The D3400 was my first DSLR. I really couldn’t afford anything else at that time. I used it for about two years. It was the best entry level DSLR for me. It had enough functionality that I could really learn so much with. By the time I upgraded, I was doing professional work with the D3400. Great camera.
Thanks, I almost didn't upgrade to it because it is such a major upgrade but I am doing professional work and it didn't make sense to upgrade to an intermediate camera when I would get a D850 in another year anyway. Thasnk you again for your content.
What I like most about Paul and his videos is that he doesn't waste a single minute of yours and always does his job. Neatly and precise. He always focuses on what he is doing. Doesn't spend time in promoting his channel. That's a quality he shares with Nikon D3400.
Thank you so mjuch for your kind words - very much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy my videos and would like to thank you for watching and supporting my growing channel. Best wishes, Paul @ Photo Genius.
You have impressive pacing in your videos; never too fast or too slow. You also present information clearly and concisely. The videos are well scripted. Keep up the good work.
Yes, his method leads to you getting things done than most of the other guys, who I believe are just interested in setting you up to buy something from them.
Turning the auto ISO off was seriously life changing, so thank you!!! i could never understand why the picture wasn't changing even though I was changing the ISO, which was so frustrating!!
Wow!!! Now that is how you TUTOR someone!!!!! Way to go mate!! I am a beginner sitting with this camera here not knowing what to do and you have made my day mahn!!!
I just bought my first dslr 3400D Nikon and saw your video in order to understand how the functions work. Really have to say that your way of explaining the functions and tips is so clear, crisp and concise. I'll play around my camera now! Thanks for the video mate!!
This was my first DSLR camera and I love it. About the ISO though, what I prefer is to use the auto ISO, but limit it to a maximum. I find the usable limit to be around 3200, so I set the Maximum Sensitivity setting to 1600. I do this because, with manual ISO selection, you're stuck with the presets. Auto ISO will use any step in between those presets, so you don't get more than you may need. Just my opinion, and another option to look into.
Well done! I have the D3400 (and a D7200) and these kit lenses are outstanding! I have both the 18-55 and two versions of the 70-300..VR and non VR. All are sharp, silent, fast to focus, and lightweight. I sold off a Sigma and Tamron that were 3x the cost and the Nikon performed better. When shooting a paid event, I use my D7200, but the end result is that D3400 (same sensor) is a very capable camera as backup for me or as a family, travel, or general camera that won't break the bank. With the new D3500 w/kit 18-55 and retailing for $499.99, Nikon will continue to do very well in the entry level segment.
This is, by far, THE BEST tutorial! It has everything that I have been struggling for months to understand explained perfectly! I feel now I can finally take my camera off of Auto and experience it’s greatness! THANK YOU!!
I'm a beginner is digital photography and I owned D3400 for about half and year, I can prove that the video has summed up all the essential instructions that its users need to know. Great!
Have been looking out for basic beginner level videos on how to use dslr.. No one has been able to put so much information in such a short video. N in such simple terms. Thanks mate!
Great news: my hs jr just called me regarding an assignment. I watched your video and instructed my student/child what to do to get the shot the teacher wanted for the assignment. Day two of us working together for a unified goal. We both feel successful. I like positive comments others left as well. I’ll be back. Thank you!
My son has stolen my d3400 lol....I've know bought a d7500 which despite critics I love it ...he is rapt to have a camera now and we can swap lenses....hes 13. Thanks once again...great videos.
These videos are extremely high quality!! Thank you for taking the time to make something so impossible seem manageable. Keep making these videos and never stop!
Thanks for watching - the goal is to post a video a week, but we are so busy with our photography courses that it isn't always possible. Thanks again 😀
Photo Genius I second what Bohemian said. Awesome vids and love that you have a D3400. I can follow along with my D3400. But just so you know Star Trek is better 😉
You are amazing mate. I had been watching many more videos about DSLRs and lenses. Your video taught me in a simple language much more than any other video taught me with more technical jargons. Great work.
I have watched so many videos... This has been the most helpful. And very pleasant, also well-paced. Thank you so, so, so much! You have a new, happy subscriber!
You are an excellent teacher, clear succinct and a balanced speed. I have just bought a Nikon d3400 and a Nikon P900 to resurrect a hobby I have dne since 1982 and an old Pentak K1000\ thank you
Thank you for being so clear and precise. I am a beginner but your teaching is so clear that it seems easy. I'm 68 years old. The camera and what I can create has become a passion of mine. Again, thank you.
I have had mine for a few months and was very intimidated by it. You just made it so much easier!!! I love taking pictures and this is my first "real" camera. I was asked to do senior pictures for someone that can not afford to go to a professional and decided I needed to figure out how this thing works asap. I plan on watching the rest of your videos! Thanks for the tips and keeping things simple.
Thank you so much Rachel, I really appreciate your support and for taking the time to comment. Good luck with the senior pictures - enjoy the experience and use it as a way of learning how to get better results from your camera. Paul @ Photo Genius.
I have a question. With the Bluetooth remote you used, did you have to click twice, once to start the shutter and one to stop it? I'm sorry if the question doesn't make sense. I'm taking a beginner class with this camera, and was hoping to find tools that will help me. You're video was super helpful! Thank you so much!
This BY FAR the BEST and most easy to understand video on photography. Paul, THANK YOU SO much! I bought a course online and it made me want to quit, I saw yours and I can actually control my camera. Please make MORE! bravo.
