Nikon D3200 Review
Image Quality
All of the sample images in this Review were taken using the 24 megapixel Fine JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 9Mb.
The Nikon D3200 produced images of excellent quality during the review period. The settings of ISO 100 through ISO 400 are as good as indistinguishable from each other. The slightest hint of noise starts to creep in at ISO 800 but the images are still very clean at that setting. ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 show progressively more noise, but both are eminently usable, even for very large prints. By ISO 6400 and the fastest setting of 12800 the JPEGs are already full of chroma noise but the raw files only show some finely grained luminance noise that allows even the ISO 1,800 setting to produce printable results. The out-of-camera JPEGs are soft at the default settings, but switch to raw image capture, and you'll see just how much detail the 24 megapixel sensor can record. The night photograph was excellent, while red-eye was not a common occurrence with the useful built-in flash. Active D-Lighting helps to salvage some extra detail in the shadow and highlights areas of high-contrast images.
Noise
The standard sensitivity settings on the Nikon D3200 range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with an expanded (boosted) setting of ISO 12800 also available. The following 100% crops show the noise levels for each setting. The raw files have been converted with Adobe Camera Raw.
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JPEG |
RAW |
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ISO 100 (100% Crop) |
ISO 100 (100% Crop) |
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ISO 200 (100% Crop) |
ISO 200 (100% Crop) |
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ISO 400 (100% Crop) |
ISO 400 (100% Crop) |
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ISO 800 (100% Crop) |
ISO 800 (100% Crop) |
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ISO 1600 (100% Crop) |
ISO 1600 (100% Crop) |
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ISO 3200 (100% Crop) |
ISO 3200 (100% Crop) |
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ISO 6400 (100% Crop) |
ISO 6400 (100% Crop) |
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ISO 12800 (100% Crop) |
ISO 12800 (100% Crop) |
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File Quality
The file quality settings available on the Nikon D3200 are Basic, Normal and Fine for JPEGs, with raw capture also at your disposal. The following crops demonstrate the differences in quality.
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Fine (9.58Mb) (100% Crop) |
Normal (6.96Mb) (100% Crop) |
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Basic (2.29Mb) (100% Crop) |
RAW (20.2Mb) (100% Crop) |
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Sharpening
The out-of-camera JPEGs are soft at the default settings, and benefit from further sharpening in a program like Adobe Photoshop. Here are a couple of 100% crops - the right-hand images have had some sharpening applied. You can also change the in-camera sharpening level by altering the Picture Controls if you don't like the default look.
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Original (100% Crop) |
Sharpened (100% Crop) |
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Flash
The flash settings on the Nikon D3200 are Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Auto slow sync, Auto slow sync with red-eye correction, and Rear curtain with slow sync. These shots of a white coloured ceiling were taken at a distance of 1.5m.
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Flash Off - Wide Angle (27mm) |
Flash On - Wide Angle (27mm) |
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Flash Off - Telephoto (82.5mm) |
Flash On - Telephoto (82.5mm) |
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And here are some portrait shots. As you can see, neither the Flash On or the Red-eye-Reduction settings caused any noticeable red-eye.
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Flash On |
Flash On (100% Crop) |
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Red-eye Reduction |
Red-eye Reduction (100% Crop) |
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Night
The Nikon D3200 lets you dial in shutter speeds of up to 30 seconds and has a Bulb mode as well for exposure times of practically any length, which is very good news if you are seriously interested in night photography. There is an optional long-exposure noise reduction function that can be activated to filter out any hot pixels that may appear when extremely slow shutter speeds are used. Do note that this works by way of dark frame subtraction, which effectively doubles the exposure time. The shot below was taken using a shutter speed of 25 seconds at ISO 100. We've included a 100% crop for you to see what the quality is like.
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Night Shot |
Night Shot (100% Crop) |
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Active D-Lighting
Active D-Lighting increases the detail in the shadow and highlight areas of high-contrast images.
