bit.ly/BHNikonD... Nikon's latest entry level DSLR is the 24.2 megapixel APS-C equipped D3200. Packed with beginner features and pro modes users can grow into.
Normally the D5100 would be considered to be on a tier above the D3200, however the larger pixel count and higher ISO in the D3200 is enough reason for me to opt for it over the D5100. Both are compact in design and give you full manual control. The P7800 has great image quality and is very powerful for a compact model. Definitely worth it. - Yossi
The D3200 requires that whatever lens you mount to it have a motor built into it to drive the autofocus lens. Any Nikon ?AF-S? type lens would be compatible with the camera. There are also plenty of lens options from other manufacturers that have the motor (just regard the details to make sure it mentions the motor). Most all of the current Nikon pro lenses and consumer lenses have this ?AF-S? feature. - Yossi For movies it records in the following formats: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV - Yossi
Hi! I think I am gonna get a camera soon. I love nature photography and I want to get more serious about it. I know this has a high mp which is good for capturing detail, but it is kinda old. Would you suggest this or the rebel t5?
great review. Between D3200 and D5100 which one is better? And I usually prefer my camera systems to be compact but enjoy the manual controls, so will the upcoming nikon p7800 be any good?
I am in the market for a DSLR and I am leaning towards the Sony SLT-A58k or this Nikon D3200. I really like the Sony but this one seems very popular. What do you think?
I havent posted any videos done with my D3200....the only vid I got was done with my old D3100...wich was very tricky to set exposure....and I do have a 2 fast lens (50 mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/2.8) ...So yeah,,,Im thinking on upgrading to a D7100...any thoughts on that cam?
Agreed, invest in lenses, a good lens will always be a good lens, a good camera body now will be obsolete soon. I have the D3100, its a really good entry camera, should have waited slightly to get the D3200 though, looks to be a good camera. I just keep the ISO low and have fun shooting.
Awesome explained! Can you see the changes in the viewfinder? For example: raise shutterspeed = darker view on lcd ( can you also see that when looking trough viewfinder? )
I just purchased the Nikon D3200 and would like to use my old Pentax Takumar lenses with threaded mounts with this camera. Can you recommend a quality lens adapter which would allow me to do this? Many thanks.
You might look at the FotodioX Adapter for M42 Screw-Mount Lens to Nikon F-Mount Camera to use your Pentax Takumar lenses on the Nikon D3200. *Christina* askbh@bandh.com bhpho.to/TYFSzs
Thanks Larry, for the informative review. Will you tell me about any time limits on the HD Video feature. My Coolpix S6300 is limited to 29 minutes. So does the D3200 have the same limitation or can it continuous shoot up to an hour or more. And can the Video mode be paused, turned on and off; using a remote sensor?
All DSLRs will have a maximum clip length. For the D3200, the max clip length is 20 min. Unfortunately, video cannot be triggered remotely. Christina AskBH@bandh.com
This camera shut down on me; running hot after 1 hour of shooting video. I shot HD video for 20mins, five times then a message appeared on the LCD screen, something like 'Camera turning off until sensor cool down'. Around 15-20 minutes later, it was ready to turn on and shoot again. Still, it's a great camera. But you will need to invest in a good external microphone, because you can hear the annoying sound of the lens auto-focus during video playback.
For the price of the d3200, I'd say you're getting a pretty good camera for sure. This model will be my first dslr and I'll be buying one in red:) I thought about a canon rebel but the d3200 seems better.
What settings do you recommend for plane spotting? I have Sigma 70-300mm lens. I shot in manual for a little bit 1/200 ISO 200 F9... pictures were hazy and to bright. I switched to Auto and the ISO adjusted properly, but the pics were hazy. I tried cropping and it was very noisey. Need help. Thanks
Naini Keita I would first recommend increasing your ISO setting to around 800 to start with. Even though you may be shooting in daylight, you're working on active moving subjects, and 800 ISO (or higher depending on how your test shots go) will give you the basis to adjust your shutter/aperture to get a more balanced exposure. From there I would recommend definitely manually metering, and given the difference between the exposure values of an airplane vs. that of the background sky, I would opt to use my exposure compensation feature on the camera. Now this can be done by taking your initial meter reading, then adjusting the aperture/shutterspeed to compensate for that difference, or you could use the actual exposure compensation feature on the camera to designate to the camera to always overexpose (in this case you would want to overexpose based on what the meter reads, as the meter is likely being influenced by the sky background). After a few test shots you should be able to narrow down a setting that will give a more pleasing exposure. Additionally if you are not using one, I would recommend using a good UV/Haze filter on the lens, and also this is a situation where a circular polarizer filter will help create better contrast between the plane and the sky (and clouds for that matter). Yossi
B and H Well I shoot close to the airport, planes landing and taxiing about the airport, no shots towards the sky just yet. And the UV/Haze filter how do I determine the size of my lens? Should it be clear or tinted?
