To see product details, add this item to your cart.
Ships from: 42nd Street Photo Sold by: 42nd Street Photo
To see product details, add this item to your cart.
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Tokyo Optic Apex
Other Sellers on Amazon
65% positive over last 12 months
- 10 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL)
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Nikon |
Model Name | Nikon D3200 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 24.2 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Image Stabilization | Digital, VR |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot AF-area |
Exposure Control Type | Aperture priority (A), Shutter-priority (S), Manual, Automatic |
Form Factor | Compact SLR |
About this item
- 24MP CMOS DX-format sensor
- 4 frames per second continuous shooting
- 11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
- ISO 100-6400 (plus ISO 12,800-equivalent Hi1 setting)
- Full HD 1080p video
- 3.0 inch LCD with 920,000 dots
- Expeed 3 processing
- Microphone input
- Twin IR remote receivers
- Beginner-friendly Guide mode
Frequently bought together
Top rated similar items
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, BlackAmazon's Choicein SLR Camera LensesFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR CamerasFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Nikon D7500 20.9MP DSLR Camera with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens, BlackAmazon's Choicein DSLR CamerasFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1Only 17 left in stock (more on the way).
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR CamerasFREE ShippingGet it Apr 4 - 8Only 5 left in stock - order soon.
- Nikon Z 6II | Versatile full-frame mirrorless stills/video hybrid camera | Nikon USA ModelAmazon's Choicein Mirrorless CamerasFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1Only 19 left in stock (more on the way).
- Nikon Z 50 | Compact mirrorless stills/video camera | Nikon USA ModelFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
Important information
Legal Disclaimer
BODY SERIAL #3955952 FULL 14 DAY NO HASSLE SATISFACTION GUARANTEE AND A 90 DAY PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY.
Compare with similar items
This Item Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | -6% $499.99$499.99 List: $529.95 | $999.99$999.99 | $694.95$694.95 | $599.99$599.99 | $479.00$479.00 | $896.95$896.95 |
Delivery | Get it Apr 1 - 4 | Get it Apr 1 - 4 | Get it Apr 4 - 8 | Get it Apr 1 - 4 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
For beginners | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 3.8 |
Auto focus | 4.2 | — | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
Battery life | 4.3 | — | 3.6 | 4.2 | — | 4.6 |
Durability | — | — | 2.8 | 5.0 | — | 5.0 |
Sold By | 42nd Street Photo | 42nd Street Photo | Willoughby's Established 1898 | 42nd Street Photo | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
display type | LCD | LCD | Other | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3.2 inches |
lens type | Zoom | Zoom, Wide Angle | Zoom | Interchangeable | Wide Angle | Converter |
zoom type | Optical Zoom | — | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom |
shooting modes | Live View Shooting, Movie, Scene | Scene, Aperture Priority, Automatic | High dynamic rang | Auto, auto (flash off), portrait, landscape, child, sports, close up and night portrait | Landscape; portrait mode; close-up; night portrait; food; sports mode | Aperture-Priority, Auto modes, Manual, Programmed auto with flexible program, Scene Modes, Shutter-Priority, Special Effects Modes U1, U2 |
connectivity tech | HDMI | USB, HDMI | PAL, NTSC | NTSC, PAL | NFC, HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB |
Videos
Videos for this product
2:50
Click to play video
D3200 Wireless Adapter Video
Merchant Video
What's in the box
From the manufacturer
- 24.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
- 18-55mm VR Image Stabilization Lens
- Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video
A new level of image quality, a familiar way of sharing.
Don't let the D3200's compact size and price fool you—packed inside this easy to use HD-SLR is serious Nikon power: a 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor that excels in any light, EXPEED 3 image-processing for fast operation and creative in-camera effects, Full HD (1080p) movie recording, in-camera tutorials and much more. What does this mean for you? Simply stunning photos and videos in any setting. And now, with Nikon's optional Wireless Mobile Adapter, you can share those masterpieces instantly with your Smartphone or tablet!
