Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 54
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 57
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Sony |
| Model | D3200 | a6000 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
19/04/2012 | 12/02/2014 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 125 x 96 x 77 mm | 120 x 67 x 45 mm |
| Camera weight | 505 g | 344 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 24.3 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 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
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 | 11 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 | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 3 | Bionz X |
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 | 256003003280000 |
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 | 5030200 |
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 | 1790300 |
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) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 144000009900000 |
| 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 | MPEG-4 |
| 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 | 9216001150001500000 |
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, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
540 shots1505000 | 360 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Sony a6000 outperforms the Nikon D3200 with a score of 57/100 compared to 54/100. Both cameras were released in the early 2010s, with the D3200 in 2012 and the a6000 in 2014. They also share a similar launch price, with the D3200 at $699 and the a6000 at $799.
The Sony a6000 excels due to its mirrorless design, making it lighter at 344g and more compact with dimensions of 120 x 67 x 45mm. In contrast, the Nikon D3200, a DSLR camera, weighs 505g and has a larger size of 125 x 96 x 77mm.
While the Nikon D3200 may not be as portable, it still offers quality performance as a DSLR. Both cameras cater to different preferences and needs, so it’s essential to consider your requirements before choosing between them.
The Sony a6000 wins the optics comparison with a score of 67/100, while the Nikon D3200 scores 63/100. Both cameras share similarities in their specifications, such as 24-megapixel resolution, CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, and the lack of image stabilization. They also have similar DXOMARK scores for their sensors, with the Sony a6000 at 82 and the Nikon D3200 at 81.
The Sony a6000 excels in a few key areas. It has a slightly higher resolution at 24.3 megapixels compared to the Nikon D3200’s 24.2 megapixels. The Sony a6000 also has a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, while the Nikon D3200 shoots at 4 frames per second. Additionally, the Sony a6000 features the Bionz X processor, which is known for its processing speed and image quality.
The Nikon D3200 has some advantages as well. It uses the Nikon F DX lens mount, which is compatible with a wide range of Nikon lenses. This provides users with more lens options and flexibility when shooting. However, the Sony a6000 uses the Sony E lens mount, which may have fewer compatible lenses.
Based on the specifications and scores, the Sony a6000 is the superior camera in terms of optics. Its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and advanced processor give it an edge over the Nikon D3200. However, the Nikon D3200’s lens mount compatibility may be an important consideration for some users. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras depends on individual preferences and priorities.
The Sony a6000 outperforms the Nikon D3200 in video capabilities with a score of 56/100, a 13-point advantage over the Nikon D3200’s score of 43/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD max video resolution and max video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. However, they differ in max video frame rate and other aspects.
The Sony a6000 excels with its higher max video frame rate of 60fps, double the Nikon D3200’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother video capture, especially in fast-moving scenes or action shots. Additionally, the a6000’s superior score indicates better overall video performance.
The Nikon D3200, despite its lower score, still offers Full HD video recording and the same max video dimensions as the Sony a6000. However, its lower max video frame rate of 30fps may result in less smooth video capture, particularly in fast-paced situations. Both cameras lack built-in time-lapse functionality.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a6000 is the better choice for videographers seeking smoother video capture and overall superior video performance. The Nikon D3200, while not as strong in video capabilities, still provides Full HD video recording, making it a viable option for those who prioritize other aspects of a camera, such as photography features.
The Sony a6000 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 54/100, while the Nikon D3200 lags behind at 41/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size and no touchscreen capability. Neither camera offers GPS or Bluetooth functionality.
The Sony a6000 outperforms the Nikon D3200 in several aspects. Firstly, it has a slightly higher screen resolution at 921,600 dots compared to the Nikon D3200’s 921,000 dots. The Sony a6000 also has a flip screen, allowing for more versatile shooting angles and easier self-portraits. Additionally, the Sony a6000 provides WIFI connectivity, enabling effortless photo sharing and remote camera control.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3200 does not offer any significant advantages over the Sony a6000. Both cameras lack touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth features, and the Nikon D3200’s screen resolution is only marginally lower than the Sony a6000’s. The absence of a flip screen and WIFI connectivity on the Nikon D3200 further contribute to its lower feature score.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a6000 clearly has the upper hand in terms of features. Its flip screen, higher screen resolution, and WIFI connectivity make it a more appealing choice for photographers seeking versatility and convenience. The Nikon D3200, while sharing some basic specifications with the Sony a6000, does not provide any notable advantages to sway potential buyers in its favor.
The Nikon D3200 outperforms the Sony a6000 in storage and battery with a score of 27/100 compared to the Sony’s 21/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot, with the D3200 accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) cards and the a6000 taking SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. Neither camera offers USB charging.
The D3200’s advantage lies in its battery life, providing 540 shots per charge with its EN-EL14 battery, while the a6000’s NP-FW50 battery lasts for 360 shots. The Sony a6000’s additional support for Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards could be considered a slight advantage for some users.
In terms of storage and battery, the Nikon D3200 is the better choice due to its longer battery life. The Sony a6000’s compatibility with Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards is a minor advantage, but not enough to outweigh the D3200’s superior battery performance.
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 Sony a6000:
