Compare Nikon D3400 against Canon Rebel T6

Hey, I know you’re excited – especially about the Holiday Sales, but let’s do a head to head comparison of some key features before you press that Order button. These 2 cameras are both great, and on sale for an amazing value right now, but…

1. Low Light Shooting

The biggest difference, even over file size (megapixels aren’t always the most important!), is light sensitive the camera is. If you’re of a certain age, you might remember buying FILM from the drugstore. We still use those FILM numbers today. Instead of ASA, it’s ISO and it’s HUGE in terms of which camera even I buy! Higher numbers usually = better low light capability! ESPECIALLY if you shoot ACTION in low light – I’m talking to YOU football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, and dance, and karate MOMS! So let’s compare!

Nikon D3400: ISO rating 100-25,000! Amazing low light performance – WINNER!
Canon Rebel T6: ISO rating 100-6400! Uh Oh!

ISO 16000, Xavier Basketball, Nikon D500 © Malinda Hartong

What this really means: If I’m shooting a high school basketball game inside a school gym, I need at least 1/500 shutter speed. With the standard kit lens, my f-stop is f5.6. I MAY be able to get decent exposure at 6400 ISO (light sensitivity), but the Nikon will allow me to shoot almost 4 TIMES FASTER!

Yes it will be noisy, but there are editing fixes for that. Why: Canon drawback: If my shot is way too dark – it’ll look even noisier. If my shutter speed isn’t fast enough I’ll get BLUR – which I CANT fix. So Nikon wins this round.

2. Frames Per Second

Let’s stick with the sports theme. Frames per second is the most number of images I can shoot consecutively in continuous drive (with a fast memory card in large jpeg fine compression).

Nikon: 5
Canon: 3

Nikon will give me almost twice as many shots when I’m trying to capture that peak moment of the ball leaving the fingertips! I might miss that frame with Canon.

Xavier Basketball, 16000 ISO, f5.6, Cintas Center, ©Malinda Hartong

3. Focus Points and Area

Nikon D3400: AF-C + Dynamic and 3D Focus Tracking. 11 focus points overall.
Canon Rebel T6: AI Servo with 1 focus point or all 9 focus points. 9 overall.

I know this can sound complex but I’ll make it SUPER SIMPLE: If you’re trying to track sports, keeping 1 single focus point on your subject is TOUGH, right? But if I switch to “auto selection”, the camera focuses on the kid closest to me and not MY kid – without giving me a choice. Neither option works well, right?

Nikon gives us 1 more option: Dynamic Focus (and a few more in the D5000 series and up which is why those models are even better at action). Dynamic uses my selected focus point, PLUS gives me “fudge room” of the points around it – just in case someone jumps and I may not have followed them. With Canon I have to keep that 1 single focus point on my subject ALL the time.

Plus Nikon gives me 2 more focus points overall which gives me more flexibility for tracking focus and placing my subject (11 vs 9).

Glenwood Gardens, Great Parks Photo Walk, © Malinda Hartong

4. Lenses

If you’ve never tried the Nikon AF-P lenses you’re in for a treat. Most lenses, especially on “beginner” cameras, either auto focus or manual focus – you have to pick 1 at a time, using the switch on the lens. Nikon’s new AF-P lenses are super quiet, super fast focusing, AND let you push or pull focus ON THE FLY – no buttons!

Let’s say you’re trying to photograph a bird behind a branch, and autofocus gets the branch in sharp focus. You can simply twist the ring on the Nikon AF-P lens to push focus behind the branch to the bird. It’s really sweet! Even hubby Glenn was impressed – and that’s not easy to do!

Nikon also offers a HUGE variety of lenses that will work on their AF-S cameras. ALWAYS before buying a lens or camera – check compatibility. If you ever have a doubt ask a reputable dealer like Stephanie or Nick at Roberts Camera (800) 726-5544 in Indianapolis, Helene at ProCam in Cincinnati (513) 659-1792, or Wilma at K & R Photographic in Northern Kentucky (859)341-6986.

By now you’ve guessed which one I would buy if I had to choose, right? Anytime you buy a camera – MAKE SURE you’re getting the USA warranty. There are tons of odd things out there! Buy from a reputable source like the folks listed above – especially if you have any questions – they’re more than happy to help! I’ve heard of folks ordering from the big online store that everyone orders from and getting FOREIGN charging cables. Not good. Don’t order anything that says Imported.

If you have any questions -PLEASE ask someone who knows or will find the right answer for you. You can contact me too.

My wish for you is you’ll really enjoy capturing all those fabulous photos. I’ll be here with workshops and lessons to help you along the way! Stay tuned to our Facebook page, Instagram/Twitter @hartongdigital and new YouTube channel! And I’ll see you on our Monthly Photo Walks, right? Happy Shopping & Shooting!

What’s the difference between these & Nikon D5600 and Canon T6i?

Both these models offer upgraded action following capability with more focus points and better tracking options. Nikon D5600 also has a top ISO of 25,600, whereas the Rebel T6i goes up to 12,800 and calls 25,600 “High” – warning you of noise. Both have flip-out screens and 24.2 mpx files, as well as 5 frames per second speed. Here’s the biggest difference on paper: Nikon D5600 has 39 focus points, Canon Rebel T6i has 19.