3300 specs

At its launch in 2014, the DX-format Nikon D3300 was Nikon’s entry-level DSLR. But this camera still offers 24.2 megapixels of image quality, good low-light performance up to ISO 25,600, a top shooting speed of 5 frames per second and an 11-point autofocus system that locks on moving subjects. Plus, the 13 ‘Effects’ shooting choices are available to add artistry and creativity to your photography. 

The Nikon DX-format sensor is a 24x16mm sensor—basically APS-C format. Such a small sensor allows for the production of smaller and lighter camera bodies. DX-format cameras are optimised for use with Nikon DSLR lenses. Again, these DX lenses are more compact and lightweight compared to the Nikon FX lenses designed for use with Nikon full-frame FX DSLRs. 

When using the Nikon DX-format versus FX-format cameras, you get a 1.5x crop factor. So, for example, a 100mm lens mounted on the front of the D3300 will give you an effective focal length of 150mm to get you ‘closer’ to subjects. This is great for shooting nature or sports when you consider a 100mm on a full-frame FX camera gives you ‘just’ 100mm of focal length.

The D3300’s 11-point autofocus system has a single cross-type point at its centre. Cross-type autofocus point analyse both vertical and horizontal lines and is, therefore, more accurate than autofocus points that only analyse vertical lines. It’s not the most sophisticated autofocus system in a Nikon DSLR, but if you are a photography beginner this camera is more than capable of locking on to subjects—even when they are off-centre or are moving quickly or in an unpredictable manner. This is helped by a 3D-tracking system that operates with all 11 autofocus points. 

There’s a three-inch [7.5cm], 921K-dot TFT LCD monitor on the rear of the camera, which has a 170-degree viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage and brightness adjustment. The screen lets you view the full image or thumbnails—4, 9 or 72—of your images with playback zoom. It also offers movie or panoramic playback, photo slideshows, a histogram display, auto image rotation, picture ratings and the chance to add up to 36 characters of comments on your pictures. 

The D3300 has a standard ISO range of 100-12,800, but this can be further boosted up to ISO 25,600 to help you shoot in low-light conditions and still get images with minimal noise in them. You can choose to shoot in Fine, Normal or Basic JPEG quality or, if you want more original information in your images, you can shoot NEF (12-bit RAW). The advantage of shooting RAW is that it retains all of the image information so you have more to work with when editing your pictures in the post-production stage.

The Nikon D3300 Effects Mode offers you the option to select from 13 choices, which include ‘Pop’ to add colour to your images, ‘Easy Panorama’ for shooting wide vistas or ‘HDR Painting’ to add an artistic look to your pictures. Via an optional Nikon WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, you can upload images from the camera to a smart device and you can also shoot Full HD 1080p movies at up to 60p with continuous autofocus. 

Overall, the compact and lightweight Nikon D3300—weighing just 460g with a battery and memory card—offers a solid combination of ease of use, reliable autofocus, good image resolution and a range of creative modes to help you to shoot great pictures. It’s a no-nonsense camera, a great choice as a first DSLR to help you learn the ropes.