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Off |
On |
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Picture Controls
Nikon’s Picture Controls are akin to Canon’s Picture Styles in being preset combinations of sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue. The available choices are Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape. The following examples demonstrate the differences across these options.
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Standard |
Neutral |
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Vivid |
Monochrome |
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Portrait |
Landscape |
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Sample Images
This is a selection of sample images from the Nikon D3200 camera, which were all taken using the 24.2 megapixel Fine JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.
Sample RAW Images
The Nikon D3200 enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We've provided some Nikon RAW (NEF) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).
1/125s · f/5.6 · ISO 100
82mm
Download original
1/5s · f/8 · ISO 100
27mm
Download original
1/200s · f/11 · ISO 200
27mm
Download original
1/30s · f/11 · ISO 800
82mm
Download original
1/160s · f/11 · ISO 200
27mm
Download original
1/500s · f/5.6 · ISO 400
27mm
Download original
1/1600s · f/8 · ISO 400
27mm
Download original
1/800s · f/8 · ISO 400
82mm
Download original
1/800s · f/6.3 · ISO 200
82mm
Download original
1/25s · f/8 · ISO 200
39mm
Download original
1/250s · f/8 · ISO 200
82mm
Download original
1/100s · f/8 · ISO 3600
82mm
Download original
1/4s · f/8 · ISO 100
27mm
Download original
4/10s · f/9 · ISO 100
27mm
Download original
1/5s · f/9 · ISO 200
27mm
Download original
1/10s · f/9 · ISO 400
27mm
Download original
1/20s · f/9 · ISO 800
27mm
Download original
1/30s · f/9 · ISO 1600
27mm
Download original
1/125s · f/9 · ISO 6400
27mm
Download original
1/250s · f/9 · ISO 12800
27mm
Download original
Sample Movie & Video
The Nikon D3200 can record Full HD video in the MOV format. This is a sample movie at the highest quality setting of 1920x1280 pixels at 24 frames per second. Please note that this 32 second movie is 90.5Mb in size.
As of February 2025, we are no longer providing full size sample images or videos for download.
Please contact us if you have any feedback on our new policy.
Product Images
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Front of the Camera |
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Front of the Camera / Pop-up Flash |
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Isometric View |
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Isometric View |
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Isometric View |
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Isometric View |
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Rear of the Camera |
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Rear of the Camera / Image Displayed |
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Rear of the Camera / Info Screen |
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Rear of the Camera / Main Menu |
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Rear of the Camera / Live View |
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Top of the Camera |
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Bottom of the Camera |
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Side of the Camera |
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Side of the Camera |
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Front of the Camera |
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Front of the Camera |
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Memory Card Slot |
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Battery Compartment |
Conclusion
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. Compared to the 18-month-old D3100, Nikon has managed to simultaneously increase the pixel count by a massive 10 megapixels and yet still maintain similar quality at higher sensitivity settings, which is no mean feat. An improved movie mode with greater control over exposure and sound, an expanded Guide mode and simpler controls for beginners, more connectivity options and a better LCD screen all add up to the best entry-level Nikon DSLR that we've ever reviewed.
There are still a few notable bug-bears. Live View mode desperately needs a live histogram and a higher-resolution live feed, while the much-improved movie mode would still benefit from a truly working full-time AF feature. We also missed the D3100's ingenious drive mode lever, while the lack of auto-exposure bracketing options and depth-of-field preview are still a little baffling, despite the D3200's entry-level status.
