Nikon D3200 Camera Review – An Exceptional Entry-Level DSLR

EXTERIOR AND SPECIFICATIONS

Moving on let’s take a look at the star of the review – the Nikon D3200. The main selling features of the D3200 are the EXPEED 3 processor, and a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor which has a very high pixel count in an APS-C sensor size. The D3200 takes a crystal clear image with a whopping resolution of 6016 x 4000. That’s truly an impressive selling feature proving how far digital cameras have come in such a small time, especially when considering the price-point. You may have a point-and-shoot camera with a very large megapixel number and may wonder what’s so special about 24-megapixels?

It’s all to do with the sensor size. When you buy a point-and-shoot camera you are getting either one of a couple different kinds of sensors: CMOS or CCD. The problem with point-and-shoots are the sensors, which tend to be very small compared to a DSLR. That doesn’t mean you can’t take a great photo; it just means the larger the surface area of your sensor the more detail and dynamic range can be stored in an image. Couple that with a good lens and you can obtain truly amazing photos that you could only dream of with a point-and-shoot. The major competitions of DSLRs currently are mirrorless-system cameras. Their small size, quality, and larger sensors are all hot selling points. We would still recommend a DSLR camera for learning purposes, and the Nikon D3200 surely is a great camera to practice with.

Nikon has constructed the D3200 almost completely out of plastic except for the rubber grip, lens mount, and tripod mount. The build overall is exceptional for the modest price and no quality has been sacrificed. Another great reason this makes an excellent first time DSLR is the size. The D3200 is not as large like many of the prosumer cameras on the market, sporting dimensions of 4.92″ x 3.78″ x 3.03″. For a person with larger hands it still fits snugly but the included neck strap would be very recommended just in case of a slip. The overall weight of the D3200 with the Kit Lens is only 770g and feels very comfortable shooting for long periods of time.

The F-mount fits a large range of Nikkor lenses keeping in mind only more recent lenses take advantage of AF and metered modes. AF-S and AF-I lenses are recommended since the D3200 doesn’t have an autofocus motor if its own. You can take a look at Nikon’s site for a full list of compatible lenses https://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d3200/compatibility02.htm. On the right hand grip you might notice a little dot; that’s the front infrared receiver. If you plan on doing self-family portraits or long exposure star fields, look into the ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens is a solid kit lens. It doesn’t feel cheap like some of the other kit lenses on the market. The focus ring is smooth and quick at obtaining crisp details on your subject while leaving the background blurred, or with a higher aperture crisp subject and background.