Nikon D3300 vs Sony Alpha a6400
Nikon D3300 vs Sony Alpha a6400: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Nikon D3300 belongs to a Entry-Level DSLR category, the other model, Nikon D3300 is a Semi-Pro Mirrorless camera. One of the key common traits of both cameras we are looking at is sensor. Both Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400, are equipped with the same 24.0 MP CMOS sensors.
Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - DSLR and MirrorLess. Keeping in mind all the distinctive features of each category, it will be hard to make a detailed comparison of these two models. However, we will do our best to make this review as unbiased and detailed as possible.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D3300 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Expands to 25600)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p fps), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 124 x 98 x 76 mm
- Weight: 430 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D3200. Compare
- Replaced by Nikon D3400. Compare
Sony Alpha a6400 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 32000 (Expands to 102800)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 120 x 67 x 60 mm
- Weight: 403 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: No
Nikon D3300 was substituted by Nikon D3400.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D3300 vs. D3400
Nikon D3400 vs. Sony Alpha a6400
Nikon D3300 substituted Nikon D3200.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D3300 vs. D3200
Nikon D3200 vs. Sony Alpha a6400
Why is Nikon D3300 a better choice than Sony Alpha a6400
| Flash Range | 12 vs 6 | 6 better flash range |
| Battery Life | 700 shots vs 410 shots | 290 more frames with a single charge |
| Dxo Color Depth | 24.3 vs 24 | Better color depth |
What are the key reasons to pick Sony Alpha a6400 over Nikon D3300
| NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
| Bluetooth | Yes vs No | Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes vs No | Creative shooting |
| Continuous Shooting | 11 fps vs 5 fps | 6 fps faster |
| Number Of Focus Points | 425 vs 11 | 414 more focus points |
| Screen Resolution | 922k dots vs 921k dots | 0.1% higher resolution screen |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Weight | 403 g vs 430 g | 27 g lighter |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 13.6 vs 12.8 | Better dynamic range |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 1431 vs 1385 | Better High ISO performance |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7 vs 0.57 | 0.13 better magnification |
Key PROs of Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 24.0 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
| Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Key CONs of Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 922k dots | Small screen resolution |
| Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Nikon D3300 vs Sony Alpha a6400: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Sony Alpha a6400 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 27g less than the Nikon D3300. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 any different in terms of sensor type?
In terms of sensor type and resolution, these models are identical. Both Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 come equipped with the same CMOS that has a resolution of 24.0 MP. Thus, if you are wondering, which option to choose, this is not a factor you should be looking at.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D3300 | Sony Alpha a6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D3300 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Sony Alpha a6400 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D3300 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (124 x 98 x 76 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
- Small Number of autofocus Points (11)
Sony Alpha a6400 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (120 x 67 x 60 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D3300 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Big size (124 x 98 x 76 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (11)
- Small Number of CrossFocus Points (1)
- Bad Max Native ISO (12800)
- Small battery life (700 shots)
Sony Alpha a6400 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Fast Continuous Shooting (11.0 fps)
- Environmental Sealing
- Big Number of autofocus Points (425)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Small battery life (410 shots)
Nikon D3300 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (430 g)
- Big size (124 x 98 x 76 mm)
Sony Alpha a6400 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (403 g)
- Big size (120 x 67 x 60 mm)
Nikon D3300 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (12.8)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Max Native ISO (12800)
Sony Alpha a6400 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (13.6)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesComparison of Nikon D3300 vs Sony Alpha a6400: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D3300 or Sony Alpha a6400, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D3300 and Sony Alpha a6400 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha a6400 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D3300. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D3300 vs Sony Alpha a6400 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D3300 | Sony Alpha a6400 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Sony |
| Model | D3300 | Alpha a6400 |
| Announced | Apr 21, 2014 | Jan 15, 2019 |
| Body Type | Compact SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Sensor Area | 366.60 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Max Native ISO | 12,800 | 32,000 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 25,600 | 102,800 |
| Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 102 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch |  |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 11 | 425 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | 1 | n/a |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 922k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 2,359k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.57 | 0.7 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 11.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 12 | 6 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Auto slow sync, Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Rear-curtain sync, Rear-curtain with slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync | auto, slow sync, rear sync, redeye reduction, wireless, hi-speed sync |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 82 | 83 |
| DxO Color Depth | 24.3 | 24.0 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 12.8 | 13.6 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 1385 | 1431 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p fps), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 430 g | 403 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 124 x 98 x 76 mm | 120 x 67 x 60 mm |
| Battery Life | 700 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL14a | NP-FW50 |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | |
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick DUO (UHS-I compliant) |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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