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Take your photos and videos to the next levelWhy do photos and videos shot with a Nikon HD-SLR look so good? It all starts with Nikon’s exclusive image sensors, and the D3200 has the most powerful CMOS sensor we’ve ever put in a HD-SLR at this level. Boasting an astounding 24.2 effective megapixels, it captures sharper, richer images—even in low light. Combine that with EXPEED 3 image processing, the processing power behind the acclaimed Nikon D4, for super-fast operation, exceptional image capture, in-camera filter effects and more. Your photos and videos will amaze even you. |
Master the camera simply by using itIt’s never been easier to create HD-SLR quality photos, thanks to the D3200’s Guide Mode. Learn the camera's key features and controls while you shoot, and even get advice and sample images to succeed in difficult shooting situations. Guide Mode is easy to access and easy to understand. You’re never shooting alone with the D3200. |
Create cinema-quality HD videosNikon is committed to developing HD-SLRs that are not just superlative still image cameras, but superlative video cameras, as well. With a touch of a button, the D3200 starts recording Full HD 1080p video with full-time autofocus, manual exposure control and stereo sound. Its breathtaking 921,000-dot, ultra-high-resolution display makes it easy to frame, monitor and review your footage. Even record in super-smooth slow motion up to 60 fps! Unleash your inner cinematographer.* |
Capture the best of every sceneExperienced photographers optimize their camera settings for the scene they’re shooting. With the D3200, optimizing your camera settings is as easy as turning a dial. Choose from six common Scene Modes like Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, Close up and more, for flawless results even in demanding circumstances. When using Live View, Scene Auto Selector automatically sets the D3200 for the most suitable Scene Mode for the situation. A highly accurate 420-pixel RGB sensor powers Nikon's Scene Recognition System, which compares scene data against an extensive database to optimize the shot accordingly. |
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Get a new view of your worldNikon’s renowned NIKKOR lenses have long been the choice of pros and serious photographers. Marvels of clarity, consistency, precision and reliability, they draw peak performance from Nikon HD-SLRs. The D3200 comes equipped with the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-55mm, a versatile, high performance VR image stabilized lens. And when you’re ready to expand your system and extend your creativity, you'll have your choice of over 70 legendary NIKKOR lenses. |
Fast and accurate shootingThe D3200's 11-point Autofocusing System is as fast as it is precise. Check your focus points, track your subject or shoot carefree right from the viewfinder. And when the action speeds up, simply aim, hold down the shutter and fire off approx. 4 fps at 24.2 MP resolution. |
Wi-Fi ConnectivityNow you can easily get great pictures on your smartphone Using the WU-1a optional wireless mobile adapter you can now automatically send great images to your smartphone± and even use your smartphone to remotely capture images from your D3200. With an easy to use app, now, when you can't wait to share that great shot, you don't have to. Share it to your smartphone in an instant. |
Compact, lightweight and durableYour D3200 is designed for comfort, intuitive use and durability. Its compact, lightweight and rugged body puts key controls at your fingertips. You'll never hesitate to bring along your D3200. Dramatic low-light photos. The D3200’s wide ISO range of 100 to 6400 allows for shooting in very low light without a flash or in very bright light with zoom, macro, fixed focal length or wide aperture lenses. For extreme low-light situations, set the ISO to Hi 1 and achieve ISO 12800 equivalent sensitivity. |
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Phase Detection, Selective single-point, Face Detection, Tracking, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 921,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 24.2 MP |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 24.2 MP |
White balance settings | Auto |
Self Timer Duration | 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Image Stabilization | Digital, VR |
Flash Modes Description | Auto, Off, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/200_sec |
Supported Image Format | JPEG, RAW |
Video Capture Format | h.264;mpeg-4 |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | MPEG 4 |
Video Output Interface | Mini HDMI, NTSC, PAL |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Mfg Warranty Description Labor | 1 year limited |
---|---|
Manufacturer Warranty Description Parts | 1 year limited |
Model Name | Nikon D3200 |
---|---|
Brand | Nikon |
Model Number | 25492 |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #181,499 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #295 in DSLR Cameras |
ASIN | B007VGGFZU |
Color | Black |
Included Components | EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, UC-E17 USB Cable, BF-1B Body Cap, DK-20 Rubber Eyecup, D3200 DX-format Digital SLR Kit with 18-55mm DX Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens (Black), AN-DC3 Camera Strap, EG-CP14 Audio Video Cable, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover, LC-52 Front Lens Cap, MH-24 Quick Charger, Rear Lens Protector, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, NikonView NX CD- ROM |
