Nikon D3200 Pro Reviews

A camera with 24 million pixels at the entry level is still pretty extraordinary, and it's pleasing to note that the extra pixels don't come at the cost of a reduction in image quality. For beginners looking to get a bit more creative with their photography, Nikon's innovative Guide Mode, brought over from the 3100, is a real boon, while of course the Nikon D3200 includes options for those wanting to explore manual and semi-manual exposure modes further down the line. Those considering buying the D3200 may also like to consider the Nikon D3300, Nikon D5200 and Nikon D5300 higher in the line-up with the latter two offering vari-angle screens and all having 24Mp sensors. It's a shame that fairly large niggles, such as the quality of the screen, prevents the D3200 from being the perfect beginner camera... but it's almost there.

While the D3200 may be Nikon's entry-level DSLR, its 24.2 megapixel resolution sensor makes it the highest resolution cropped sensor camera in the entire Nikon fleet. With its predecessor carrying only 14.2 megapixels it's clear that Nikon chose to go for high resolution versus high ISO performance in their current generation entry-level model. That resolution can come in handy, allowing shooters a fair amount of leeway to crop images when necessary to provide more pleasing formats, or for printing really big enlargements. The D3200 is fairly light and compact as DSLRs go, and the kit lens provides decent overall image performance. The camera is fully compatible with over 40 Nikon AF-S/AF-I lenses and tele-converters in the current Nikon catalog - lenses that range from 10mm to 600mm (with an 800mm on the way).

We've been fans of most Nikon entry-level digital SLRs since the D40 debuted back in 2006. As the latest addition to this popular line, the Nikon D3200 increases the resolution significantly with a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. Do consumers and novice photographers really need that much resolution? Probably not, but it's there if they want it, allowing extreme crops without losing much detail. And while we had feared that increasing the D3200's resolution by 10 megapixels would also increase noise at high ISOs, we found that didn't dramatically affect print sizes. Sure, when you crank this compact but comfortable camera's ISO to 12,800 (or even 6,400), you're going to see some significant luminance noise. But if you keep it at 3,200 and below and just shoot in typical mixed lighting conditions, as most D3200 buyers will likely do, the Nikon D3200 performs well, producing attractive, vibrant images. You can even make decent 5 x 7-inch prints from ISO 12,800 images.

Thanks to the clever Guide Mode, the D3200 is a DSLR that's easy to pick up and start shooting with, allowing you to learn as you go, while the impressive resolution offered can produce lovely looking images and plenty of photographic possibilities. If you're looking for you're first DSLR and are prepared to pay a bit of a premium amongst the entry-level options out there, then you won't be disappointed with the D3200.

The Nikon D3200 is a no-nonsense , 'traditional style' entry-level DSLR that is a solid performer on all levels. It doesn't offer much in terms of innovative features but comes with the highest pixel-count in its class and good image quality across the ISO range. Just consider getting some high quality Nikkor glass with it to make the most out of its high pixel-count.

A superb video mode, but details in photos don't live up to expectations and the menu-driven controls bug us as much as ever

Nikon is to be lauded for offering a 24.2-megapixel DSLR for less than 700 bucks. This is first and foremost a still camera, and as such does a very solid job. It is clearly an entry-level model without the sophisticated tweaks enthusiasts crave such as bracketing, more cross-type sensors, HDR and even faster response. Yet for what you get, this one is easy to recommend — just be sure you’re well aware of its negatives.

With its huge 24 megapixel sensor, the entry-level D3200 instantly becomes the highest-resolution APS-C DX format Nikon DSLR, and it offers more pixels than any competing manufacturer too. Compared to the 18-month-old D3100, Nikon has managed to simultaneously increase the pixel count by a massive 10 megapixels and yet still maintain similar quality at higher sensitivity settings, which is no mean feat. An improved movie mode with greater control over exposure and sound, an expanded Guide mode and simpler controls for beginners, more connectivity options and a better LCD screen all add up to the best entry-level Nikon DSLR that we've ever reviewed. There are still a few notable bug-bears. Live View mode desperately needs a live histogram and a higher-resolution live feed, while the much-improved movie mode would still benefit from a truly working full-time AF feature. We also missed the D3100's ingenious drive mode lever, while the lack of auto-exposure bracketing options and depth-of-field preview are still a little baffling, despite the D3200's entry-level status.

With its predecessor, the D3100, Nikon pushed both the price and feature set of its entry-level DSLR a notch above what was available from the competition, most notably Canon. The D3200 increases both of thoses gaps, costing around forty percent more than Canon's EOS T3 / 1100D, but offering so much more that its closest rival is really the upper entry-level T2i / 550D. So if you're looking for a truly budget DSLR, the Nikon D3200 isn't it; there are cheaper models out there, including the D3100 which is still available and could prove a bargain if a high resolution sensor, improved movie modes and connectivity aren't high on your list of priorities - see opposite price and my Nikon D3100 review for more details.

The Nikon D3200 is a very capable and compact digital SLR. Its Guide Mode is perfect for beginners, and the camera offers enough manual controls to satisfy more advanced photographers.

There's nothing about this camera that screams either "buy me!" or "don't buy me!" It's faster, has a better LCD and better video than the D3100, but the higher-resolution sensor doesn't deliver better photo quality. Its bare-bones feature set can't match that of the cheaper A37, and you can probably find the older but more feature-rich D5100 for less than the cost of the new D3200. Still, I think most entry-level shooters would be perfectly satisfied with the Nikon D3200.

An entry level DSLR with a 24 megapixel sensor is rare and with this added resolution, you are able to crop into your shots without sacrificing on your image quality, meaning it may even tempt more serious photographers as well. If you are unfamiliar with how manual, shutter and aperture modes work, the Guide Mode offered will really help you on your way. If you're on a slim budget, then the Nikon D3100 is still available, with a much lower resolution sensor, or you can go in between these two models with the 16.2 megapixel Nikon D5100. At £559.00 the D3200 can be considered expensive for an entry-level DSLR, but if you're happy with the price, there are plenty of features that make it a fair investment, and there is of course a two year warranty which isn't typical of all manufacturers. The D3200 has a solid build, even though it is made of plastic, and we really like the rubber grip, making the camera easy to hold, even in just one hand. If you're not a fan of the traditional black colour that most DSLR's come in, you can get the D3200 in red. Most importantly, image quality doesn't disappoint, colour reproduction is good and you can use the camera at higher ISOs with confidence.

There are two ways to think about the D3200: as a souped-up D3100 with ultra high resolution, great quality images; or as a camera that’s purporting to be entry-level when it’s straddling the mid-level DSLR market. The latter is a view to take seriously, as the Sony Alpha A65 - which shares the same sensor as this camera - is roughly £100 more, yet offers both faster autofocus and burst modes and similar, if not the very same, 24-megapixel image quality. In fact the D3200 is pricier than either Nikon’s higher spec D5100 model or the Canon EOS 600D. But when every penny counts, the D3200 does pull out the image quality stops. This already proven sensor produces fantastic images and ushers in a new era of quality to the entry-level end of the market. Guide mode is a great tool, as proven by the D3100, that will help first timers to develop their understanding of photography. But then the budget D3100 has the same mode (bar a couple of changes) and costs far less. In summary it’s all about your imaging needs: If great quality images at high resolution and a decent movie mode to match are a must, or if you’re a newbie, then the D3200 is excellent and outperforms middleweight DSLRs on those fronts.