Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D500

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3400 and Nikon D500. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

These two camera models were both released 2016.

Camera Released
Nikon D3400 2016
Nikon D500 2016

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3400 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D500 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D3400 has a 24 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D500 has 21 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3400 24 MP
24000000 pixels
6000 x 4000
Nikon D500 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712

Nikon D3400 has a 16 % larger resolution than Nikon D500. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D500 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3400. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3400 has 100 to 25600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3400 100-25600
Nikon D500 100-51200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D500 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3400 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3400 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3400
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D500

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3400 can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D500 can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3400 5
Nikon D500 10

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon D3400 and Nikon D500 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D500 weighs 860 gr (equal to 1.9 lb) which is 118% heavier than Nikon D3400 and its 395 gr (or 0.87 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3400 395 gr
0.87 lb
Nikon D500 860 gr
1.9 lb

Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D500 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3400 and Nikon D500, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Name Nikon D3400 Nikon D500
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Release Year 2016 2016
Release Date 2016-08-17 2016-01-05
MSRP 649 USD 1999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 5568 x 3712 pixels
Megapixels 24 MP 21 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 4 EXPEED 5
Image
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
ISO Range 100 - 25600 100 - 51200
White Balance Presets 12 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Autofocus Motor No Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 11 153
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Articulated LCD Fixed Tilting
Screen size 3” 3.2”
Screen dots 921000 2359000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type TFT-LCD TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 95% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.57× (0.38× 35mm equiv.) 1× (0.67× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 0
Photography features
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Frames per second 5 fps 10 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes No
Built-in Flash Range 7 meters N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
H.264
MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers Yes Yes
Storage
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Memory Card SD/SDHC
SD/SDHC
XQD
Connectivity
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless Yes
Built-In SnapBridge (Bluetooth only)
Yes
Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth)
Remote Control Yes (via smartphone or wireless remote) Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)
GPS No Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3400
Nikon D500
Enviromentally sealed No Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 1200 shots 1240 shots
Width 124 mm 147 mm
Height 98 mm 115 mm
Depth 76 mm 81 mm
Weight 395 gram 860 gram