Nikon D3200
Announced April 19, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Nikon D3200 is a capable entry-level DSLR that pairs a high-resolution 24-megapixel sensor with user-friendly features like a helpful Guide mode. Although it delivers impressive image quality for beginners, the camera lacks advanced professional tools and can feel cramped for users with larger hands.
Weighted from 27 reviewer scores
Pros
- Capable video recording with external microphone support
- User-friendly interface and Guide mode for beginners
- Strong image quality and dynamic range
- Compact and ergonomic physical design
- High-resolution 24-megapixel sensor
Cons
- Limited or inconsistent LCD screen performance
- No built-in autofocus motor for older lenses
- Sluggish or ineffective video autofocus
- Missing advanced features like bracketing and depth-of-field preview
- Large file sizes and storage demands
- Launch price $699.95 (USD)
- Sensor 24.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 27 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
- DPReview 73/100
The Nikon D3200 is a no-nonsense, u2018traditional styleu2019 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.
-
Meanwhile, the camera's fast overall speed makes it a pleasure to use and a great performer for street photography or youth sports.
-
It goes beyond what we’ve traditionally come to expect from an entry-level DSLR with more features including a high resolution sensor and Full HD video with manual exposure control and advanced audio features.
-
[T]he Nikon D3200 seems to yield pretty impressive results at such high resolution.
-
The Nikon D3200 handles in a very similar way to the less expensive D3100, so the extra money is really paying for the increased pixel count.
-
The D3200 is a feature-limited camera with a image sensor that's near the top of the heap. This is a little bit of a conundrum for some, as the build quality and feature set is decidedly consumer but the image quality decidedly prosumer or better.
-
The Nikon D3200 has enough features and image quality to set you on your way in DSLR photography.
-
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.
-
All in all, it's a very good camera.
-
The Nikon D3200 is a likeable entry-level DSLR that offers with all the basic functionality first-time DSLR buyers will need, all neatly wrapped up in a relatively small and easy-to-use package.
-
Nikon has delivered an excellent camera in the Nikon D3200. Its Guide Mode is especially good and very useful for novice photographers.
-
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.
- Digital Trends 8/10
Nikon is to be lauded for offering a 24.2-megapixel DSLR for less than 700 bucks.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
Ideal for photographers who want to step up from a digicam to a camera that provides better image quality plus creative features to explore, it will suit family photographers and travellers alike.
-
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.
-
The Nikon D3200 is a little on the pricey side, almost edging it into the mid-range, but great if you're a DLSR beginner looking for a friendly camera that offers stunning picture quality.
-
The D3200 has some impressive specs for an entry-level SLR, especially one that’s this old and this cheap. [...] However, the Nikon’s kit lens has image stabilisation, which the basic 1200D kit doesn’t, and you’ll want to pay the extra [...]
-
The image quality that the Nikon D3200 offers is nothing short of astonishing at this level, but there is a price premium attached.
-
The Nikon D3200 does indeed deliver the practical benefits of its ultra-hi-res sensor at low- to medium-high ISO settings, but at the highest settings of ISO 6400 and above, the increased pixel density does compromise.
-
Given its high resolution, the D3200 is the most affordable camera for producing poster-sized prints. With frequent use of exposure-compensation or spot-metering, the D3200 is capable of producing fantastic images, however this may by a little much for beginners to deal with.
-
Got kids and want great action, low-light and long-distance photos? The D3200 is the camera to get.
-
Personally, this camera is a little small for me, but for those starting out, it's going to be going to do very, very well.
-
The entry-level D3200 offers a 24 megapixel sensor, which makes it the highest resolution APS-C DX format Nikon DSLR camera.
-
The Nikon D3200 offers great bang for buck, and its performance definitely earns it a “highly recommended” status from us.
-
I think it's a great camera; you guys should definitely consider it.
-
This is really a fantastic camera. I think if you're on this 200 dollar price point and you want to get into photography with a Nikon camera, this is a fantastic option.
-
My only complaints would be the small viewfinder and the fact that it's not excellent in low light, but again I keep saying it's a beginner camera and if you're just starting in photography filmmaking this is the perfect camera for you.
