Nikon D3200 Review

Nikon D3200 Review

Our Nikon D3200 review includes specs and sample photos, plus comparisons to other DSLR cameras so you can determine whether the Nikon D3200 crop sensor digital camera is right for you. For those unfamiliar with the Nikon D3200, it’s an entry level DSLR. Spec-wise, the D3200 is fairly impressive given its small size and price.

The Nikon D3200 has a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, an EXPEED 3 image processor (same as the Nikon D4), full 1080p video, a native ISO range of 100 to 6400, live view, 11 point auto-focus, a high resolution LCD screen, and a myriad of other features that make this a surprisingly attractive entry level camera priced at only around $550.

Getting past the geekery of the technical specs, the Nikon D3200 is a great camera because it allows the photographer to take great photos. It’s not going to be a camera for everyone, but for those looking to get their feet wet in the DSLR world, or for those looking to go light, the D3200 is a great option.

To that end, let’s start with the D3200’s strengths. As with any camera, the biggest concern should be with image quality. As far as image quality goes, the Nikon D3200 delivers stunning results from such a small and inexpensive package. While I continue to tout the Sony RX-100 (read our review of that camera), which is far and away the best point and shoot on the market, its quality isn’t as good as the Nikon D3200, nor is it as inexpensive. Of course, it’s a lot smaller of a camera, so that’s why.

Nikon D3200 Review - Disney's Hollywood Studios Fireworks

When taking photos in perfect lighting with a good lens, you won’t be able to tell the difference between photos taken with a D3200 and a Nikon D800. Even in conditions that aren’t quite perfect, it rivals my Nikon D600 (read our full review of this camera). Thanks to its huge 24.2 MP resolution, the D3200 can capture great detail, which will allow for huge prints (this will actually be overkill for most users). However, perfect conditions aren’t the true test of a DSLR. This is where the camera’s dynamic range and high ISO performance come into play, and the Nikon D3200 is no slouch in this regard. Nikon is finally doing a native ISO of 100 in its entry level cameras, which is a good thing as it allows you to take even cleaner photos during daylight hours and when using a tripod at night.

Nikon D3200 Review - Radiator Springs Racers (dark ride scene)

The Nikon D3200’s high ISO is also quite impressive. I was able to take usable photos all the way up to ISO 5000. I remember struggling with ISO 1600 a few years ago on my Nikon D40. Now, these higher ISOs are far from perfect, and don’t even come close to rivaling the high ISO shots I can capture with my Nikon D600, but for an entry level camera, I was impressed. The photos above and below were taken on Radiator Springs Racers while in motion. Those who are familiar with this ride know that it’s dark. The Mater & Lightning McQueen shot (above) was shot at ISO 3200, and the Fillmore and Sarge shot (below) was shot at ISO 5000, both at f/2.8. I took a couple of shots at ISO 6400, but I don’t think those are of acceptable quality. You might find test shots elsewhere purporting to show “good” quality from ISO 6400, but I’d be willing to bet those are “lab test shots” taken in good lighting; all ISOs, including high ISOs, appear better in good lighting. Few real world photographers are using ISO 6400 in bright sunlight, so I don’t think these tests have much value. In dark conditions, ISO 6400 doesn’t look good.

Nikon D3200 Review - Radiator Springs Racers (dark ride scene)

In terms of dynamic range, or how far you can recover the highlights and bring out the shadows in post processing, the Nikon D3200 is pretty strong. Even if you don’t understand what “ISO” or “dynamic range” mean, trust me–these things are important. Besides just general image sharpness, these are two of the big things that separate point and shoot cameras from DSLRs. Point and shoots simply haven’t caught up with DSLRs in this regard. When editing these photos, I was shocked at just how much highlight detail I was able to recover. Even entry level DSLRs have always been able to pull some detail out of shadows, but usually even the slightest highlight recovery on entry level models has resulted in overly grey areas that should be white. I found that this wasn’t the case with the Nikon D3200, which I consider to be a huge strength.

Take the photo below, for example. I accidentally over-exposed this shot of Cinderella Castle when I shot it. As soon as I saw the results on the LCD screen, I adjusted my settings and retook an even exposure, but for “test” purposes, I decided to edit the over-exposed shot. I was surprised to find that I was able to obtain an even exposure, with detailed clouds. Same goes for the Blizzard Beach shot further down–it takes a good amount of dynamic range to shoot into the sun and retain color in the surrounding sky.

