CameraReview
CompareCamerasLensesAction CamerasGuides
Nikon D3200
54
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 24.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Nikon D3200

General 54Optics 63Video Performance 43Features and Benefits 41Storage and Battery 27
From $171.43 — 3 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD3200
Released2012
Announcement date19/04/2012
Camera typeDSLR

General 54

Brand
Nikon
Model
D3200
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2012
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
19/04/2012
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
125 x 96 x 77 mm
Camera weight
505 g

Optics 63

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.2 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
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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
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
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
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
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)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

With a score of 54/100, the Nikon D3200 is a DSLR camera announced on April 19, 2012, and released in the same year. Priced at $699 at launch, this camera measures 125 x 96 x 77mm and weighs 505g or 1.11lbs. Although these specifications were competitive in 2012, the D3200 now faces stiff competition from newer models with more advanced features. Despite this, the Nikon D3200 remains a reliable and user-friendly option for those seeking a budget-friendly DSLR.

Nikon D3200 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D3200 optics score is 63 out of 100. This camera features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which has a DXOMARK rating of 81, indicating impressive image quality. The Expeed 3 processor aids in delivering sharp and accurate images. However, the camera has a shooting speed of only 4 frames per second, which may limit its performance in fast-paced situations.

The Nikon F DX lens mount accommodates a wide range of lenses, allowing users to customize their shooting experience. However, the D3200 lacks image stabilization, which may result in shaky images when shooting handheld. The camera has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is standard for DSLRs.

While the Nikon D3200 has decent optics specifications, it may not be the top choice for today’s market. The absence of image stabilization and slower shooting speed are notable drawbacks. Nevertheless, the camera still provides good image quality and versatility through its lens mount system.

Nikon D3200 Video Performance 43

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
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
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
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.
No
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
Read our notes on nikon d3200 video performance

The Nikon D3200’s video capabilities score stands at 43 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD resolution with maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. The highest video frame rate achievable is 30fps. However, the D3200 lacks built-in time-lapse functionality.

In today’s market, the Nikon D3200’s video capabilities are modest. While Full HD resolution is still relevant, many newer cameras offer 4K resolution and higher frame rates. The absence of built-in time-lapse functionality might also be a drawback for some users.

Considering these factors, the D3200’s video features may not be the top choice for those who prioritize video recording. However, its simplicity may still appeal to beginners or casual users who do not require advanced video capabilities.

Nikon D3200 Features and Benefits 41

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on nikon d3200 features and benefits

The Nikon D3200 has a feature score of 41 out of 100. This score is based on various specifications such as screen size, resolution, and connectivity options. The camera comes with a 3-inch screen, which is standard in size. Its screen resolution is 921,000 dots, providing clear and sharp image previews.

However, the Nikon D3200 lacks some modern features that are common in today’s market. It does not have a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities. These missing features can limit the user experience and functionality compared to other cameras with more advanced options.

Despite its low feature score, the Nikon D3200 remains a reliable camera for beginner photographers. Its solid performance and image quality make it a good option for those looking for an entry-level DSLR. However, for users seeking more advanced features and connectivity options, they may want to explore other models in the market.

Nikon D3200 Storage and Battery 27

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
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
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d3200 storage and battery

The Nikon D3200 storage and battery score is 27/100. The camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with UHS-I compatibility. In terms of battery life, the D3200 offers 540 shots per charge, using an EN-EL14 battery. However, it lacks USB charging capabilities.

In today’s market, the D3200’s storage and battery specifications may fall short of user expectations. Competing cameras often provide multiple memory card slots and USB charging options. Despite these drawbacks, the Nikon D3200 remains a reliable option for casual photographers who prioritize simplicity and affordability over advanced storage and battery features.