Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D3200 | D5200 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
19/04/2012 | 06/11/2012 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 125 x 96 x 77 mm | 129 x 98 x 78 mm |
| Camera weight | 505 g | 555 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 24.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6016 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.4 x 23.2 | 15.7 x 23.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
4 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 3 | Expeed 3 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 64003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
128003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 390300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9210001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | EN-EL14 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
540 shots1505000 | 500 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D5200 comes out on top with a score of 56/100, slightly ahead of the Nikon D3200 at 54/100. Both cameras are DSLRs released in 2012, with the D3200 announced on 04/19/2012 and the D5200 on 11/06/2012. They share similar sizes, with the D3200 measuring 125 x 96 x 77mm and weighing 505g, while the D5200 is slightly larger and heavier at 129 x 98 x 78mm and 555g.
The D5200’s higher score reflects its superior performance, offering more advanced features and better image quality than the D3200. However, the D3200 has its advantages, such as a lower launch price of $699 compared to the D5200’s $897.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D5200 is the better choice for those seeking higher quality and advanced features, while the Nikon D3200 is more suitable for budget-conscious photographers who still want a reliable DSLR.
The Nikon D5200 takes the lead in optics, scoring 65/100, while the Nikon D3200 trails slightly behind with a score of 63/100. Both cameras share some key specifications, such as a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, Expeed 3 processor, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and lack of image stabilization.
The D5200’s higher score results from a few advantages over the D3200. Firstly, it has a faster shooting speed of 5 frames per second compared to the D3200’s 4 frames per second. This allows the D5200 to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. Additionally, the D5200 has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, boasting an 84 compared to the D3200’s 81. This translates to better image quality, particularly in terms of dynamic range and low-light performance.
Despite these advantages, the D3200 does have a slight edge in one aspect: it has a marginally higher resolution of 24.2 megapixels compared to the D5200’s 24.1 megapixels. However, this difference is negligible and unlikely to impact the overall image quality significantly.
Taking these factors into account, it is clear that the Nikon D5200 offers superior optics compared to the Nikon D3200, with improvements in shooting speed and sensor performance. The D3200, on the other hand, has a minor advantage in terms of resolution but falls short in other areas. Consequently, the D5200 emerges as the better choice for those prioritizing optical performance.
The Nikon D5200 is the superior camera in terms of video capabilities, outscoring the Nikon D3200 by a significant 27 points with a video score of 70/100 compared to the D3200’s 43/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. However, the D5200 surpasses the D3200 in other aspects, which contributes to its higher score.
The winning camera, the Nikon D5200, offers a higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, which allows for smoother video playback and better slow-motion effects. Additionally, the D5200 has built-in time-lapse functionality, providing users the ability to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for external accessories or software. These features make the D5200 a more versatile and capable camera for video enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3200 has a lower maximum video frame rate of 30fps. While this may be sufficient for casual video recording, it lacks the smoothness and slow-motion capabilities that the D5200 provides. The absence of built-in time-lapse functionality also limits the creative options available to D3200 users.
In comparing the video capabilities of these two cameras, it is evident that the Nikon D5200 offers a more comprehensive and advanced set of features, making it the better choice for those who prioritize video quality and functionality. The Nikon D3200, while still a capable camera, falls short in comparison, particularly for users seeking advanced video options and a higher frame rate.
The Nikon D5200 emerges as the winner in the features comparison, with a score of 68/100, surpassing the Nikon D3200’s score of 41/100 by 27 points. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, a screen resolution of 921,000 dots, and the absence of a touchscreen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Despite these similarities, the D5200 offers certain advantages over the D3200.
The D5200’s winning edge lies in its flip screen feature, which the D3200 lacks. A flip screen allows for more flexible and convenient shooting, especially when capturing images or videos from challenging angles. This feature proves to be particularly useful for vloggers and photographers who require more versatility in their camera’s screen positioning.
On the other hand, the D3200 does not have any distinct advantages over the D5200 in terms of features. Both cameras possess the same screen size and resolution, and neither offers a touchscreen, GPS, WiFi, or Bluetooth. As a result, the D3200 falls short in this comparison.
Taking all factors into account, the Nikon D5200 outshines the Nikon D3200 in the features department, primarily due to its flip screen capability. The D3200, however, does not offer any additional benefits over the D5200. Consequently, the D5200 proves to be a more versatile and user-friendly choice for those prioritizing camera features.
The Nikon D3200 and Nikon D5200 both score 27/100 for storage and battery. These cameras share common specifications, such as one memory card slot, compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, and the use of the EN-EL14 battery type. Additionally, neither camera offers USB charging.
The D3200 has a slight advantage in battery life, providing 540 shots compared to the D5200’s 500 shots. This means the D3200 allows for more photos to be taken before needing to recharge or replace the battery.
The D5200, on the other hand, is compatible with UHS-I memory cards, which can offer faster read and write speeds compared to non-UHS-I cards. This may result in quicker file transfers and better overall performance.
Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Nikon D3200 and D5200 are quite similar, with only minor differences in battery life and memory card compatibility. The D3200 is better for longer shooting sessions, while the D5200 may offer improved performance with UHS-I cards.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3200 or the Nikon D5200: