Nikon D3400 vs Canon T6 Camera Comparison

If you’re in the market for a powerful camera then the Nikon D3400 and Canon T6 are ideal devices. Of course, they have some key differences when it comes to photography and performance. To help you decide, we have compared them both across a range of categories. We will let you know precisely which is best, regardless of what kind of photographer you are.

Megapixels

The megapixels possessed by a camera’s sensors are possibly the most important specification. They dictate the overall quality of the images produced. Each megapixel is one million pixels, and these squares of data are what make up a photo: The more, the better.

The D3400 has 24 megapixels which is more than the T6’s 18 megapixels.

+1 for the D3400

Sensor Area

The D3400 has a 21% greater sensor area than the T6 (18.54 vs 15.28). Now bigger is normally better. Larger sensors can capture more light and generally lead to higher quality images. They are also better at isolating a subject from the rest of the landscape.

+1 for the D3400

Extended ISO

ISO is a camera setting that determines how bright or dark a photo will turn out. The higher the number, the greater the brightness. Now, the D3400 has a greater max ISO than the T6 (25600 vs 12800). This provides greater flexibility when shooting in low light conditions.

+1 for the D3400

Burst Mode

Users will discover that both cameras offer burst mode capabilities. What this does is allow many shots to be captured in rapid succession. This is handy when filming a moving subject. You can take dozens of photos if you wish and then sort through them later, to find the perfect position or angle.

The D3400 can take 5.1 shots a second when in burst mode. In contrast, the T6 can only take 3. This makes the D3400 the better choice for sports and action photography.

+1 for the D3400

Video Quality

You’re not just limited to still photography as each camera can record 1080p video. The D3400 can do so at 60fps while the T6 can only hit 30fps. Both cameras can also record 720p footage.

Overall the D3400 can record superior video footage.

+1 for the D3400

Weight

The D3400 weighs in at 395 grams while the T6 brings the scales to 485 grams. This is only a 90-gram difference, but it does make the D3400 easier to carry around.

+1 for D3400

Auto Focusing

A camera’s autofocusing capabilities are important for zooming in on subjects. The more AF (auto focus) points available, the easier is to hone in on what you really want to capture.

The D3400 has 11 AF points (two more than the T6).

+1 for the D3400

Battery Life

The T6 can take 500 shots on a single charge. On the other hand, the D3400 can take a whopping 1200 images. This makes it the clear winner.

+1 for the D3400

Screen

Both cameras have 3 inche, 920k dot resolution screens.

Neither model provides a tilt-swivel screen.

You’re probably used to a touchscreen phone. However, neither cameras’ screen makes use of this technology. You will need to navigate menus by clunking away on buttons.

This category is a draw.

Wi-Fi

The T6 has built-in Wi-Fi, which is handy for backing up photos. Users won’t have to rely entirely on SD card space. It also allows for instant uploads to Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Unfortunately, the D3400 misses out on this feature.

+1 for the T6

Bluetooth

While the D3400 doesn’t have Wi-Fi, it does have Bluetooth. This allows for connectivity while on the go. In fact, you can pair the camera with supported phones to backup and upload photos. However, it is still easier to cut out the middleman and upload directly (by using Wi-Fi).

The T6 misses out on Bluetooth.

+1 for the D3400

Price

The T6 costs approximately $450 on Amazon. This is for a new, standalone model. To get a lens kit, tripod, and other accessories you will need to pay around $650.

The D3400 costs around $500 on Amazon. A bundle deal with a lens kit and other accessories costs around $650.

There are many different bundle deals available on Amazon. Make sure you compare the different options to get the best deal.

As you can see, the T6 is the more affordable camera.

+1 for the T6

Common Strengths

Let’s clarify the important features that both models have in common.

• Each camera incorporates HDMI out. This is handy for viewing photos on your TV or computer monitor.
• Both cameras allow for bulb shutter. This allows users to hold the camera shutter open manually for extra-long exposure. This is handy for creating blurred images that give the impression of speed, such as rapidly spinning car wheels or a fast flowing waterfall.
• Both cameras feature an internal and external flash.
• Both models have an eye-level This allows photographers to frame photos even when the sun is out.

Common Weaknesses

Each camera also has some letdowns in common.

• Neither camera incorporates image stabilization. This would have been handy to prevent image distortion from motion caused by low shutter speeds.
• Neither model has built-in GPS for Geotagging photos.
• Neither device provides a external mike jack or headphone jack.
• Each camera only has one SD card slot.
• Neither camera supports slow motion video.

Let’s Tally Up The Points

The total scores are displayed below.

Nikon D3400 Score: 9

• Megapixels
• Sensor Size
• Extended ISO
• Burst Mode
• Video Quality
• Weight
• Auto Focusing
• Battery Life
• Bluetooth

Canon T6 Score: 2

• Wi-Fi
• Price

You should also check out the side-by-side comparison below.

Which One Should You Get?

It’s clear that the Nikon D3400 smashes the Canon T6 in almost every category. When it comes to taking photos, it wins out with more megapixels, a bigger sensor size, a higher ISO range, improved burst mode, and more AF points. Don’t forget about 60fps when filming in 1080p. It’s also the lightest and has a much greater battery life.

The only real advantage to getting the Canon T6 is that it incorporates Wi-Fi. If you’re on a budget, then you will also find that it’s around $150 cheaper.

For most photographers you’re better off paying the extra cash and getting the Nikon D3400. It is just a superior camera, regardless of whether you want it for daily, sports, landscape, or portrait photography. Of course, if you really can’t afford it, then the Canon T6 is still a decent camera for the casual photographer.