Nikon D3200 Review
Nikon D3200 Review
The 24 Megapixel entry-level DSLR Nikon D3200
Short evaluation
Pros
- Handy, lightweight housing (but not very robust)
- Good assistance functions for beginners
- Extremely rich image editing and effects options
- 24 megapixel sensor with good image quality (but limitations due to set lens)
Cons
- No bracketing possible
- For the target group somewhat cautiously tuned
- Sluggish AF system, especially for Live View
- No dipping button
With 24 megapixel resolution, Nikon now dares to take the next step in the megapixel race in the entry-level class. Whereby one may well ask oneself whether the usual beginner kit lenses really use them. The new CMOS sensor in APS-C size, however, resolves 24.2 megapixels and achieves a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12,800. In any case, the resolution should be an argument for the fast sale, as the main competitor Canon has less to offer. Nikon wants to take the fear of the DSLR out of the beginner especially with the guide function. This mode guides the photographer step-by-step through the best way to capture the subject and adjust the camera for optimal results. The user should learn the basics of photography and camera operation at the same time, without having to read a manual. But the D3200 also offers automatic motif control and motif programs, so you don’t have to learn anything if you don’t want to. The Nikon features sophisticated algorithms that analyze the subject and adjust focus, exposure and white balance for optimal results.
No other DSLR camera currently offers as many megapixels for the money as the Nikon D3200. Their sensor resolves 24 megapixels. The D3200’s low case weight, compact dimensions and moderate price clearly predestine it as a camera for beginners. The D3200 had to show in extensive practical use whether this also applies to equipment and user-friendliness. In addition, we have followed in the strict laboratory test the question how the pixelbolide keeps up with the image quality at a low price.
Another highlight should be the 7.5 centimeter screen on the back of the camera, as it resolves fine 921,000 pixels. The autofocus has eleven measuring fields, the continuous-advance function creates four frames per second. For high-contrast shooting conditions or backlit situations, Nikon uses the proven Active-D-Lighting, which is designed to provide continuous shadows and highlights. Inside, the powerful Expeed 3 image processor works. The FullHD video function achieves 30 full frames per second and features permanent autofocus adjustment and, if desired, even subject tracking. The external stereo microphone connection offered by the D3200 should also be new in the entry-level class. This brings Nikon closer to the needs of videographers.
The camera-internal processing functions are also powerful. Even film sequences can be edited, e.g. to define start and end points or to extract individual images from the film as photos. Various filter effects such as miniature effect, selective color, color drawing, blur etc. are available for photo editing. Even the alignment of the horizon is possible in the camera.
A completely new feature is the connection option for the WiFi adapter WU-1a, which is also new. With its help, the camera can transmit photos wirelessly. Nikon’s main focus is on smartphones and tablet PCs with Android operating systems. But not only the mere transfer of photos is possible, but a special Andriod app even allows remote control of the Nikon D3200 including display of the live image on the smartphone or tablet PC.
Nikon thus follows in the footsteps of the pioneer Samsung, who is a pioneer in such functions. Especially during holidays it can be very practical to be able to control the pictures on your tablet with a large and high-resolution screen. Sharing via e-mail, social networks or a backup in a cloud is therefore no longer a problem and, on the contrary, is becoming more and more a matter of course in modern, networked life.
Ergonomics and workmanship
In the hand, this compact DSLR feels very light. The ready-to-use D3200 weighs in at just 770 grams – equipped with the set lens AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR. This flyweight is made possible by the consistent use of plastic for the camera housing. The quality of workmanship is good, only the cover of the connections is not very trustworthy and can be fiddly closed. A slim but forward reaching handle gives the camera a good grip, but the rubber coating should be even more slip-resistant. From the underside, the handle accommodates an EN-EL14 type rechargeable battery with a capacity of 1,030 mAh for around 540 shots (manufacturer’s rating according to the CIPA standard). Since the battery door is far outside, the energy dispenser can also be changed when the tripod plate is attached. The memory card compartment is also not blocked by a quick-release plate, it is accessible from the right side of the housing and accommodates SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.
Looking through the viewfinder you can see where Nikon has put the red pencil: The simple pentas mirror construction produces a quite dark viewfinder image, which also seems to lie clearly inside the viewfinder shaft. In addition, the viewfinder image is quite small. As an alternative to looking through the optical viewfinder, the D3200 offers image control via Live View on the display. Compared to its predecessor, Nikon has increased its resolution to a befitting 921,000 pixels, and the large three-inch monitor displays correspondingly sharp and detailed images. It’s a pity, though, that Nikon has installed the display firmly. Its brightness can be adjusted manually in a wide range, but the D3200 doesn’t offer an automatic adjustment to the ambient brightness.
