Nikon D3200

Last updated: Sunday, November 17th, 2013

Nikon D3200 is an entry-level DSLR camera that became coveted for beginner photographer because of the cheap price and high sensor resolution. This camera has a DX-format CMOS sensor with 24.2 megapixel resolution and combined with EXPEED III image processor to capture high-resolution images. With cheap price and high resolution of course makes the Nikon D3200 is able to win the hearts of beginner photographer to buy it than the Canon camera that has a resolution smaller but sold at the same price. Other features of this camera include a 3-inch LCD Monitor, 11-point autofocus, 1080p Full HD video recording, ISO12800, and also compatible with the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter for Wi-Fi connectivity. Nikon D3200 sold at a price range of $496.95 – with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR Lens.

Overall Rating:

Our Review

Features & Design

Nikon D3200 has a fairly compact body design with size (WxHxD) 5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 “/ 12.7 x 9.6 x 7.9 cm and weight 1.0 lb/.45 kg. The design is more comfortable in the hand when compared to the Nikon D3100. The front is dominated by Mount camera lens and on the left there is a flash button and Fn. While at the top of the camera there is a speaker, a built-in flash, hot-shoe, mode dial, as well as the films, info, and key exposure. While the shutter button is located above the grip making it easier to use. Mode button consists of a variety of shooting modes like Auto, PASM, six scene options, and other modes. All buttons are designed specifically for beginner photographers so easy to use.

In the back, there is a 3-inch LCD monitor that has improved the resolution of previous models. The LCD monitor has a resolution of 921k-dot making it clear and easy to view photos and videos that have been taken. At the top of the screen there is a traditional viewfinder that can be set with Diopter button next to it. On the left of LCD monitor there are buttons such as Playback, Menu, Zoom In and Zoom Out, including the Info button. While on the right of LCD monitor there is a Live View button and four control buttons with an OK button in the middle. All setting buttons are very easy to use for beginner photographers who are just learning shooting with DSLR cameras.

You can store the memory card in the camera right side, while on the left side of the camera you can find ports of a mini HDMI, USB, Mic, and GPS adapters. Nikon D3200 using 1x battery EN-EL14 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion which can be used up to 500 shots.

Performance & Image Quality

By combining the 24.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED III image processor, Nikon D3200 is capable of capturing images in JPEG and RAW format with high quality of color, resolution, and sharpness. When photographing people or landscapes, the resulting color is very impressive with the focus speed is fast enough. The standard kit lenses which sold with this camera did an excellent job of capturing stunning images. Coupled with built-in Vibration Reduction to help capture sharp images in low-light situations.

Photo Sample: 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, 300mm, ISO200 (Credit: Nikon)

At ISO100 to ISO400, the image looks very good and free from noise images. At ISO800 noise starts slowly emerging picture but the picture is still very nice and clean. While at ISO1600 to ISO3200 image looks a little disturbed by the noise, but can be solved easily using photo software so that images can be printed in large sizes. You will get the picture with full noise when using ISO6400 to ISO12800 in JPEG file format, but you can be free to capture images without noise up to ISO1800 in RAW format.

You can record Full HD 1080p video at 30, 25 or 24 fps, and 720p video at 60 or 50 fps with a maximum size of 4Gb and length 20min. In addition, the kit lens is also equipped with SWM that enables users to adjust the camera focus manually while recording video. To support voice recording video, you can add an external microphone such as ME-1 Stereo Microphone on this camera.

Should I buy the camera?

Nikon D3200 has a 24.2 megapixel resolution that lets users capture high-resolution images with quality that does not disappoint. This camera is perfect for beginners because the price is quite cheap and easy to use controls. In addition, the quality of photos and video are also quite impressive with good color and allows the user to comfortably take up to a high ISO. There are two competitor that are worth considering before buying this camera is Nikon D5100 and Canon EOS 600D.

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Specifications

Sensor

Camera Type Digital SLR with Interchangeable lenses

Lens Mount Nikon F

Camera Format DX / (1.5x Crop Factor)

Pixels
+ Actual: 24.7 Megapixel
+ Effective: 24.2 Megapixel

Max Resolution 24MP: 6016 x 4000 @ 3:2

Other Resolutions
+ 13.5MP: 4512 x 3000 @ 3:2
+ 6.0MP: 3008 x 2000 @ 3:2

Aspect Ratio 3:2

Sensor Type / Size CMOS, 23.2 x 15.4 mm

File Formats
+ Still Images: JPEG, RAW
+ Movies: MOV, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
+ Audio: Linear PCM

Bit Depth 12-bit

Noise Reduction Yes

Memory Card Type SD, SDHC, SDXC

Focus System

Focus Type Auto & Manual

Focus Mode Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) , Focus Lock AF Area Mode

Autofocus Points 11

Viewfinder / LCD Display

Viewfinder Type Pentamirror, LCD Display

Viewfinder Coverage 95%

Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.8x

Diopter Adjustment – -1.7 to +0.5 m

Display Screen 3″ Rear Screen LCD (921,000)

Screen Coverage 100%

Angle of View 160.0°

Live View Yes

Exposure System

ISO Sensitivity 100-6400 (High Sensitivity Mode: 100-12800)

Shutter
+ Type: Electronic
+ Speed: 30 – 1/4000 sec

Remote Control ML-L3 (Optional)

Mirror Lock-Up Yes

Metering Method 3D Color Matrix Metering, Center-weighted average metering, Spot metering

Exposure Modes
+ Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority
+ Compensation: -5 EV to +5 EV (in 1/3 EV steps)

White Balance Modes Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Natural White), Fluorescent (White), Fluorescent H, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade

Flash

Flash Modes Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Off
Second-curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction

Built-in Flash Yes

Effective Flash Range Not Specified By Manufacturer

Guide No. Not Specified By Manufacturer

Max Sync Speed 1 / 200 sec

Flash Compensation -3 EV to +1 EV (in .33 EV steps)

Dedicated Flash System iTTL

External Flash Connection Hot Shoe

Recording

Video Recording Yes, NTSC/PAL

File Size
+ 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
+ 1280 x 720 (HD)
+ 640 x 424 (SD)

Frame Rate
@ 1920 x 1080: 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
@ 1280 x 720: 60 fps, 50 fps
@ 640 x 424: 30 fps, 25 fps

Exposure Control
+ Auto: Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO
+ Manual: Shutter Speed, ISO

ISO Sensitivity 200 – 6400, Expandable to 12800

Exposure Compensation -3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/3 EV steps)

Focus Auto, Manual

Continuous Shooting Time
+ 1920 x 1080: 20 min.
+ 1280 x 720: 20 min.
+ 640 x 424: 20 min.

Audio Recording Optional External Mic: With Video, Mono,

Performance

Continuous Shooting Up to 4 fps

Self Timer 2 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, 20 sec

In-Camera Image Editing Color Balance, Color Outline, Distortion Control, Edit Movie, Filter Effects, Fisheye, Image Overlay, Miniature Effect, Monochrome, NEF (RAW) Processing, Perspective Control, Quick Retouch, Red-eye Correction, Straighten, Trim

Connectivity Audio Out, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0

Wi-Fi Capable Yes