The Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera: Overview
The Nikon D3200 represents the latest generation of powerful, versatile, and user-friendly DSLR cameras. One of the main improvements you can expect from this entry-level model is its drastically enhanced 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, making it a direct competitor for Sony’s newest Alpha series models. We’re talking huge output resolution, rivaling even that of the wildly expensive D800 from Nikon.
Is the D3200 worth the money? Yes. Its low starting price, huge pixel count, revolutionary image technology, and noticeable improvement on the D3100 make it worth the money. It comes complete with a new Wi-Fi transmitter, a 920k-dot LCD screen, and 1080p video. You even get the option to work the shutter using an infrared remote.
Image quality is solid, your ISO range is between 100 and 6400, there is a microphone socket included, and you get 4 frames per second of continuous shooting.
Despite being advertised as an “entry-level” camera, the D3200 is a great tool for skilled professionals or total newbies to the hobby. Video quality is solid at 1080p at 30 frames per second. The D3200 can be used as a point-and-shoot digital camera, making it simplistic yet fun. Plus, it’s been designed with a rugged body that can stand up to the elements. Rain or shine, you’ll love using your D3200 camera.
Why Should You Buy the Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera?
The main reason you should buy the Nikon D3200 is because it is the best starter DSLR currently for sale. Not only from Nikon, but from any brand. Yes, there are newer models – and yes, there are cameras with more advanced features. But the main reason to make this purchase is because you’re interested in pursuing photography at a reasonable price.
Plus, the newer features aren’t that important. 1080p is nearly as good as 4K, 1 extra frame per second of continuous shooting isn’t a huge deal, and the camera body being lighter and smaller doesn’t make a major difference once you’re used to handling the camera. Considering the D3200 is several hundred dollars cheaper (and simpler to use), this is the best deal available right now.
Another great reason to purchase the Nikon D3200 is it’s packed with features without being confusing. Nikon has actually scrapped a lot of the redundant features that would only work to confuse a new photographer. The learning curve is minimal, you still get 5/5 image quality and HD video at the push of a button, and the included lenses when purchasing online make the whole package just that much better and more affordable.
Pros
- Wide Range of Available Lenses
- Perfect for Beginners
- Incredibly Quick Focus
- Very Inexpensive
- Rugged & Durable
- Massively Popular w/ Great Reviews
Cons
- No 4K Technology
- Several Years Old
- No In-Camera Filter Effects
Main Product Features
Let’s take a look at the main product features that really make the D3200 stand out above the competition, including useful lenses, superb video quality, a user-friendly design, and massively improved autofocusing technology.
Included Lens
If you’re looking to purchase the D3200 as a full package online, you’re probably going to be getting the 18-55mm lens with it. This is a great starter lens and totally standard for all types of photography. It’s a zoom lens with a spinning ring that allows you to select whichever region you need to capture. And even though it’s “entry-level,” it’s not a poor-quality product by any means.
The 18-55mm included lens is fast, it’s sharp, and it has a pretty decent capability when dealing with low-light situations. There is also the fixed 35mm lens that you can pick up with the camera at a low price, or the 55-200mm if you’re in the market for a telephoto lens. These are all great products and cost nearly half the price when included in the camera kit. For those just starting out in photography, looking for a bit of variety in the way they shoot, these lenses are a hugely convenient bonus.
Next Level Image Sensors
The Nikon D3200 uses an exclusive system of image sensors and processors that work to create beautiful, realistic, and highly detailed photographs and videos. It all starts with the powerful CMOS sensor, which provides 24.2 megapixels for rich color, sharp images, and stunning depths.
Then we have the EXPEED 3 image processor, which provides a huge boost in operations, from lightning-fast image capture to better image autofocusing. The sensor and processor work together to give you great performance in low-light situations, excellent images in broad daylight, and the power needed to process everything in the blink of an eye.
