Nikon D3300 Field Test II
Wowed by the kit lens and AF, less so the limited controls
by Rob Taylor Case | 04/30/2014
As would be expected from a camera in this price range and size, the control layout can be a little limiting. Since the target demographic isn't generally expected to use quite a number of features, they've been omitted; those needing them can upgrade to the D5300 or the D7100.
IS-NO. Let's get the first omission out of the way: There is no dedicated ISO control. I know I mentioned this previously, but it really did feel to me like a standout missing feature while shooting. I still don't trust a camera to auto-ISO, which may be a hangover from the bad old days of sensor noise appearing the second you crested the ISO 200 hill. You can access it via the quick menu, but that's far too slow for my liking, so I set the Function button to adjust ISO.
For an actual real ISO button, to the D7100 you must go. If you're not loyal to Nikon, and in a budget DSLR you're probably not, you can seek greener pastures in Canon land: both the T5 and SL1 offer dedicated ISO control. Pentax's excellent K-50 not only gives you your ISO button, but also weather sealing and a host of other great features. If you intend to use the D3300 as a 'set-it-and-forget-it' camera though, the lack of a dedicated ISO button is really a non-issue.
While the D3300 lacks a dedicated ISO button, high ISO performance is very good.
Nikon 35mm f/1.8, f/1.8, 1/1600, ISO 6400
RAW processed with ViewNX 2
On the other hand, the menu allows you to set not only maximum acceptable ISO for noise reasons, but also adds the handy minimum acceptable shutter speed option too, with an Auto option that takes the lens' current focal length into account to help avoid the effects of camera shake. Nice. So in theory you can dial in your working parameters ahead of time, and then not have to think about it while shooting. Since high ISO performance is actually pretty good, especially for an APS-C camera, this made the lack of dedicated ISO button an easier pill to swallow.