Naini Keita A UV-Haze filter will not affect the colors the camera captures, but will remove a good bit of the UV/atmospheric haze that exists outside (many times the human eye cant perceive it, but it shows up on your images). UV filters not appear "clear" but will have a slight cast, however as mentioned it will not adversely affect your image's color or sharpness or contrast. You can determine the size you need by removing the lens cap from your lens, and on the underneath side of the cap it will list the filter/cap diameter size. Also on every lens product link on our website we list the filter size in the specifications, and under the "Accessories" tab on the links we also list recommended/compatible UV filters and other filters. If you still are not sure, feel free to mention here what lens/lenses you are shooting with and we can reply back with proper filter options. Another thing you may wish to check is how you have your white balance set on the camera. If you are using auto-white balance you may wish to do more of a custom white balance which will give you the most accurate color renderings of your subjects. Also there are pre-set balance settings based on various lighting conditions you may be shooting in. The last thing that comes to mind to help you with your images is to selecting the "Set Picture Control" in the camera shooting menu. There you will see options for Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome etc. If you want to add more of a punch to your colors try using the "Vivid" setting. - Yossi
I'm starting a highschool photography class next year. It is a bring your own technology class so I need a camera. My mom loves photography and has a nikon d5100 and I need a camera that will last me a long time without being to "simple" any suggestions (nikon brand only not overly expensive)
The D3300 would be a good option for an introductory DSLR. Otherwise, you might also look at the D5200. It will be a step up from the D3300 in terms of features and performance, while not being that much more than the D3300. If you have used your mother?s D5100, and have enjoyed that, the D5200 would be extremely similar in terms of performance. It?s the next model in that line. *Christina* askbh@bandh.com bhpho.to/1dROG0u
It's the CAMERA! Yeah it doesn't work like other Nikons when using Picassa. I used an older software I got with a point and shoot Nikon and the videos look just great! SO I have ordered some Sony Vegas type software and THAT was bad. The disk was opened and it shows wear so I have had a bunch of bad luck lately. Thank you for your fast reply.
This Nikon D3200 camera shut down on me; running hot after 1 hour of shooting video. I shot HD video for 20mins, five times then a message appeared on the LCD screen, something like 'Camera turning off until sensor cool down'. Around 15-20 minutes later, it was ready to turn on and shoot again. Still, it's a great camera. But you will need to invest in a good external microphone, because you can hear the annoying sound of the lens auto-focus during video playback.
We don't have a standalone review of the Nikon D3100, but we do feature it in our Holiday 2011 roundup, available here: th-cam.com/video/zBjUG3vssd4/w-d-xo.html&hd=1. Thanks for watching.
Jack Quackenbush Nikon camera bodies do not feature built-in stabilization and as such there is no switch for the feature built onto them.. Vibration Reduction is a feature on select "Nikon VR" lenses. If the lenses you own have the VR feature, the switch will be located on the lens. - Yossi
its hard to decide what will i buy if d3200 or d5100.. i dont have any backgrounds on photo shooting so thats why its hard to decide.. i dont want to spend my money if its not good for me as a beginner.. can you help me guys? thanks and God Bless..
Both cameras are great beginner DSLR cameras. While you do not state how you will be using the camera you wish to purchase or your concerns based on your shooting needs, both cameras rate near-equal in most regards, & are designed as entry-level DSLR cameras. However, the D3200 is the newer camera, has higher image resolution, and would have slightly better image quality (and would be smaller and lighter). The D5100 is better in low light, has a flip-out LCD screen, & better battery life.