The operation of the latest Nikon DSLR hardly poses any puzzles. A large dial on the top is used to select the main operating modes or scene modes. For novices it offers a clever assistant with the “Guide” program. It guides the “beginner” to the desired settings, such as “Macro” for close-ups, with clearly understandable sample images and help tests. If you already have a little more experience, operate the “Guide” in the “Advanced” mode and can then select the most important parameter itself – such as the f-stop number to control the depth of field. This way, one gradually learns about the setting options and their effects on the shots without having to unconditionally fall into the clutches of one of today’s most popular fully automatic systems.
But the D3200 can also be easily configured by hand: Pressing the “Info” button at the top of the shutter release button displays the current parameters in a clearly legible display. Then press the “i” button at the rear and the simple four-way rocker switch selects and changes all setting options. So an excursion into the luxuriant, but for beginners somewhat unclear main menu is rarely necessary. A separate function key also allows you to quickly select an ISO level. However, it can also be assigned another function, such as specifying the image size or white balance.
Equipment
The D3200 is by no means overloaded with an excessive range of functions, which would quickly make the choice of the correct settings a torture, especially for beginners. Nikon has rather limited itself to meaningful equipment characteristics to a large extent. The camera offers only eight motif programs, for example for “Portrait” or “Landscape”. What at first glance seems rather stingy has proven itself in practice – you really don’t need more motif programmes. Of course, there is also a fully automatic function which automatically selects the appropriate motif programme depending on the situation. However, the transfer from a compact camera will miss some of the amenities of the D3200. For example, face recognition is only available in Live View mode. The D3200 also keeps a low profile on effect programs, as they are currently so fashionable, but offers the possibility of subsequently distorting recordings. It also lacks the ability to take low-noise photos or create HDR images by taking multiple shots. The D3200 can only offer the somewhat aged D-Lighting function for brightening dark depths.
Experienced photographers will also miss one or the other function, although the D3200 has the most important thing on board. If desired, it can be operated as an aperture or time machine, or it can be used for manual exposure control. Also included are various image styles such as “Standard”, “Brilliant” or “Portrait”, which can also be very finely adapted to the individual ideas of the photographer. Nikon has saved a dimming button on the D3200, so the depth of field cannot be controlled in advance. Since this economy measure makes it possible to produce the camera a few cents cheaper, the absence of the dipping button may still be acceptable. However, it remains a mystery why Nikon also deleted the possibility of taking series of exposures. And annoying – series of exposures offer the best insurance protection against mis-exposed photos and are almost indispensable in HDR photography.
The flash system of the D3200, on the other hand, offers no cause for criticism. In the fully automatic programs, the on-board flash jumps up automatically and goes into action. With a guide number of almost 12 the small light dispenser is quite potent. Nikon has even thought of a special fully automatic function without flash. If the camera is operated outside the subject auto mode, the flash can be switched on at any time with a small button. It can also handle professional functions such as flashes on the second curtain, long-term synchronisation or pre-flashes to reduce red flashed eyes. The D3200 can also be equipped with a flash shoe to accommodate a system flash.
As befits a modern DSLR camera, the D3200 also records movies. To do this, however, it must first be switched to Live View mode, and the video recording is then started with a special button. If desired, the D3200 can automatically adjust the sharpness during video shooting. In practice, however, this tracking AF has proved to be unusable: The focus wanders helplessly around for seconds without finding a target – even if a green focus frame suggests the opposite. It is therefore advisable to use static autofocus when shooting movies and in Live View mode, and to adjust the focus by touching the shutter release button if necessary. Focusing noises are clearly audible on the soundtrack in a quiet environment. The camera records the film sound in mono, but it also offers a jack socket for connecting an external microphone. Unusual for the price class of the D3200: It offers the option of manual control of the film sound. The D3200 records up to Full HD resolution, i.e. with 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The frame rate is either 25 or 24 full frames per second (with PAL standard).
While the shooting functions of the D3200 have some gaps, the camera spoils the photographer with very extensive image processing options. For example, it allows you to optimize recordings later, but also to effectively distort them. In addition, RAW photos can be developed directly in the camera, video recordings can be edited. During image processing, the original is always retained, and the D3200 saves the processed version of the image as a separate file. It also offers sophisticated functions such as distortion and perspective correction. The effect programs missing during recording are also available for image processing – for example, miniature landscapes, black-and-white variants or line drawings can be created later. In principle a smart idea, you don’t have to commit to one effect during the recording and can later create any number of variants of your photos.