Specification Met | certified frustration-free |
Assembly Required | No |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Processor Description | Expeed 3 |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.92 x 3.03 x 3.78 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | Zoom |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 3 x |
Digital Zoom | 2.00 |
Maximum Aperture | 3.5 f |
Minimum Aperture | 36 f |
Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
Autofocus Points | 11 |
Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (FX), Nikon F (DX) |
Focus Type | Autofocus & Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 55 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 18 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 6400 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Aperture priority (A), Shutter-priority (S), Manual, Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot AF-area |
Shooting Modes | Live View Shooting, Movie, Scene |
Batteries Required? | No |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | EN-EL14 |
Battery Weight | 48 Grams |
Battery Life | 540 Photos |
Removable Memory | Secure Digital Card |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Audio Input | Microphone |
Connectivity Technology | HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 4 |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Special Feature | Wireless |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Shock Resistant | FALSE |
Form Factor | Compact SLR |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Audio Output Type | microphone |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
GPS | Optional |
Product guides and documents
Product Description
Don’t let the D3200’s compact size and price fool you—packed inside this easy to use HD-SLR is serious Nikon.power: a 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor that excels in any light, EXPEED 3 image-processing for fast operation and creative in-camera effects, Full HD (1080p) movie recording, in-camera tutorials and much more. What does this mean for you? Simply stunning photos and videos in any setting. And now, with Nikon’s optional Wireless Mobile Adapter, you can share those masterpieces instantly with your Smartphone or tablet easily. Supplied Accessories: EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-24 Quick Charger, EG-CP14 Audio/Video Cable, UC-E6 USB Cable, DK-20 Rubber Eyecup, AN-DC3 Camera Strap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover and Nikon View NX CD-ROM.1-Year Nikon U.S.A. Warranty.
Download the user manual.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of use, value, and performance of the digital camera. For example, they mention that it's a good entry-level camera, produces incredible pictures, and is easy to navigate. That said, they appreciate the power and simplicity of the camera. That being said, some say that it gets the job done.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camera. They say it's a good entry-level camera with superb quality. It's wonderful for novice photographers and an excellent camera to start out with. It is a very nearly professional camera for a mid-level body. It also makes a great choice for serious video takers. Customers also mention that the lens is all very well and plenty-good-enough for casual shooting.
"...This is a very nearly professional camera for a mid level camera. And I am sure a professional could use it without any problems...." Read more
"...is a real plus for Video Maker, making this DSLR a good choice for Serious Video taker...." Read more
"...budget as an aspiring photographer, I find that this camera perfectly meets my needs, earning me some good quality photos and income without costing..." Read more
"...My wife loves it! It is easy to use and a great beginner camera. Now she wants more lenses..........." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the camera. They mention that the image is superb, incredible, and has more resolution than the D7000. The LCD screen is very visual, and the rear display looks great. The camera produces very nice videos, and it has a great Live View feature. However, some customers feel that the D3200 can record true HD videos, while the D5100 can only record standard resolution videos.
"...And the software included with the camera can do some basic image editing, but it is not a full fledged image editing software package...." Read more
"...I am glad I did! D5100 image quality is SUPERB and on par with D7000. D5100 is lot FASTER than D3000 & D3100, but a little bit slower than D7000...." Read more
"...The Voightlander is a thing of beauty. It still works well after 60 years. The last time it was cleaned and worked on was 1979...." Read more
"...Overall, good image depending on the lighting environment. Photo quality is great under a well-lit atmosphere using the built-in flash but I..." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They say the functions are easy to navigate, the interface is user friendly, and the controls are easy. They also say the menus are pretty easy to figure out once they learn about basic features. The camera is simple enough and priced low enough that it can be easily picked up and used. Customers also mention that the video is relatively easy to activate when in still mode. They mention that it comes with good instructions and that all the important controls are easily found.