Better Video Quality
With the D3200, you get Nikon’s commitment of providing cameras that produce amazing videos. This is perfect for videographers, YouTubers, or vloggers. The D3200 will begin recording full HD with the push of a button. You get full-time autofocus, impressive stereo sound, and full manual exposure control. This works to create seriously lifelike videos that your family or subscribers will enjoy watching.
Plus, you can really put your skills to work with the 921K-dot UHD display. This is truly breathtaking. You can frame, monitor, and review all of your precious footage right on the camera display, turning you into a true video creator. And if that wasn’t enough, you can record slow-motion videos at up to 60 frames per second!
Easy Features & User-Friendly Design
It’s never been easier to take high-quality photos with a DSLR camera. You’ll be pleased to learn that the D3200 offers something called Guide Mode. This allows you to easily learn all the key features of the camera while experimenting with it. Guide Mode will show you the ropes, while also giving you advice on how to succeed in some of the more difficult shooting scenarios. Even when you’re at your most overwhelmed, Guide Mode will come to the rescue and make photography simple!
Improved Autofocusing
Autofocusing is critical for any photographer. You can’t operate a camera properly if it doesn’t offer the best in autofocusing technology. But luckily, the D3200 has you covered. It uses an 11-point autofocusing system that is quick, precise, and unrelenting. You’re able to quickly check your points of focus, you can track your subjects even if they’re moving as fast as a cheetah, and you can shoot directly from your viewfinder with total confidence.
And here’s where it gets really good. Say you’re at a racetrack trying to snap photos of the cars as they speed towards the finish. This can easily be accomplished by holding down the shutter and aiming at your point of interest. The camera will capture 4 frames per second of nonstop action, with each photo coming out at 24.2 megapixels of amazing resolution.
High-Tech Wi-Fi Connectivity
Connectivity is king in the digital age. With the D3200, you can instantly upload all your photos and videos to your smartphone by using the optional wireless adapter. This means no more USB cables! Simply upload while connected to Wi-Fi, whether at a coffee shop or on an airplane!
And here’s an even cooler advancement in technology. You can sync your camera to your smartphone and capture images remotely. This is awesome for getting yourself and your family in the frame while on vacation or at a family get-together. You essentially turn your phone into a remote control for your camera!
Strong, Durable, Lightweight
Technology is a great thing, but you really need to have a solid camera body to make the most of the internal tech. The D3200 is fabulously built. It’s been designed for ultimate comfort, full durability, and intuitive control. It fits like a glove right in your hand, allowing you to wield it with absolutely no effort. The camera body is light, it’s compact and great for travel, and all the controls are positioned comfortably within reach of your fingertips. Even when coupled with one of Nikon’s exclusive lenses, the D3200 is cozy and fun to use.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the Nikon D3200 is a gentle improvement over the previous model. It’s not a huge advancement by leaps and bounds, but if you’re looking for a new DSLR at an affordable price, you’ve found your match. It’s easy for beginners to master, it’s a great introduction to digital photography, and it’s a full-featured machine that costs a fraction of other DSLR cameras. You can even purchase it right now online as a full bundle with powerful lenses.
There are some missing key features that you should know about. There is no built-in focus motor or auto exposure bracketing, and it only features a simple version of Nikon’s Active D-Lighting. Also, don’t expect any in-camera filter effects in your live view. Now, these aren’t essential features, but they’re nice to have and definitely something you should be aware of before making the purchase.
That said, this is a very smart purchase to make. The camera is a few years old, so you can get it at a dramatically reduced price – but it’s still relevant in the world of photography. The D3200 is the entranceway to professional photography, especially for someone with little or no experience using DSLRs. The image quality is near perfect, the LCD screen is crystal clear, and the video works amazingly.
As a bonus, the camera is hardy, meaning you can drop it on its head without worrying too much about damaging the internal components. As a starter package for an aspiring photographer, the D3200 is truly an unbelievable product.
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