I own one! I Love everything about it :) ... .But It has failed me on every NIGHT video situation.....More over,its a great camera for outdoors ! This is my opinion towards the video side of the Nikon D3200 (PD: You can modify shutter speed on live view)
I am getting jumpy video from it. It looks good on the camera screen but is jumpy like it's missing a frame type jump after you download it. I am using Piacasa and it works fine with other Nikons I've transfered. No matter what speed it is set at. Jumpy. Thanks for your advice and videos
This might be a computer issue. Send us an email at askbh@bandh.com, and let us know what other Nikon cameras you?ve edited video from, along with what computer you are using. We would then be better able to trouble shoot this. Thanks. *Christina* askbh@bandh.com
Focus on the lenses and buying a cheap dslr is often a good idea, the lenses will stay the same value for a long time while this camera will lose its value over just some years when a new and "improved" camera will be announced.
They are both excellent cameras. The main point to consider is the optical VF of the D3200 vs Sony?s EVF and Translucent Mirror which will allow for full time phase detection AF during video capture. The D3200 has higher resolution. C h u c k askbh{at}bandh{dot}com
Probably it failed you on night video because you don't have good fast lenses. And as far as i can see in your video, you aren't using manual exposure in video, and thats an absolute MUST when filming.
i got mine 2 years ago, and i still don't know how to use it as a pro. and what every button used for..all i know is how to record or capture a picture i know its a struggle😂..but thankyou anyway for this video.
Most welcome. Will do and thank you for watching.
Normally the D5100 would be considered to be on a tier above the D3200, however the larger pixel count and higher ISO in the D3200 is enough reason for me to opt for it over the D5100. Both are compact in design and give you full manual control. The P7800 has great image quality and is very powerful for a compact model. Definitely worth it. - Yossi
The D3200 requires that whatever lens you mount to it have a motor built into it to drive the autofocus lens. Any Nikon ?AF-S? type lens would be compatible with the camera. There are also plenty of lens options from other manufacturers that have the motor (just regard the details to make sure it mentions the motor). Most all of the current Nikon pro lenses and consumer lenses have this ?AF-S? feature. - Yossi
For movies it records in the following formats: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV - Yossi
This was a nicely done video. Thanks for the info.
Hi! I think I am gonna get a camera soon. I love nature photography and I want to get more serious about it. I know this has a high mp which is good for capturing detail, but it is kinda old. Would you suggest this or the rebel t5?
great review. Between D3200 and D5100 which one is better? And I usually prefer my camera systems to be compact but enjoy the manual controls, so will the upcoming nikon p7800 be any good?
I am in the market for a DSLR and I am leaning towards the Sony SLT-A58k or this Nikon D3200. I really like the Sony but this one seems very popular. What do you think?
Sutter speed can be adjusted during filming so as ISO.
I havent posted any videos done with my D3200....the only vid I got was done with my old D3100...wich was very tricky to set exposure....and I do have a 2 fast lens (50 mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/2.8)
...So yeah,,,Im thinking on upgrading to a D7100...any thoughts on that cam?
Agreed, invest in lenses, a good lens will always be a good lens, a good camera body now will be obsolete soon. I have the D3100, its a really good entry camera, should have waited slightly to get the D3200 though, looks to be a good camera. I just keep the ISO low and have fun shooting.
Awesome explained!
Can you see the changes in the viewfinder?
For example: raise shutterspeed = darker view on lcd ( can you also see that when looking trough viewfinder? )
+Mario x Jolien no you wont. the viewfinder is an optical.
I just purchased the Nikon D3200 and would like to use my old Pentax Takumar lenses with threaded mounts with this camera. Can you recommend a quality lens adapter which would allow me to do this? Many thanks.
Legacy Pentax Takumar lenses with threaded mounts can be adapted to a Nikon camera using this FotodioX Adapter B&H # FOPNFAM42 bhpho.to/TYFSzs
You might look at the FotodioX Adapter for M42 Screw-Mount Lens to Nikon F-Mount Camera to use your Pentax Takumar lenses on the Nikon D3200. *Christina* askbh@bandh.com
bhpho.to/TYFSzs
Thanks Larry, for the informative review.
Will you tell me about any time limits on the HD Video feature. My Coolpix S6300 is limited to 29 minutes. So does the D3200 have the same limitation or can it continuous shoot up to an hour or more.
And can the Video mode be paused, turned on and off; using a remote sensor?
All DSLRs will have a maximum clip length. For the D3200, the max clip length is 20 min. Unfortunately, video cannot be triggered remotely.