"...and controls take a little time to get used to but are relatively easy. It takes very good digital pictures without much effort...." Read more
"...It includes and instruction manual and the standard zoom lens. The instruction manual is actually really organized and clear/easy to understand...." Read more
"...D800 territory? No, but few would notice. The D3200 is a pleasure to use, and handles fast enough for most kinds of photography...." Read more
"...I had read this camera was great for beginners, because the LCD screen is very visual as you are making changes...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the value of the camera. They say it's a great camera for the money, with photos that rival DSLRs 2x the price. It's also a powerful camera, and saves money when compared to Canon competitors. Customers also say it works well as an expensive gift and is impressed with the return for their investment.
"...It sure saves on buying film!..." Read more
"...The D3200 is a great camera for the money, I like it more now than when I first bought it!" Read more
"...Money well spent and kudos to Nikon." Read more
"...It is light weight and comfortable to hold and a big bang for your buck...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the digital camera. They mention that it does its job very well, has enough advanced features to keep them busy trying, and that the kit plastic lens performs really nicely on this camera. Some mention that the camera is somewhat slow to connect, but works nicely in their Android phone. Overall, most are satisfied with the performance and functionality of the product.
"...Both the end result and the operational experience are great. I use the 720p 60fps mode for this project, and really like the result...." Read more
"...The Voightlander is a thing of beauty. It still works well after 60 years. The last time it was cleaned and worked on was 1979...." Read more
"...While these high MP cameras are capable of amazing results, you have to work to get absolutely ALL the MP's this camera has to offer...." Read more
"...Active D-lighting: Very nice results when I face situations of high contrast. This is almost High-Dynamic-Range (HDR)...." Read more
Customers like the portability of the digital camera. They say it fits in their hands well, has a solid feel, and is light enough to carry around. They also mention that the camera has good ergonomics and all the important controls are easy to find. Some say that the D3200 is a good and light backup camera.
"...It has a good ergonomic feel and is a less clunky and is somewhat more lightweight than my F717 camera which had the trademark long lens...." Read more
"...I would prefer the OM2 size. But I find the 3200 very comfortable in my hands. Yes it is big, but the size and weight works well...." Read more
"...Bottom line -- the D3200: super light-weight, very quiet, super high resolution (& low noise, high dynamic range, superb colors), incredible HD..." Read more
"...light wight and grips well9...." Read more
Customers like the features of the digital camera. They mention it has a lot of functions, and various feature improvements. They also appreciate the many options and settings, and the useful module. Customers also like the capability, small size, and low weight of the D3200.
"...The module is pretty useful. Super small and comes with a cool case that attaches to your camera strap...." Read more
"...The camera has a pop up flash witch is real handy and easy to use, good for about ten to twelve feet...." Read more
"...D3200 is a light weight, small camera that packs many features. I use it for my kids primarily. The picture quality is very crisp and clear...." Read more
"...Greatly improved video. Various feature improvements that I'm sure everyone knows about, and of course, a 24 megapixel sensor...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the lens of the digital camera. Some mention that the kit lens is okay, while others say that it's not the best. The kit lens will get you started on photography, but it'll not provide professional quality pictures.
"...Good quality included lensThis is important because a lot of cameras are sold with a sub-standard lens but this is a good one...." Read more
"...How does this translate to everyday casual shooting? Not easily. Sub-par technique still results in sub-par images no matter what camera is used...." Read more
"Item looks and behaves NEW...." Read more
"...The included "kit" lens is ok. It gets you going. I recommend getting a prime lens if you are interested in crisp shots...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
So far, I am impressed with this camera.
I just got it a few days ago, and I am already putting it through its paces, consulting the manual, which it has both a short user guide in hard copy and a PDF format full manual on CD. The short manual and the full manual cover most of the same things, but the longer version has more detailed information about some features that are only briefly touched on in the shorter manual. (The short hard copy manual has 77 pages, whereas the full manual on CD rom has 228 pages.) The PDF manual also has copies of the manual in various languages Chinese, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese. In my package there was also a short hard copy manual in Spanish. There is also a Guide Mode in the camera itself which has pointers and tips as to how to use the camera.