The Nikon D3200's bigger sensor and other improvements have also somewhat inevitably pushed the price up - £559.99 / €667.00 body only is a lot of money for an entry-level product, so take a look at the still available and much cheaper D3100 model if price is a real issue. Otherwise we can highly recommend the new Nikon D3200 as a great camera for beginners who want a little more oomph from their DLSR, and who are prepared to spend a little extra to get it.
| Ratings (out of 5) | |
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| Design | 4 |
| Features | 4.5 |
| Ease-of-use | 4.5 |
| Image quality | 4.5 |
| Value for money | 4 |
Review Roundup
Reviews of the Nikon D3200 from around the web.
dcresource.com »
The D3200 ($699) is the entry-level camera in Nikon's digital SLR line-up. It's designed to be consumer friendly (in terms of both price and features), but Nikon didn't skimp on features here. The D3200 features a whopping 24.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 4 frame/sec continuous shooting, 1080p HD video, a good set of manual controls, and optional Wi-Fi support. It's also very easy-to-use, with a Guide Mode that helps beginners take better photos.
Read the full review »
whatdigitalcamera.com »
Featuring an impressive specification, but also promising to be accessible for beginners, is the Nikon D3200 the perfect entry-level DSLR? Find out in the What Digital Camera Nikon D3200 review
Read the full review »
cameralabs.com »
The Nikon D3200 is the company’s latest entry-level DSLR. Announced in April 2012, it replaces the best-selling D3100 and like that model, makes a number of key improvements. The headline upgrade is pure resolution with the new D3200 boasting nothing less than 24 Megapixels, a whopping ten more than its predecessor - indeed it subsequently becomes the highest resolution DX-format body in the Nikon range, let alone the highest entry-level model.
Read the full review »
Specifications
| Type | Single-lens reflex digital camera |
| Lens mount | Nikon F mount (with AF contacts) |
| Effective angle of view | Approx. 1.5 x lens focal length (35 mm format equivalent); Nikon DX format) |
| Effective pixels | 24.2 million |
| Image sensor | 23.2 x 15.4 mm CMOS sensor |
| Total pixels | 24.7 million |
| Dust-reduction System | Image sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required) |
| Image size (pixels) | 6,016 x 4,000 (Large) 4,512 x 3,000 (Medium) 3,008 x 2,000 (Small) |
| File format | NEF (RAW): 12 bit, compressed JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats |
| Picture Control System | Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified |
| Media | SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards |
| File system | DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) 2.3, PictBridge |
| Viewfinder | Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder |
| Frame coverage | Approx. 95% horizontal and 95% vertical |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.8 x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1) |
| Eyepoint | 18 mm (-1.0m-1; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens) |
| Diopter adjustment | -1.7 - +0.5 m-1 |
| Focusing screen | Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen |
| Reflex mirror | Quick return |
| Lens aperture | Instant return, electronically controlled |
| Compatible lenses | Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses for the F3AF are not supported), and AI-P lenses. Non-CPU lenses can be used in mode M, but the camera exposure meter will not function. The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster. |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 - 30 s in steps of 1/3 EV; Bulb; Time (requires optional ML-L3 remote control) |
| Shutter - Flash sync speed | X=1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 s or slower |
| Release mode | Single frame, Continuous, Self-timer, Delayed remote, Quick-response remote, Quiet shutter release |
| Frame advance rate | Up to 4 fps (manual focus, mode M or S, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default values) |
| Self-timer | 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1 - 9 exposures |
| Metering | TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor |
| Metering method | Matrix metering: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses) Center-weighted metering: Weight of 75% given to 8-mm circle in center of frame Spot metering: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point |
| Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C/68 °F) | Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0 - 20 EV Spot metering: 2 - 20 EV |
| Exposure meter coupling | CPU |
| Mode | Auto modes (auto; auto (flash off)); scene modes (portrait; landscape; child; sports; close up; night portrait); programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M) |
| Exposure compensation | -5 - +5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV |
| Exposure lock | Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button |
| ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) | ISO 100 - 6400 in steps of 1 EV; can also be set to approx. 1 EV above ISO 6400 (ISO 12800 equivalent); auto ISO sensitivity control available |
| Active D-Lighting | On, off |
