Nikon D3200 Detailed Review

In additional D3200 was introduced by Nikon in October 2012. It belongs to the Beginner DSLRs category.

Nikon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Nikon.

Also D3200 features a CMOS sensor in APS-C size (with Nikon cameras: DX)that has an area of approximately 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.61″).

Picture of D3200’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The D3200’s sensor has resolution of 24 megapixel.

The Nikon supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Nikon’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The D3200 does not have a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning. Dust that collects on the sensor has to be removed with a blower or brush.

The D3200 has an optical viewfinder with a penta mirror. Viewfinders with a penta mirror are typical for entry level cameras. The viewfinder covers 95% of the field of view and has a magnification of 0.53x, an average value for a viewfinder like this.

The D3200’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 30s.

The D3200’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 6400 ISO.

Also, Nikon’s sensitivity can be boosted to 12800. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

The D3200 supports all general exposure modes.

The Nikon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The D3200’s auto focus processor uses 11 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when picking a single face in a crowd).

Manual focus is also possible with the Nikon, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The D3200 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 12m (40 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The D3200 features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the D3200’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The D3200 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

D3200 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Nikon D3200 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Nikon. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

However, the camera can be controlled over a wired connection.

Connect the Nikon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Nikon supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Nikon D3200 has a EN-EL14 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 700 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The D3200’s battery battery parameters:

The Nikon D3200’s size is 125.0 x 96 x 76.5mm³. (4.9″ x 3.8″ x 3.0″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 4.9″ x 3.8″ x 3.0″ grams (505 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the D3200:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.