Nikon D3200 Review - Cinderella Castle

Much of this review is qualified by saying that the Nikon D3200 is great “for an entry level camera.” That’s done so it doesn’t seem like I’m heaping praise on this camera and considering it the equal of a camera that costs a thousand dollars or so more, like the full frame Nikon D600. It’s good, but it’s not that good. That qualification is also done as a bit of a reminder that at the end of the day, this is still only an entry level DSLR. For many people, that will be more than enough. In fact, I’d hazard a guess that 95% of DSLR users will never need more than an entry level DSLR user provides. Most people just want better quality photos, but aren’t really willing to learn how to use the camera–for that you need to read and practice. they’ll just use it in auto mode. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that, a lot of people want nice photos but aren’t passionate about photography. If that describes you, this DSLR is perfect, and anything more will be overkill. The advanced features of a higher end DSLR are largely only useful if you understand how to use them, anyway.

If you are one of the 5% who really wants to pursue photography as a hobby (or more than a hobby), I would think long and hard about the D3200. It’s likely a camera that you’ll outgrow within a year. There’s not anything necessarily wrong with this, either. Entry level DSLRs can be a good place for budding photographers to learn and then resell once they outgrow them. They’re also great if you have a limited budget, which is much better spent on lenses. Finally, entry level cameras are great for those people who don’t know whether they’re in the 95% or the 5%. If, however, you know you’re in the 5% and have a little more money to spend, get something like the Nikon D7100 or even the older Nikon D7000 (read our review of that camera) if you’re on a budget, but want some advanced features.

Nikon D3200 Review - Band Leader Mickey Mouse

While I am impressed by the D3200, it’s honestly not a camera I could see myself carrying (my wife, Sarah, carries it most of the time and I use it at the water parks). I’ve become accustomed to the features and quality of higher end DSLRs, and if I’m going to carry a DSLR, I don’t notice much of a difference between the D600 and any smaller camera. My critical distinction is whether or not a camera can fit in my pocket (which is why I love the Sony RX-100). If it can’t fit in my pocket, it doesn’t matter if it’s the size of the D3200 or double its size. Either way, I have to carry a camera bag. This is just my personal opinion. Sarah certainly disagrees, as she can’t tolerate carrying the “heavy” D600 or D700, but has no problem carrying the Nikon D3200. So I guess your mileage may vary.

Overall, I think the Nikon D3200 is a fabulous option…for an entry level camera. These entry level models have come really far since the Nikon D40 that I used to learn photography, to the point where you aren’t really handcuffed when using one of the entry level Canon or Nikon DSLRs. Beyond the great dynamic range and high ISO quality, I’m impressed by the small size of the Nikon D3200, which is considerably smaller than the DSLRs I’m used to. This makes it great for taking to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, as it can easily be tossed in a backpack or carried all day without causing any real inconvenience. It’s the perfect DSLR for someone wanting to travel light. It’s also great for anyone who wants high quality images without spending a ton of money on a more advanced DSLR, someone looking to learn photography on a budget, or someone wanting a smaller camera–but not a point and shoot. The Nikon D3200 offers great bang for buck, and its performance definitely earns it a “highly recommended” status from us. Just make sure it suits your needs (and future growth) before buying it!

If you do want to purchase this lens—or any other photography equipment—please use the Amazon links here (like this one). Not only does Amazon offer great customer service and low prices, but using the links here help support DisneyTouristBlog.com (at no cost to you!) and help us continue to provide you with great content.

If you’re looking for other photography equipment recommendations or photography tips in general check out a few of my top photography blog posts:

Photography Buying Guide: Everything from Underwater Cameras to Software
Best Books for Improving Your Photography
5 Indispensable Tips for Better Vacation Photos
Choosing the Best Travel Tripod
Choosing the Best Camera Bag for Travel

Your Thoughts…

Do you own the Nikon D3200 DSLR camera? Interested in it? Share your thoughts about this camera in the comments!

17 Responses to “Nikon D3200 Review”
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