Nikon Adds Bluetooth to D3400 DSLR and Introduces AF-P Zoom Lenses

After some impressive flagship releases from Nikon, it is nice to see that they aren’t forgetting about the little guy with today’s release of the D3400 DSLR Camera. The most notable upgrade here is the introduction of built-in Bluetooth LE connectivity with SnapBridge functionality. This adds features for direct connection to your smartphone and mobiledevices, an increasingly desired function in the modern world. Nikon is also introducing the AF-P lens type with mid-range and telephoto zoom options: the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G, AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED, AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR.

From an imaging standpoint the D3400 is a rock solid option as it is equipped with a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 4 image processor which can deliver sharp, low-noise images at native sensitivities up to ISO 25600. The sensor also forgoes the use of an optical low-pass filter in order to guarantee users are getting the sharpest images possible. The Guide Mode makes a return here as well, appealing to photography newcomers looking to learn and exert more control over their images. It features examples and tips for getting the look you want and it offers some special effects for added fun before you post to your social media accounts.

SnapBridge works with Bluetooth LE for the automatic transfer of 2MP images to your mobile device so you are ready to share. This provides near instant access to your photos as you shoot. SnapBridge also has direct access to NIKON IMAGE SPACE, a site that offers cloud storage and sharing for your photos and albums.In addition to stills, the D3400 offers Full HD 1920 x 1080p video at up to 60 fps and even has features to create time lapse videos and smooth, slow motion effects.

Other functions to improve your photographic capabilities include an 11-point phase-detect autofocus system sensitive to -1 EV. It can even fire continuously at up to 5 fps for catching fast-moving action. A built-in flash is available as well for illuminating dim locations and subjects. For operation, the D3400 sports a number of standard DSLR features, including a pentamirror optical viewfinder with 95% coverage and a 3” 921k-dot TFT-LCD. Also, this camera offers a substantial improvement to battery life with a CIPA rating of 1,200 shots on a single charge.

The D3400 will be available in either red or black as a kit with the AF-P 18-55mm VR lens and in black with both the AF-P 18-55mm VR and AF-P 70-300mm.

Nikon has upgraded the kit lens by developing the AF-P lens type, which incorporates a new pulse stepping motor for fast and silent autofocus during stills and video. The first lenses to see this motor are the DX-format AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED. There are also the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR lenses, which are differentiated from their counterparts solely by the 4-stop equivalent image stabilization system built into the VR models.

Starting with the essential mid-range zoom, the 18-55mm lenses offer a versatile 35mm equivalent focal length of 27-82.5mm as well as exceptional portability thanks to a retractable design. They even make use of two aspherical lens elements to limit distortion and spherical aberration. When paired with a 70-300mm lens, users will be able to continue zooming in with an effective focal length of 105-450mm, quite impressive for a lens of this type.

The AF-P system also eliminates the need for external switches and buttons and allows users to access AF/MF and VR On/Off options from the camera menus. One side effect of this system is limited compatibility since these options are currently only available in the D7200, D7100, D7000, D5500, D5300, D5200, D3400, D3300, D3200, and D3100 DSLRs. Bringing all of these capabilities together ensures that all users will have access to a lightweight and fast focusing zoom lens.