The Nikon D3200 is not exactly in its element when serial shots are required, such as action-packed scenes. It takes only about 4.2 frames per second, regardless of the file format. With the maximum number of continuous shots, however, it does matter whether JPEG or RAW is recorded. If JEPG is specified, the D3200 will hold its maximum speed for about 18 shots before falling into the leisurely continuous run at 2.4 frames per second. In RAW the sprint is already finished after eleven pictures and the D3200 takes more pictures with very comfortable 0.7 frames/second. In addition, the autofocus is also more of a leisurely variety – read more about it in the following section. The connection possibilities of the D3200, on the other hand, are without fault or criticism. Whether USB, HDMI or microphone – the camera has the right socket for all important devices. Furthermore, there is an interface which optionally accepts the GPS receiver GP-1 or the brand new radio adapter WU-1a. The latter connects the camera wirelessly to a tablet or smartphone and allows remote control of the D3200 via app.
Lens
The D3200 is currently available as a kit with various lenses. We tested them with the standard zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR, which covers a focal length range of approx. 27 to 83 millimeters in 35mm. The exterior of the lens, including the mount bayonet, is completely made of plastic, which gives it a somewhat rickety impression. On the other hand, with its low weight of a good 250 grams it fits perfectly to the handy D3200. The autofocus drive is integrated into the lens, as is the aperture control. Nikon has saved an AF motor in the housing of the D3200, so the camera can only automatically focus on AF-I and AF-S lenses. And it takes an unusually long time to do so: with the 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6G, between 0.55 and 0.68 seconds passed in the test lab until the camera focused and triggered – even compact cameras are sometimes much faster. The automatic focusing takes an unbearably long time when the D3200 is operated in Live View mode. Here she allowed herself almost two seconds until she had the test chart in focus and photographed. In practice, the autofocus feels faster than the bare numbers from the lab give, but the bottom line is that it is without doubt more of a leisurely variety. So it’s only to be welcomed that the viewfinder image can be enlarged considerably when manually focusing in Live View mode.
Nikon has been stingy with the AF fields of the D3200. It has just eleven AF sensors, of which only the central one is designed as a sensitive cross sensor. In dim light, a bright white LED illuminates the motif to support autofocus. This AF auxiliary light is very obtrusive and makes the model close her eyes involuntarily when taking portrait photos. The “Vibration Reduction” system, an optical image stabilizer in the lens, counteracts camera shake. He always delivers a stabilized viewfinder image, does his job properly when taking photos, but sometimes proved somewhat sluggish when recording video.
Picture quality
The Nikon D3200 is currently the cheapest camera that offers an image sensor with 24 megapixels resolution. Friends of sheer numbers will have their bright joy at it. Practically oriented photographers ask themselves whether such a high resolution on a sensor in APS-C format in an inexpensive entry-level DSLR like the D3200 makes sense at all.
In the laboratory the camera with the lens AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55 mm 1:3,5-5,6G VR had to prove itself, in practice the telezoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200 mm 1:4-5,6G ED VR was added.
The D3200 is very restrained in its use of brightness and colour contrasts. The tonal value curve from the test laboratory slopes downwards correspondingly gently. Image editors will be pleased about this elegant restraint. On the other hand, those who expect crisp results directly from the camera will initially be disappointed by the image quality. The “Brilliant” picture style or even an individual adjustment of the “Picture Control” settings can quickly help. In order to avoid erosive highlights during contrast enhancement, a manual correction of the exposure by -0.3 EV or even more is recommended – especially as the D3200 tends to have a slightly higher exposure. The measurement of the sharpness artifacts also shows that the D3200 is very cautiously tuned. Here, the measurement diagram shows hardly any deflections, so that the JPEG images taken with the camera still offer some potential for re-sharpening.
But what about the image noise? After all, more than 24 million light-sensitive cells are crowded onto the sensor of the D3200, so each individual sensor element is correspondingly small. From a measurement point of view, everything remains within the green range up to about ISO 800; at even higher ISO levels, the signal-to-noise ratio drops below the critical limit of 35 dB. But this one measured value alone does not say everything about the noise behavior of the D3200. It always remains pleasantly fine grained up to the high ISO 6.400, only in the red channel at the highest ISO levels some coarse-grained disturbances are cheating their way into the photo. This is certainly also due to the noise suppression, which Nikon has perhaps already tuned a bit too strongly. This is because the texture sharpness decreases continuously from the lowest ISO 100 level onwards – an unmistakable sign that the noise suppression intervenes quite early. RAW photos taken in parallel thus show more details than their JPEG counterparts at higher ISO levels – if one accepts more of the visually never disturbing fine noise.