This video was by far the best video I have been looking for help with my camera and I almost gave up on RU-vid thank you and please keep posting you are so helpful
Every time I watch your videos I learn more and more some friend told me that the Nikon D5300 is better than the Nikon D3400 is that true and why Thanks in advance
Well a great for sure. Hello Paul , I recieved my Nikon d3400 4 days early and learning the ( manual ) settings as per your wonderful video. Ive taken a few photos and they are awesome. Ive ordered a uv filter to protect the lens and ive got a new 18 - 300 mm lens coming next week. The clouds over northern colorado are incredible today. Back to learning. Great day Sir. ✌
Right, this is the video that just tipped me over to the D3400 .. getting it next week (probably) when the discounts start.. 400 euro for the starter kit without discount at the moment.
I just ordered an canon 1500d and hope I made a good choice. Just general city photography, rural life where I can capture some emotions although the Eyes are the best camera you can ever get and capture everything within your hearts.
This was so helpful! I just got mine and was so lost as to how to use it, but this gave me great starting points, so I can learn more. I'd also say the speed of your videos is well-paced, because I hardly ever needed to go back, even though I was trying everything out. Thank you!
Just a thought for all you cheapskates like me. Instead of shelling out a bunch of cash for a remote just to release the shutter that you may rarely use, just use the self timer already on the camera instead. It really works
But, you've only got 20 seconds maximum to line up a shot with the self timer, the remote gives you as long as you need. The remote is great for studio use.
Hey there!!! amazing video. I've already became your great fan. Now, I've some questions before I buy my first dslr. I want to buy Nikon D3400 as my budget is limited.But I am little bit confused whether I should buy the camera with kit lens or only the body. If you suggest me to go only for body, which lens should I buy then? I want to shoot both potraits and landscape photos. Just need your valuable suggestions. Please specify the lens models so that I can find them on market easily.(sorry for my bad English) Again, you are doing great job by making these kind of videos. :)
Thank you. Sir, some people are suggesting me to buy Nikon d5300 instead of d3400. They are saying that it will be a better option for my budget. But I want to spend money in better lens instead of a better camera. Which one will be better - the Nikon D5300+Kit lens or Nikon D3400+Kit lens? My current budget is around 50K Taka which is equivalent to around 588.85 USD or 814.49 Australian Dollar. If I buy D3400, I can use the rest of the money to buy a prime lens. But if I go for D5300, I won't be able to buy the prime lens. :( (I know D5300 is better than D3400. But is D3400 worth my money ? Should I go for it ?)
Hi! What you recommend to buy d5300 or d3400? And why? (i gone to buy my first camera, and i read some tips but i dont find if the quality photo of 5300 is very inferior, and 5300 for. The retractil screen is very useful and this is what make me think nuy 5300)
Nikon D5300 has better overall performance and comfort (flip out screen) It shoots in 14-bit RAW instead 12-bit as D3XXX series. It is something barely noticeable but better having as much as possible you can get from a picture no? D3XXX it is something I do not recommend anymore. Better a good condition second-hand d5xxx series or d7xxx series even for beginners, since are much easier to sell later on in case the passion will be over. The D3xxx it is quite overpriced for what it offers, despite is one of the cheapest DSLRs, but for few more d5xxx series worths and it is more all-around. The ISO performances in terms of the sensor are the same but the algorithm that processes te information from the RAW are different, that's why D7200 pull out cleaner images than D3xxx - D5xxx series. So everything has a price. For beginners those camera are more than fine (D3xxx-D5xxx) but I would rather go for 5300. ;)
I love your video. It is the most helpful than any video I have watched so far. Easy to understand and easy to follow. I look forward to watching more of your videos.
But you never explained why auto ISO is bad? In run and gun situation like news auto ISO is a life saver. I always shoot on Shutter Speed mode as I have to take videos and photos continuously. For photos I change shutter to 100 fps or 60 fps (in low light) while I shoot video always at 50 fps. I have d3300 and I always keep the upper limit of ISO in auto mode as 800 so I don't have to bother with iso ever. I prefer using fast lenses which have either f1.4 or f1.8. Only in bright outdoors I use a f3.5 lens. For outdoors for shallow depth of field I use filters. Simple secrets to good videos and photos!
I wouldn't disagree with you, photo journalism often requires photos to be take quickly under sometime difficult circumstances so the combination of auto ISO and Shutter priority mode would be a good one. However these videos are aimed at beginners and not working or professional photographers. I think that learning how to adjust ISO manually is a better way to start out and learn. Thanks for watching 👍
Personally I also have the Fn button set to control ISO. Auto ISO may be best for total beginners until they understand it, otherwise they may wonder why they got better photos from an old Point-and-Shoot or cellphone
during the night n foggy, dark nights... ISO 100 "picasso, so beautiful" ISO 100 during bright sunny days next to rivers and light reflecting surfaces "white, my camera is so blind!!!" Yea, I still need training, I'm one of those photographers that stay out of Auto as much as possible but try to use it only when I f*** up so badly I need guidance, no... I'm not saying I have mad skills... if I did, I wouldn't be watching help videos... as much, even pro's watch help videos though.... ever wondered how they do mad photographs? so does other photographers. BUT, I'm a beginner, my camera is 3 weeks into warranty and if I break the shutter during warranty then even better and even everyone (except Nikon) will give a nod because, I used the camera to it's fullest potential and not as a paperweight.
Even just learning about the shortcut to adjust iso made me super happy! Now I feel I can play around with things in manual mode that much easier. Thanks for that tip!
Thank you so much for this video! I had my camera for 2 years and and like the last post said, I learned more with you in a few minutes then I did the past couple years! Thanks again!
I need to thank you so much for this video! I bought this camera and I ended up not using it because I had no clue how to, but with your helpful videos I am now able to take great photos! Thank you!
Thanks Madison, it makes me very happy to read your comment. I hope you will subscribe and watch more videos so you can get even more from your camera. Paul @ Photo Genius.