I have already taken a few pictures and a short movie with it and I am very impressed with it so far. This is a very nearly professional camera for a mid level camera. And I am sure a professional could use it without any problems. With a good lens, a pro should be able to shoot excellent images with it.
Until I got this camera, I was quite happy with my 5 megapixel Sony F717 camera. It was indeed a great camera and I took plenty of pictures with it. And it had quite an array of features of its own, and it was quite near the quality of a professional SLR camera. But then it started developing memory errors and finally the camera simply died on me after 10 years of faithful service. I could not power it up, even though I bought another power adapter for it. So I decided it was time to get a new camera. I always liked the Nikon cameras. And I have an old Nikkormat manual SLR 35mm camera, which I took thousands of great pictures with. So I decided to gamble with Nikon again and upgrade my digital camera. I wanted a good high res camera so I opted to get a 24 megapixel camera.
The camera is little different from a standard film SLR camera. You can do practically anything with this camera that you can with a manual or automatic film SLR -- and some things that you can't with a regular film SLR. And you can get some really great images with this camera. The camera is capable of creating images of resolutions up to 6016 x 4000 pixels and as small as 3008 x 2000. (My old Sony digital camera by contrast took pictures of 2560 x 1920 maximum size.) That translates to a size of 20.1 x 13.3 inches or 50.9 x 33.8 cm at 300 dpi. Of course you can enlarge the image even further using a computer with image editing software such as Paintshop Pro, or Adobe Photoshop, and there would be no pixelation, and obviously you can also edit the image in other ways and add special effects, etc.
It has a standard viewfinder that all SLR cameras have where you can see the image as the lens sees it, but if you like to use the digital monitor, all you have to do is press a button and then you can see the image in the digital monitor. But if you use the monitor, it is a good idea to use it in low light such as indoors. Those types of monitors are hard to see in sunlight. Movies however can only be shot using the monitor.
One great feature that I love with this camera is that it can do both movies and still pictures with the same camera. It takes high quality video at 1920 x 1080 maximum and 640 x 424 minimum. You can take stills while shooting a movie too. And it can shoot up 64 frames per second. And you can adjust settings such as f-stop, ISO, and other settings to get the best movie images. To shoot video in stereo sound, you need a special stereo microphone. It has a standard micro audio in jack, so you can hook any microphone to it including stereo microphones.
The camera has a built in flash, but also supports hot shoe for external flashes. There is no jack for using flash with cable however, unless you have a flash cable that uses the hot shoe, or some kind of remote control flash.
Because I had old lenses that I used and were compatible with my old manual 35mm camera, I wondered if they would work with my digital camera. And, yes, they do work. I have a wide angle Nikkor lens, and a 200mm Rokunar zoom lens, and both work with the camera, that way, I don't have to buy new zoom lenses or wide angle lenses. Of course, because these are manual lenses, you have to do everything manually such as focus, and f-stop, but they work. So if you have a good high quality lens from a manual 35mm Nikon or compatible camera, you likely could use it. And as one commenter in this forum put it, and as any professional photographer will tell you, the lens or the "glass" in the front of the camera is one of the key ingredients to getting great crisp sharp pictures with a camera. The digital image processor, which is the digital equivalent of film is the next ingredient. And as far as I can tell, this seems to be a high quality image processor.
