Nikon D3400 vs Canon T6i Camera Comparison
The Nikon D3400 and Canon T6i are two high-powered cameras for serious photographers. It’s a close battle between each one. They each have similar performance; however, there are some key differences. We will assess precisely what these are so that you can determine which is the best buy.
Throughout this article, we will award points for different categories. These scores will then be tallied up at the end, and we will then discuss which model is ideal, depending on your preferences and budget.
Megapixels
More megapixels mean crisper, sharper photos. Each megapixel is one million pixels. These squares of data are the building blocks for an image. The more of them present, the more information that is contained in the photo.
In saying this, users will find that this category is, in fact, a draw. Both the D3400 and T6i have 24-megapixel sensors.
Sensor Area
The D3400 has a 10% larger sensor area than the T6i (15.28µm2 vs 13.84µm2 ). This makes it better for shooting in low light conditions as the bigger the sensor size, the more light that can be captured.
+1 for the D3400
Burst Mode
If you intend to undertake action or sports photography, then you will likely want to use burst mode. This function allows cameras to record a series of photos in quick succession. Photographers will end up with numerous photos of the same, fast-moving subject and will then be able to select the best options.
We have another draw in this category. Both cameras can shoot five frames per second when in burst mode.
Autofocusing
To capture a subject in detail, it pays to make use of a camera’s autofocusing abilities. The more AF (autofocusing) points that a camera has, the more effectively it can hone in on a subject. The D3400 has 11 AF points while the T6i has 19.
+1 for the T6i
Lens Options
The D3400 utilizes the Nikon F lens mount, which is compatible with 280 lenses. The T6i has the Canon EF/EF-S mount, which has 292 lenses options. Both cameras can be fitted with a range of standard, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses.
Overall, there is little difference in this category. Each camera has more than enough lens options. If you do end up purchasing one of these models, then you should try to get a lens kit with it. These are included in many bundle deals found on Amazon. You can also buy lenses individually for around $50-$100 each.
Shooting Video
Both cameras can record high-definition video footage. Each model can record at 1080p. However, only the D3400 can hit 60fps when in this mode. The T6i is limited to 30fps.
+1 for the D3400
Weight and Size
The D3400 weighs in at 395 grams and measures 124 x 98 x 76 mm. The T6i is noticeably bigger and heavier. It weighs 555 grams and has dimensions of 132 x 101 x 78 mm.
If portability is important to you, then the D3400 is the best option.
+1 for the D3400
Battery Life
The D3400 can take a massive 1200 shots on a single charge. In comparison, the T6i can only take a measly 440 shots. This is a difference of 760 images.
+1 for the D3400
Screen
The T6i has a far superior screen to the D3400. This camera has a touchscreen that swivels and tilts to different angles. The resolution is also higher (1.040k dots vs 921k dots).
The D3400, unfortunately, misses out on a touchscreen which makes it slower when navigating through the different menus. Its non-articulating screen also gives less flexibility when shooting.
+1 for the T6i
Wi-Fi
The T6i has built-in Wi-Fi while the D3400 misses out on this feature. Having Wi-Fi enables photographers to be able to instantly backup their photos online, which makes them less reliant on SD card storage. They can also share images directly to social media.
+1 for the T6i
Bluetooth
Things do a reverse now. While the D3400 misses out on Wi-Fi, it incorporates Bluetooth instead. The T6i does not.
This allows the D3400 to connect with compatible smartphones via Bluetooth. If the camera’s storage space gets filled up, then users can backup images to their phone. They can also send images to their phone and then share them on social media.
+1 for the D3400
Microphone Jack
Users who want to record video with high-quality audio will want a microphone jack. They can then speak directly into it, to narrate their footage. The T6i incorporates this feature while the D3400 misses out.
+1 for the T6i
Price
The D3400 costs around $500 on Amazon. This is for a new, standalone camera. Bundle deals are also available for around $650. These include a lens kit, tripod, SD card and other accessories.
The T6i costs around $700 on Amazon. A bundle deal with a lens kit, tripod, SD card, and other accessories costs $850.
Overall, there is very little price difference between each model.
Common Strengths
Both cameras have a lot of positives in common.
- They both incorporate HDMI out. This allows users to use an HDMI cable to hook the devices up to an external screen/monitor.
- Both models have an eye-level viewfinder. This makes it easy to frame photos in sunny conditions.
- Each model features bulb shutter. Users can hold the shutter open manually for extra-long exposures.
Common Weaknesses
Both cameras have some flaws in common.
- Neither model incorporates image stabilization. This is handy for preventing photo distortion caused by camera shake.
- Neither camera includes a panoramic shot mode. This mode allows users to merge multiple photos together into a single panoramic image.
- Neither camera has GPS for Geotagging images.
- Each camera only has a single SD card slot which limits storage space.
- Neither provides a headphone jack for monitoring audio while recording video.
- Neither camera allows users to record slow-motion videos.
Total Scores
The total scores are shown below.
Nikon D3400: 5
- Sensor Area
- Shooting Video
- Weight And Size
- Battery Life
- Bluetooth
Canon T6i: 4
- Autofocusing
- Screen
- Wi-Fi
- Microphone Jack
You should also check out the side-by-side comparison below.
| Specs | Nikon D3400 | Canon T6i |
| Megapixels | 24 | 24 |
| Sensor Area (µm2) | 15.28 | 13.84 |
| Burst Mode (fps) | 5 | 5 |
| AF Points | 11 | 19 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF/EF-S |
| Video Quality | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Weight (grams) | 395 | 555 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 124 x 98 x 76 | 132 x 101 x 78 |
| Battery Life | 1200 | 440 |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Tilt-swivel Screen | No | Yes |
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 1.040k dots |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Microphone Jack | No | Yes |
| HDMI Out | Yes | Yes |
| Eye-level Viewfinder | Yes | Yes |
| Blub Shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Panoramic Mode | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| SD Card Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Slow Motion Video | No | No |
| Amazon Price | $500 ($650 bundle) | $700 |
Which Camera is Best?
It’s a tough decision. Both devices perform very well and have heaps in common.
If you plan to record a decent amount of video, then the Nikon D3400 is the better option. It can record 1080p at 60fps whereas the Canon T6i can only hit 30fps.
As for taking still shots, both cameras are very similar. They each have 24-megapixel sensors and 5fps burst modes. The only differences are that the Nikon D3400 has a bigger sensor area while the Canon T6i has improved autofocusing. We would probably go with the Canon T6i in this case, but it is really close.
We also like the Canon T6i’s articulating touchscreen and built-in Wi-Fi. This makes it more user-friendly than the Nikon D3400.
As for budget, there is little difference, so it shouldn’t even play a factor.
To wrap things up, we recommend the Nikon D3400 for those that are concerned about video quality, while we recommend the Canon T6i for those after the most user-friendly experience.
Really awesome review and comparison. Thanks so much.