Christina AskBH@bandh.com
This camera shut down on me; running hot after 1 hour of shooting video. I shot HD video for 20mins, five times then a message appeared on the LCD screen, something like 'Camera turning off until sensor cool down'. Around 15-20 minutes later, it was ready to turn on and shoot again. Still, it's a great camera. But you will need to invest in a good external microphone, because you can hear the annoying sound of the lens auto-focus during video playback.
For the price of the d3200, I'd say you're getting a pretty good camera for sure. This model will be my first dslr and I'll be buying one in red:) I thought about a canon rebel but the d3200 seems better.
I'm getting this camera tomorrow for a gift from my brother , and I'm so excited I just don't know how to use a professional camera
What settings do you recommend for plane spotting? I have Sigma 70-300mm lens. I shot in manual for a little bit 1/200 ISO 200 F9... pictures were hazy and to bright. I switched to Auto and the ISO adjusted properly, but the pics were hazy. I tried cropping and it was very noisey. Need help. Thanks
Naini Keita I would first recommend increasing your ISO setting to around 800 to start with. Even though you may be shooting in daylight, you're working on active moving subjects, and 800 ISO (or higher depending on how your test shots go) will give you the basis to adjust your shutter/aperture to get a more balanced exposure.
From there I would recommend definitely manually metering, and given the difference between the exposure values of an airplane vs. that of the background sky, I would opt to use my exposure compensation feature on the camera. Now this can be done by taking your initial meter reading, then adjusting the aperture/shutterspeed to compensate for that difference, or you could use the actual exposure compensation feature on the camera to designate to the camera to always overexpose (in this case you would want to overexpose based on what the meter reads, as the meter is likely being influenced by the sky background). After a few test shots you should be able to narrow down a setting that will give a more pleasing exposure.
Additionally if you are not using one, I would recommend using a good UV/Haze filter on the lens, and also this is a situation where a circular polarizer filter will help create better contrast between the plane and the sky (and clouds for that matter). Yossi
B and H Well I shoot close to the airport, planes landing and taxiing about the airport, no shots towards the sky just yet. And the UV/Haze filter how do I determine the size of my lens? Should it be clear or tinted?
Naini Keita A UV-Haze filter will not affect the colors the camera captures, but will remove a good bit of the UV/atmospheric haze that exists outside (many times the human eye cant perceive it, but it shows up on your images). UV filters not appear "clear" but will have a slight cast, however as mentioned it will not adversely affect your image's color or sharpness or contrast.
You can determine the size you need by removing the lens cap from your lens, and on the underneath side of the cap it will list the filter/cap diameter size. Also on every lens product link on our website we list the filter size in the specifications, and under the "Accessories" tab on the links we also list recommended/compatible UV filters and other filters. If you still are not sure, feel free to mention here what lens/lenses you are shooting with and we can reply back with proper filter options.
Another thing you may wish to check is how you have your white balance set on the camera. If you are using auto-white balance you may wish to do more of a custom white balance which will give you the most accurate color renderings of your subjects. Also there are pre-set balance settings based on various lighting conditions you may be shooting in.
The last thing that comes to mind to help you with your images is to selecting the "Set Picture Control" in the camera shooting menu. There you will see options for Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome etc. If you want to add more of a punch to your colors try using the "Vivid" setting. - Yossi
I'm starting a highschool photography class next year. It is a bring your own technology class so I need a camera. My mom loves photography and has a nikon d5100 and I need a camera that will last me a long time without being to "simple" any suggestions (nikon brand only not overly expensive)
The D3300 would be a good option for an introductory DSLR. Otherwise, you might also look at the D5200. It will be a step up from the D3300 in terms of features and performance, while not being that much more than the D3300. If you have used your mother?s D5100, and have enjoyed that, the D5200 would be extremely similar in terms of performance. It?s the next model in that line. *Christina* askbh@bandh.com
bhpho.to/1dROG0u
Does this camera have a pause button for videos?
Charlie B
Yes, during playback of the recorded video, the camera does have the ability to be paused. - Yossi
It's the CAMERA! Yeah it doesn't work like other Nikons when using Picassa. I used an older software I got with a point and shoot Nikon and the videos look just great! SO I have ordered some Sony Vegas type software and THAT was bad. The disk was opened and it shows wear so I have had a bunch of bad luck lately. Thank you for your fast reply.