Like any professional SLR camera, you can vary shutter speed manually, anything from long time exposures (such as for night city lights or stars), to 1/4000 of a second (for high action photography). It also has ISO ( or ASA) settings which adjusts the sensitivity of the internal image processor to simulate film light sensitivity. Normal standard film is 100 ASA or ISO, but if you are in a low light setting and need to simulate a higher speed film, so that you can shoot in low light levels at higher shutter speeds and small f-stops, you can set your ISO setting to 400 to simulate 400 speed film or set to 1000 ISO (ASA) to shoot indoors in low light without using flash and you can use higher f-stops and/or faster shutter speeds and still capture good images. It goes up to a whopping 12800 ISO, great for night shooting in very low light. But, like real film, the higher the ISO or ASA rating, you may get grainy images or "noise" in your images, and color gets washed out in low light levels. Of course, I mentioned f-stops and these are adjustable too. If you are using a manual lens, you will have to adjust manually, and f-stops vary according to the individual lens. Some lenses have f-stops from 1.0 and go up to f 22 and even to f 64 (F-stop, by the way, for novice photographers, is also called aperture opening, this sets the opening in the iris, or the eye of the camera. It is very much like the pupil of the eye. The higher the number, the smaller the opening. Hence, with a low f-stop, you have a wide opening to let in more light, but also less depth of field, that is, the range of distances where objects will be sharp. The higher the f-stop the less light, but greater depth of field. Thus getting a properly exposed image means finding the right combination(s) of film speed, shutter speed and f-stop. )
Of course, if you are just looking for a quality but simple point and shoot camera, this camera has a fully auto mode, which will handle everything for you, f-stop, focus, and shutter speed. All you do is point, look through the viewfinder or use the monitor to frame the image you want, push the shutter release button just lightly to allow the camera to focus and adjust settings, and then it will beep, push down, and click, it will take the picture. (But then, of course, you will have to use only the fully automatic lenses with the camera. You can buy additional lenses separately.) The camera will warn you if your image will be underexposed, and in auto mode, the built in flash may pop up. There is a built in light meter, but it only works with the automatic lenses, but if you are shooting manually with a CPU lens, that is a lens that can be used fully automatically with that camera, the light meter will be of great help in getting good exposures. After you take the picture, the monitor will show you what your image looks like and there is a menu where you can browse your pictures and even do some editing and even delete bad images. No more waiting days for your film to come back from processing, and then you see if you made a mistake! If you don't like the image you took, you can change the settings and shoot another image until you get it right.
The camera has everything a novice photographer would need to get started. There are also special automatic settings that the camera has to shoot specific subjects easily, such as a setting for portraits, settings for shooting children, settings for action and sports, automatic settings for low light situations, etc.
So this camera covers a range from professional photographers to rank amateur and novice photographers.
Other features include, burst shooting, where you can shoot a rapid sequence of images up to 4 images per second such a for capturing dynamic action. It has a timer for self portraits or situations where you may want to wait a few seconds before shooting the image. There is a white adjust so that light looks natural in different kinds of light, such as florescent light, sunlight etc. Some automatic lenses also include features, such as image stabilization to avoid the shakes in video and motion blurs in stills.
The camera body seems to be a fairly solid construction and fairly rugged. It is a solid molded plastic with rubber grips. Of course, you wouldn't want to drop the camera because of all the electronics, but the body seems to be a fairly solid molded exterior. It has a good ergonomic feel and is a less clunky and is somewhat more lightweight than my F717 camera which had the trademark long lens.
The camera takes a variety of SD format sticks. If you don't have a compatible card reader on your computer, you can use the USB connection to upload your pictures to your computer. Depending on the size of your stick, image size, the level of compression you use, and whether you are shooting movies or stills you can store anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pictures or several movies of 20 min length on your memory stick. I bought a 32GB stick which can store thousands of pictures without having to change sticks. It sure saves on buying film! After you upload, you can then delete the images and movies off of your stick, if you desire, to make more room, especially if you shoot a lot of pictures.
The camera in the box comes with the camera body, the lens that is advertised to come with the camera depending on the camera you buy (and that is a fully automatic lens.) A shorter booklet manual, CDs for the PDF version of the manual, which is the longer manual, the charger, a L -ion battery, a neck strap, and basic software for handling, importing, and editing your images, movies, etc., and a couple of small odds and ends, such as lens caps, viewfinder cover (if you are shooting without looking into the viewfinder, to prevent light leaks). If you have Windows 7, Vista, or XP, you can actually access the images and movies and move them without any special software, but the software simply makes it easier. If you have a compatible memory card reader or USB connection, you can simply use windows utilities to read the files on the stick. They are just ordinary *.jpg and *.mov files. There are no proprietary formats or any special data types for which you have to use the provided software. If you shoot in uncompressed format, the stick will then store .nef files.
