Nikon
D3400
Lightweight 24MP entry DX DSLR with no OLPF sensor, SnapBridge Bluetooth, Full HD 60p video, and class-leading 1,200-shot battery life.
$649
Launch priceReleased Aug 2016

Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 7.1 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
D3400
Wins
Zf
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZf has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 11 fps)
- BZf has higher ISO max (native) (64,000 vs 25,600)
- BZf has higher Burst (mechanical) (14 fps vs 6 fps)
- BZf has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD3400
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)

Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale

Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
D3400 is 6mm narrower and 5mm shorter than Zf but it is also 39mm thicker.
D3400 is 190 g lighter than Zf.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D3400 · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D3400
138 × 98 mm

Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm

Zf
144 × 103 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D3400
138 × 88 mm

Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm

Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3400
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Zf
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D3400
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Zf
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D3400
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
AF points / zones
493 vs 273 — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 380 shots — higher is better
Weight
520 g vs 710 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -8.5 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 11 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
64,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D3400
Pros
- ✓24.2MP no OLPF DX sensor
- ✓1,200-shot battery (CIPA)
- ✓Lightweight 445g with battery
- ✓SnapBridge Bluetooth sharing
- ✓Excellent beginner value used
Cons
- –11-point AF only
- –No 4K video
- –Fixed rear LCD (no tilt)
- –Discontinued — no Wi-Fi
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3400 and Zf at major authorized retailers.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, D3400 or Zf?
Zf scores 7.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for D3400 — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the D3400 and Zf?
D3400 is 24.2 MP and Zf is 24.5 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D3400 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
D3400 does not have IBIS, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3400 or the Zf?
D3400 reaches 11 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3400 and Zf?
D3400 weighs 520 g and Zf weighs 710 g, so the D3400 is 190 g lighter.
Do the D3400 and Zf record 4K video?
D3400: 4K up to 60p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D3400 and Zf weather sealed?
D3400: No. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D3400 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the D3400 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3400 launched at $649 and Zf at $2,049. The D3400 is $1,400 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3400 vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.