| Autofocus | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including one cross-type sensor), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5 - 3 m/1 ft 8 in. - 9 ft 10 in.) |
| Detection range | -1 - +19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) |
| Lens servo | Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status Manual focus (MF): Electronic rangefinder can be used |
| Focus point | Can be selected from 11 focus points |
| AF-area mode | Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (11 points) |
| Focus lock | Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button |
| Built-in flash | Auto, portrait, child, close up, night portrait: Auto flash with auto pop-up P, S, A, M: Manual pop-up with button release |
| Guide Number | Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) |
| Flash control | TTL: i-TTL flash control using 420-pixel RGB sensor is available with built-in flash and SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, or SB-400; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix and center-weighted metering, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR with spot metering |
| Flash mode | Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off |
| Flash compensation | -3 - +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV |
| Flash-ready indicator | Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes after flash is fired at full output |
| Accessory shoe | ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock |
| Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) | Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 as a master flash and SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes, or SU-800 as commander; Flash Color Information Communication supported with all CLS-compatible flash units. |
| Sync terminal | AS-15 sync terminal adapter (available separately) |
| White balance | Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine-tuning. |
| Live view - Lens servo | Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time servo AF (AF-F) Manual focus (MF) |
| Live view - AF-area mode | Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF |
| Live view - Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected) |
| Movie - Automatic scene selection | Available in auto and auto (flash off) modes |
| Movie - Metering | TTL exposure metering using main image sensor |
| Movie - Metering method | Matrix |
| Movie - Frame size (pixels) and frame rate | 1,920 x 1,080, 30 p (progressive)/25p/24p, (fine)high/normal 1,280 x 720, 60p/50p, (fine)high/normal 640 x 424, 30p/25p, (fine)high/normal Frame rates of 30p (actual frame rate 29.97 fps) and 60p (actual frame rate 59.94 fps) are available when NTSC is selected for video mode. 25p and 50p are available when PAL is selected for video mode. Actual frame rate when 24p is selected is 23.976 fps. |
| Movie - File format | MOV |
| Movie - Video compression | H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding |
| Movie - Audio recording format | Linear PCM |
| Movie - Audio recording device | Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable |
| Movie - ISO sensitivity | ISO 200 - 6400; can also be set to approx. 1 EV above ISO 6400 (ISO 12800 equivalent) |
| Monitor | 7.5-cm/3-in., approx. 921k-dot (VGA) TFT LCD with 160 ° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment |
| Playback | Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, photo and/or movie slide shows, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters) |
| Retouch functions | D-lighting, red-eye correction, trim, monochrome, color balance, image overlay, resize, RAW processing (D-lighting available), filter effects (skylight, warm filter, red/green/blue intensifier, cross screen, soft), miniature effect, quick retouch, straighten, distortion control, fisheye, perspective control, color outline, color sketch, selective color, side-by-side comparison, edit movie (choose start/end point/save selected frame) |
| USB | Hi-Speed USB |
| Video output | NTSC, PAL |
| HDMI output | Type C mini-pin HDMI connector |
| Accessory terminal | Remote cord: MC-DC2 (available separately) GPS unit: GP-1 (available separately) |
| Audio input | Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter) |
| Supported languages | Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Portugal and Brazil), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian |
| Battery | One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL14 battery |
| AC adapter | EH-5b AC adapter; requires EP-5A power connector (available separately) |
| Tripod socket | 1/4 in. (ISO 1222) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 125 x 96 x 76.5 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in.) |
| Weight | Approx. 505 g (1 lb 1.8 oz) with battery and memory card but without body cap; approx. 455 g/1 lb (camera body only) |
| Temperature | 0 - 40 °C (+32 - 104 °F) |
| Humidity | Less than 85% (no condensation) |
| Supplied accessories | EN-EL14 rechargeable Li-ion battery (with terminal cover), MH-24 battery charger, AN-DC3 strap, EG-CP14 audio/video cable, UC-E17 USB cable, DK-5 eyepiece cap, BS-1 accessory shoe cover, DK-20 rubber eyecup, BF-1B body cap, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM, Reference CD |
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