Verdict
With the Nikon D3300, you get a lot of seriously good kit for your money.
For starters, the 24MP sensor is capable of producing excellent levels of detail. Then there's the interface; the crisp and clean look off the D3300's Guide Mode continues to be something which makes this camera appealing to novice users, helping you get to grips and understand the basics of photography as you shoot, whilst the collapsible 18-55mm kit lens is great when you're on the go.
The autofocus system might not be overflowing with AF points, but the 11-point AF system works very, with a decent 3D-Tracking mode for moving subjects. Autofocus could be snappier in Live View however, and it's a shame you don't get an articulated touchscreen display (you'll want the D5600 if that's what you're after) or Wi-Fi connectivity, but Nikon does make a cheap plug-in Wi-Fi adaptor if that's a deal-breaker for you.
Still, these niggles aside, when you factor in the excellent battery life and the wealth of lenses and accessories available, not forgetting the excellent value it is right now, and the D3300 is hard to beat if you're looking for your first DSLR. The arrival though of the D3400 with a virtually identical spec and built-in connectivity, and the even newer D3500 with its better body, do mean it's lost a little of its sparkle though.