The input dynamics of the D3200 offer no cause for criticism, but also no storms of enthusiasm. The camera processes a contrast range of about ten f-stops between ISO 100 and ISO 800 – a decent but not a top value. From ISO 6.400 the dynamic range decreases to only 8 EV. The output dynamics also depend strongly on the ISO number, it is very high at ISO 100, but then decreases continuously and at ISO 1.600 falls below the critical limit of only 128 tonal value levels – the images hardly show any contrast details and appear striking. The D3200, on the other hand, is quite accurate with its color fidelity, there are hardly any relevant deviations, the camera reproduces Nikon-typical colors very lifelike.
Thus, the image quality of the Nikon D3200 is quite respectable on the sensor side. But does the inexpensive set lens manage to convert the high potential of the 24-megapixel sensor into adequate resolution and sharpness? At best, the resolution measurement delivers medium magnificient values, even at an aperture of F11 the lens scratches just about 50 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). Much heavier, however, is the fact that the resolution drops significantly towards the edge of the picture at all focal lengths. And the 18-55 is also not able to deliver the resolution at the long end of the telephoto as in the middle zoom position. At short focal lengths, the lens also struggles with chromatic aberrations, which can become noticeable as pronounced color fringes in the image. Furthermore it registers strongly barrel-shaped in wide angle position. The bottom line is that the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55 is nowhere near as good as the image quality that the D3200’s sensor can deliver. As an alternative, the Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC, which costs around 400 euros and generally has a good reputation, may be a good choice. A fixed focal length like the Nikon 50 1.8 or a macro can deliver even better image sharpness.
Bottom line
With the D3200, Nikon has created a remarkable feat: no system camera currently offers a better price/megapixel ratio. This makes the DSLR, which is clearly designed for beginners and advanced photographers, initially also interesting for ambitious photographers with a small budget. However, you may miss features such as a dipping button or the ability to shoot bracketing – the D3200 doesn’t offer either. Those who can do without it get a lot of camera for the money with the D3200, which, however, inspires more with its software qualities than with its hardware. The targeted target group of beginners and intermediates, on the other hand, is served very well with the camera. The D3200 is easy to operate, offers useful automatic functions and offers the photographer who enjoys experimenting an unimaginable wealth of subsequent editing and effect options in this class. Above all, the D3200 is very compact and lightweight. However, if you want to exploit the full image quality potential of your 24 megapixel sensor, you should treat the D3200 to a much better lens than the tested AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR.
Fact sheet
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This test of the Nikon D3200 with Nikon AF-S 18-55 mm 3.5-5.6 VR DX G ED was done with DxO Analyzer from DxO Labs.
Short evaluation
Pros
- Handy, lightweight housing (but not very robust)
- Good assistance functions for beginners
- Extremely rich image editing and effects options
- 24 megapixel sensor with good image quality (but limitations due to set lens)
Cons
- No bracketing possible
- For the target group somewhat cautiously tuned
- Sluggish AF system, especially for Live View
- No dipping button
Nikon D3200 Datasheet
Electronics |
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| Sensor | CMOS sensor APS-C 23.6 x 15.8 mm (crop factor 1.5 )24.7 megapixels (physical) and 24.2 megapixels (effective) |
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| Pixel pitch | 3.9 µm | ||||||||||||
| Photo resolution |
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| Picture formats | JPG, RAW | ||||||||||||
| Colour depth | 36 bits (12 bits per color channel) | ||||||||||||
| Metadata | Exif (version 2.21), DCF standard | ||||||||||||
| Video resolution |
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| Video format |
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Lens |
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| Lens mount |
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Focusing |
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| Autofocus mode | Phase comparison autofocus with 11 sensors | ||||||||||||
| Autofocus Functions | Single AF, Continuous AF, Manual, AF Assist Light | ||||||||||||
Viewfinder and Monitor |
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| Reflex viewfinder | Reflex viewfinder (95 % image coverage), 18 mm interpupillary distance, diopter compensation (-1.7 to +0.5 dpt), replaceable focusing screens | ||||||||||||