By the way, if you want to do things like double or multiple exposures and special effects, that is all doable with image editing software such as Paintshop Pro or the more popular and well known Adobe Photoshop. Hey, this is digital photography! You don't need to do them with your camera. But the camera does have some effects you can add during or after you take the picture. And the software included with the camera can do some basic image editing, but it is not a full fledged image editing software package.
This is my review so far. I will provide updates as necessary.
After analyzing the result more, I found that, for this kind of camera, my Sharp lens at the sharpest aperture is required to get real amazing sharp picture to the pixel. My Tamron 17-50 VC F2.8 at F5.6 is required for edge to edge sharpness.
Also, Tokina 11-16 F.8 (which is manual focus with this camera), becomes more critical. Using the range finder mode is a must to get a tack sharp picture. That's new to me. But I am glad I learn the lesson. And now I am more happy with this camera (and lenses)...
*** Update 05/31/2012***
Update lightroom 4.1 today, now support NEF. And as expected despite the high resolution (24mp) cmos chips, the noise quality of D3200 is comparable with D5200.
Meaning that D3200 has advantage of having more real estate (meaning more room for cropping),hence still have the same IQ with D3200. And thanks to Expeed 3 (which is the processor they use in D800 and D4 and D3200), D3200 is a very responsive camera. Bravo Nikon!
************************
Just received this Camera today, and this is my preliminary Review (will update progresively).
Background: I have upgraded my Nikon Digital D100->D200->D90->D5100->D3200.
Okay, seemed I downgrade every single time, but actually not. (I also use D300, D3X, but those are different class of equipment). This path, is more for daily activity platform (lightweight).
D90 -> D5100: I actually considered to buy D7000, but chose D5100 simply because the price, and the articulated LCD because I use it 50% for Video. I am glad I did! D5100 image quality is SUPERB and on par with D7000. D5100 is lot FASTER than D3000 & D3100, but a little bit slower than D7000. From D90 to D5100, it has lots of improvement in image quality, low noise in low light, much better video (with 20 minutes max per session). The only drawback I can see, is the battery coverage is not long enough (on Video mode), but it is understandable, and the solution is add another spare.
D5100 -> D3200:
Other than the obvious layout design difference, the only thing I eager to know is the Low Light Noise!
So I am glad to report that IT IS COMPARABLE!
See my attached photo (The Costco Connection image) and judge yourself (both image are taken with the same setting at ISO 6400)
So, 3200 is a clear winner!
*** Update ***
I upload an image taken at ISO 12800 (Hi1). For me the image is very usable.
Will update the review in a couple of days, once I get the whole importance difference between 5100 & 3200 ...
*** Update After 200 shots ***
1. My copy of 3200 has slightly over exposure consistently (but not much, probably 1/3 ev, but I actually like slightly under exposed)
2. I noticed a slight improvement of Dynamic range. I take a shoot at an overcast day, but surprise how it can capture the clouds, the trees and shadows
3. An improvement in response. It is slightly faster than 5100, but not in the same level as D7000.
4. Smoother Mirror, and quieter. It is noticable (but not sure if this is consistent between model, or just batch/production variance).
*** Update in Video ***
The Video is also amazing. It is comparable to D5100, especially the color rendetion is great!
The low light performance is on par with D5100.
The addition of 720p 60fps, and the Manual Audio Level control + Stereo Audio Meter is a real plus for Video Maker, making this DSLR a good choice for Serious Video taker. I wish it has a headphone Jack, but probably too much to ask for considering the price level. The focus tracking in Video mode is also improved, not substantially but good enough to be considered. I did 4 songs video clip and really satisfied with the result. Both the end result and the operational experience are great. I use the 720p 60fps mode for this project, and really like the result.
I noticed slightly longer battery time, but not sure whether this is consistent or only slight production/batch variance. (*** Update: I finally found that It is a batch variance, because the other battery I have give me noticable longer running time ***).
The additional Audio Meter view (press Info several time in the live view mode), is a really good addition for me, especially while attaching external Mic for Video mode (see my image). Also the option to set the Audio Level (Mic Input) is very useful. I took 10 Video clips already, and use the Mic Input to capture the Audio from A Mixer. The audio quality is SUPERB!
