• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 50.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon 5DS advantages over Nikon D3400

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,381 vs 1,192 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    41 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.71x vs 0.57x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    50.6 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    61 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D3400 advantages over Canon 5DS

  • Less expensive
    $497 vs $1299*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More dynamic range
    13.9 vs 12.4 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1200 vs 700 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 28 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3400

Review Excerpt

  • Compact DSLR camera body; Excellent image quality; Reliable single-shot autofocus; Good continuous JPEG shooting performance; New kit lens has improved AF; Great value at current prices.

  • SnapBridge is slow and limited; Poor continuous autofocus; No built-in Wi-Fi; Mediocre video features.

The Competition

Compared to Canon T6i

Canon 5DS
Canon T6i
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D3400
Canon T6i
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Nikon D810

Canon 5DS
Nikon D810
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
Nikon D3400
Nikon D810
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D5500

Canon 5DS
Nikon D5500
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D3400
Nikon D5500
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Canon 5DS
Canon 5DS R
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Nikon D3400
Canon 5DS R
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Pentax K-1

Canon 5DS
Pentax K-1
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D3400
Pentax K-1
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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