| Monitor | 3.0″ TFT LCD monitor with 921,000 pixels | ||||||||||||
Exposure |
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| Exposure metering | Center-weighted integral measurement, matrix/multi-field measurement over 420 fields, spot measurement (measurement over 3% of the image field) | ||||||||||||
| Exposure times | 1/4,000 to 30 s (automatic ) bulb function |
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| Exposure control | Program automatic, Aperture automatic, Time automatic, Manual | ||||||||||||
| Bracketing function | Bracket function with maximum 3 shots, step size from 1/3 to 1/2 EV | ||||||||||||
| Exposure compensation | -5.0 to +5.0 EV with step size of 1/3 EV | ||||||||||||
| Sensitivity to light | ISO 100 to ISO 1.600 (automatic )ISO 100 to ISO 12.800 (manual) |
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| Remote access | Remote tripping | ||||||||||||
| Motives | Flowers, twilight, various motif programs, candlelight, children, landscape, night landscape, night portrait, close-up, party, portrait, sunset, food, sports/action, beach/snow, animals, fully automatic, 1 more motif programs | ||||||||||||
| Picture effects | Blue tint, skylight, warm tone | ||||||||||||
| White balance | Auto, White balance bracketing, Fine tuning, Manual | ||||||||||||
| Continuous shooting | 4.0 frames/s at highest resolution | ||||||||||||
| Self-timer | Self-timer with intervals of 2 or 20 s, special features: (manually adjustable) | ||||||||||||
| Shooting functions | Live histogram | ||||||||||||
Flashgun |
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| Flash | built-in flash (hinged )flash shoe: Nikon, standard center contact |
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| Flash number | Guide number 12 (ISO 100) | ||||||||||||
| Flash functions | Auto, Fill Flash, Flash On, Flash Off, Slow Sync, Flash On Second Shutter Curtain, Red-Eye Reduction | ||||||||||||
Equipment |
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| Image stabilizer | no optical image stabilizer | ||||||||||||
| Memory |
SD
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| Power supply | Power supply connection | ||||||||||||
| Power supply | 1 x Nikon EN-EL14 (lithium ions (Li-Ion), 7.4 V, 1,030 mAh) | ||||||||||||
| Playback Functions | Red eye retouching, image index, shrinking | ||||||||||||
| Picture parameters | Contrast, Saturation, Noise Reduction | ||||||||||||
| Ports | Data interfaces: USBUSB type :USB 2.0 High Speed |
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| AV connectors | AV output: HDMI output Micro (Type D) | ||||||||||||
| Supported direct printing methods | PictBridge | ||||||||||||
| Tripod socket | 1/4″ | ||||||||||||
| Features and Miscellaneous | AF measuring range: LW -1 to LW 19AF Metering MemoryExposure Metering MemoryPlayback
ZoomHighlight Auto NTSC Video mode, 30p and 60p frame rates are availableSharp DrawingImage ContrastImage BrightnessColor SaturationColor Balance Simultaneous recording of JPEG and RAW/NEF image files is possibleColor Space Setting explains optimal shooting settings |
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Size and weight |
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| Dimensions W x H x D | 125 x 96 x 76 mm | ||||||||||||
| Weight | 505 g (ready for operation) | ||||||||||||
Other |
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| included accessories | Nikon AN-DC3 Storage AccessoriesNikon BF-1B (Case Cover) Nikon BS-1 (Shoe Cover) Nikon Capture NX SoftwareNikon DK-20 (Eyecup)Nikon DK-21 (Eyecup) on EG-D100 Video HeadNikon E L14 Special BatteryNikon EN-EL14a BatteryChargerCase Cover BF-1A Finder Shell |
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| optional accessory | Nikon EH-5B Power Supply UnitNikon EN-EL14 Special BatteryNikon MC-DC2 Cable Remote TriggerLi-Ion EN-EL14a Battery Removable Memory CardSB-900/800/600/400System Flash UnitsML-L3 Infrared Remote ControlNikon System Accessories (Flash Units, Lenses, etc.) |
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Nikon optimizes battery usage with a firmware update: Longer battery life
With the Nikon Coolpix P7700, the battery life climbs from 330 to 360 recordings according to the CIPA standard measurement procedure with the update to firmware 1.3, the video recording time climbs from 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. The Nikon D3100 achieves with firmware 1.02 about 620 recordings according to CIPA standard, with the old firmware only 550 recordings were possible. Thanks to firmware C 1.02, the D3200 now achieves 600 instead of 540 recordings. With version 1.02, the recording capacity of the D5100 climbs from 660 to 700 recordings, and with firmware C 1.01, the capacity of the D5200 also increases from 500 to 540 recordings.
According to Nikon, the update does not bring any further optimizations apart from the battery life. In the service area of the Nikon website you can find the new firmware.
