Nikon D3400 Photo Settings: A Beginner’s Guide

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The quick answer

For Nikon D3400 photo settings, I shoot NEF (RAW) because I edit in Lightroom. If you want photos ready to share, choose JPEG Fine and Large image size. I use Auto white balance, Standard Picture Control and matrix metering as straightforward starting points.

For moving subjects, my walkthrough uses continuous-servo autofocus (AF-C) with Dynamic-area AF. These are the settings I use, so feel free to change them to fit the photos you take.

Watch my complete D3400 photo settings walkthrough on YouTube

Jump to: Starting settings | RAW and JPEG | Color and ISO | Autofocus | Lens corrections and VR | FAQs

My Nikon D3400 photo settings

Press MENU and open the Shooting menu, marked by a camera icon. Here is the setup from my video:

• Image quality: NEF (RAW) for editing, or JPEG Fine for easy sharing.
• Image size: Large when shooting JPEG.
• ISO: Start low, around 100 or 200 when light allows, and raise it as needed.
• White balance: Auto.
• Picture Control: Standard to start; I also use Neutral.
• Color space: sRGB.
• Active D-Lighting: On in my D3400 walkthrough.
• Noise reduction: Off for my Lightroom workflow.
• Vignette control: Normal.
• Auto distortion control: On when available with a compatible lens.
• Focus mode: AF-C, continuous-servo autofocus.
• Viewfinder AF-area mode: Dynamic-area AF.
• Built-in AF-assist illuminator: Off, as my preference.
• Metering: Matrix.
• Optical VR: On for handheld photos when supported by the lens.

Some options depend on the camera mode, lens and other settings. Treat this list as a place to start, not a rule for every subject.

Choose RAW or JPEG Fine

I use NEF (RAW) because I bring my photos into Lightroom and edit them. RAW gives me flexibility to adjust the image afterward, including white balance, but the files take more card space and need compatible software for processing.

If you want to send or post your photos straight from the camera, I recommend JPEG Fine. Set Image size → Large for the full-size JPEG. Nikon lists Large as 6,000 × 4,000 pixels, roughly 24 megapixels.

Image size is grayed out when RAW is selected because the NEF file is recorded at full size. Switch to a JPEG-only quality setting if you want to choose a smaller JPEG. Choose the format that fits your workflow, then practice taking pictures instead of worrying that one setting is right for everyone.

ISO, white balance and Picture Control

I try to keep ISO low, around 100 or 200 when the light allows, and mention 400 or 800 as other useful starting points. Higher ISO can show more noise, but raise it if you need a usable exposure and a shutter speed fast enough to keep the subject sharp. A low ISO is not much help if the photo is too dark or blurry.

I leave white balance on Auto, especially for beginners. It is an easy way to get started without changing a setting every time the light changes. If a JPEG looks too warm or cool, try a preset that matches your lighting and compare the result.

For Picture Control, I suggest Standard when starting out. I also use Neutral when I plan to adjust the look later. Vivid adds a more saturated look, while Monochrome produces a black-and-white rendering. These choices are especially visible in camera-processed JPEGs, so try a few and see what you like.

I use sRGB as the simple color-space choice for sharing. It is a practical starting point, although other color-managed workflows may call for something different.

Active D-Lighting and noise reduction

In this D3400 walkthrough I keep Active D-Lighting on. It is intended to help preserve detail in bright and dark areas of a high-contrast scene. Compare On and Off for your own photos; it can affect the exposure chosen at capture, including when you shoot RAW.

I usually leave noise reduction off because I can handle noise in Lightroom and prefer to decide how much smoothing to apply. If you shoot JPEGs without editing, try the camera setting and compare noise against fine detail. The choice depends on the look you want.

Focus mode and AF-area mode

In the video I select AF-C, or continuous-servo autofocus, for subjects that move. While you hold the shutter button halfway, the camera continues adjusting focus as appropriate. For a stationary subject, AF-S focuses once and locks focus while the button is held halfway. Manual focus gives you direct control.

I pair AF-C with Dynamic-area AF for viewfinder photography. Select a focus point and place it on your subject. If the subject briefly leaves that point, the camera can use information from surrounding points to help maintain focus. It does not automatically focus on everything in a wide area.

Single-point AF is useful when you want to choose one precise point for a stationary subject. You can also try 3D-tracking for movement. On the D3400, Dynamic-area AF and 3D-tracking require AF-A or AF-C and are unavailable with AF-S. Check your focus mode if an option is grayed out.

I turn the built-in AF-assist illuminator off because I find the light distracting. It can help with autofocus in certain dim situations, so leave it on if it helps your photos.

Vignette control, distortion and optical VR

I leave Vignette control at Normal and turn Auto distortion control on when available with a compatible lens. Distortion control helps correct the curved lines that some lenses produce; lens compatibility and the effect will vary.

I recommend Optical VR for handheld shooting with a lens that supports it. Vibration reduction can help counter camera shake at slower shutter speeds, but it will not freeze a moving subject. Check your lens and camera options, and follow the lens instructions for tripod use.

Metering and flash

I use matrix metering because it considers a broad area of the scene when assessing exposure. It is a useful everyday choice, though bright backlighting or dark backgrounds can still fool the camera. Review the photo and adjust exposure compensation where your selected mode allows it.

I do not usually use the built-in flash. If you need it, the automatic flash setting is a starting point, and you can check the result on the screen. For movies, see my separate Nikon D3400 video settings tutorial.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use RAW or JPEG on the D3400?

I use RAW for editing in Lightroom. JPEG Fine is convenient when you want a smaller, camera-processed photo to share immediately.

Why is Image size grayed out?

When NEF (RAW) is selected, the camera records the RAW image at full size. Choose a JPEG-only quality setting to select a different JPEG size.

Why can’t I select Dynamic-area AF?

Dynamic-area AF for the viewfinder is unavailable with AF-S. Choose AF-A or AF-C and check the camera’s other mode settings.

Should I leave VR on?

VR is useful for handheld camera shake when your lens supports it. It does not stop a moving subject, and tripod guidance can vary by lens.

My verdict

Start with the file format that fits how you share or edit, then use Auto white balance and matrix metering. Try AF-C and Dynamic-area AF for movement, but switch to settings that suit your subject. The best way to learn what works is to go out and shoot.

Keep reading

• Nikon D3100 review: still worth buying for photography?
• Where to buy used cameras: KEH vs eBay vs MPB
• My Nikon D3400 video settings tutorial

Watch more camera tutorials on FoxTailWhipz on YouTube.