For all the test, I didnt use the kit lens, but use Tamron 17-50 F2.8 VC.
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2012
After analyzing the result more, I found that, for this kind of camera, my Sharp lens at the sharpest aperture is required to get real amazing sharp picture to the pixel. My Tamron 17-50 VC F2.8 at F5.6 is required for edge to edge sharpness.
Also, Tokina 11-16 F.8 (which is manual focus with this camera), becomes more critical. Using the range finder mode is a must to get a tack sharp picture. That's new to me. But I am glad I learn the lesson. And now I am more happy with this camera (and lenses)...
*** Update 05/31/2012***
Update lightroom 4.1 today, now support NEF. And as expected despite the high resolution (24mp) cmos chips, the noise quality of D3200 is comparable with D5200.
Meaning that D3200 has advantage of having more real estate (meaning more room for cropping),hence still have the same IQ with D3200. And thanks to Expeed 3 (which is the processor they use in D800 and D4 and D3200), D3200 is a very responsive camera. Bravo Nikon!
************************
Just received this Camera today, and this is my preliminary Review (will update progresively).
Background: I have upgraded my Nikon Digital D100->D200->D90->D5100->D3200.
Okay, seemed I downgrade every single time, but actually not. (I also use D300, D3X, but those are different class of equipment). This path, is more for daily activity platform (lightweight).
D90 -> D5100: I actually considered to buy D7000, but chose D5100 simply because the price, and the articulated LCD because I use it 50% for Video. I am glad I did! D5100 image quality is SUPERB and on par with D7000. D5100 is lot FASTER than D3000 & D3100, but a little bit slower than D7000. From D90 to D5100, it has lots of improvement in image quality, low noise in low light, much better video (with 20 minutes max per session). The only drawback I can see, is the battery coverage is not long enough (on Video mode), but it is understandable, and the solution is add another spare.
D5100 -> D3200:
Other than the obvious layout design difference, the only thing I eager to know is the Low Light Noise!
So I am glad to report that IT IS COMPARABLE!
See my attached photo (The Costco Connection image) and judge yourself (both image are taken with the same setting at ISO 6400)
So, 3200 is a clear winner!
*** Update ***
I upload an image taken at ISO 12800 (Hi1). For me the image is very usable.
Will update the review in a couple of days, once I get the whole importance difference between 5100 & 3200 ...
*** Update After 200 shots ***
1. My copy of 3200 has slightly over exposure consistently (but not much, probably 1/3 ev, but I actually like slightly under exposed)
2. I noticed a slight improvement of Dynamic range. I take a shoot at an overcast day, but surprise how it can capture the clouds, the trees and shadows
3. An improvement in response. It is slightly faster than 5100, but not in the same level as D7000.
4. Smoother Mirror, and quieter. It is noticable (but not sure if this is consistent between model, or just batch/production variance).
*** Update in Video ***
The Video is also amazing. It is comparable to D5100, especially the color rendetion is great!
The low light performance is on par with D5100.
The addition of 720p 60fps, and the Manual Audio Level control + Stereo Audio Meter is a real plus for Video Maker, making this DSLR a good choice for Serious Video taker. I wish it has a headphone Jack, but probably too much to ask for considering the price level. The focus tracking in Video mode is also improved, not substantially but good enough to be considered. I did 4 songs video clip and really satisfied with the result. Both the end result and the operational experience are great. I use the 720p 60fps mode for this project, and really like the result.
I noticed slightly longer battery time, but not sure whether this is consistent or only slight production/batch variance. (*** Update: I finally found that It is a batch variance, because the other battery I have give me noticable longer running time ***).
The additional Audio Meter view (press Info several time in the live view mode), is a really good addition for me, especially while attaching external Mic for Video mode (see my image). Also the option to set the Audio Level (Mic Input) is very useful. I took 10 Video clips already, and use the Mic Input to capture the Audio from A Mixer. The audio quality is SUPERB!
For all the test, I didnt use the kit lens, but use Tamron 17-50 F2.8 VC.