This Nikon D3200 camera shut down on me; running hot after 1 hour of shooting video. I shot HD video for 20mins, five times then a message appeared on the LCD screen, something like 'Camera turning off until sensor cool down'. Around 15-20 minutes later, it was ready to turn on and shoot again. Still, it's a great camera. But you will need to invest in a good external microphone, because you can hear the annoying sound of the lens auto-focus during video playback.
+photographim dslrs do run very hot to only use them as long as they need to be used for.
Hi .. Why Should I turn off VR when the cam is on an tripod ? isn't VR good anyway ? is it consuming more battery or something ?
thanks
+OMAR Yassin The VR feature should be de-activated whenever a stable support is available to maximize the functional life of the lens motor.
Mark S
Aha.. Thanks
still the best camera comparing the cost with what you get in 2016
We don't have a standalone review of the Nikon D3100, but we do feature it in our Holiday 2011 roundup, available here: th-cam.com/video/zBjUG3vssd4/w-d-xo.html&hd=1. Thanks for watching.
I cannot figure out why my new D 3200 does not have a V/R switch? I've watched dozens of videos now, and it clearly should be there. So frustrating!
Jack Quackenbush Nikon camera bodies do not feature built-in stabilization and as such there is no switch for the feature built onto them.. Vibration Reduction is a feature on select "Nikon VR" lenses. If the lenses you own have the VR feature, the switch will be located on the lens. - Yossi
its hard to decide what will i buy if d3200 or d5100.. i dont have any backgrounds on photo shooting so thats why its hard to decide.. i dont want to spend my money if its not good for me as a beginner.. can you help me guys? thanks and God Bless..
Both cameras are great beginner DSLR cameras. While you do not state how you will be using the camera you wish to purchase or your concerns based on your shooting needs, both cameras rate near-equal in most regards, & are designed as entry-level DSLR cameras. However, the D3200 is the newer camera, has higher image resolution, and would have slightly better image quality (and would be smaller and lighter). The D5100 is better in low light, has a flip-out LCD screen, & better battery life.
B and H astrophotography and nature scene shooting. because i love to travel everywhere. so thats why its hard to choose.
very good review,but then I bought one today, so it made me feel good.
I own one!
I Love everything about it :) ...
.But It has failed me on every NIGHT video situation.....More over,its a great camera for outdoors ! This is my opinion towards the video side of the Nikon D3200
(PD: You can modify shutter speed on live view)
I am getting jumpy video from it. It looks good on the camera screen but is jumpy like it's missing a frame type jump after you download it. I am using Piacasa and it works fine with other Nikons I've transfered. No matter what speed it is set at. Jumpy. Thanks for your advice and videos
This might be a computer issue. Send us an email at askbh@bandh.com, and let us know what other Nikon cameras you?ve edited video from, along with what computer you are using. We would then be better able to trouble shoot this. Thanks. *Christina* askbh@bandh.com
Is it waterproof??
This camera is not weatherized or weatherproof. >Mark
Focus on the lenses and buying a cheap dslr is often a good idea, the lenses will stay the same value for a long time while this camera will lose its value over just some years when a new and "improved" camera will be announced.
Do photographers use this d3200
The Nikon D3200 is an extremely popular, entry-level DSLR camera and is used by thousands of photographers around the world. >Mark
They are both excellent cameras. The main point to consider is the optical VF of the D3200 vs Sony?s EVF and Translucent Mirror which will allow for full time phase detection AF during video capture. The D3200 has higher resolution.
C h u c k
askbh{at}bandh{dot}com
:( Actually you can adjust ISO Shutter speed and Aperture during live view AND recording. :)
Probably it failed you on night video because you don't have good fast lenses. And as far as i can see in your video, you aren't using manual exposure in video, and thats an absolute MUST when filming.
It's frickin RED.
great camera im a pro I get great shot with my skill and principal I only use the view finder
Gosh Nikon, what year is it? 1990?
My $150 Asus Phone give me faster AF than this D3200
thanksssssssssss.
i got mine 2 years ago, and i still don't know how to use it as a pro. and what every button used for..all i know is how to record or capture a picture i know its a struggle😂..but thankyou anyway for this video.
Quero uma lentes fixas 24mm de presentes,gratidão ESTOU passando apertos no Brasil!?
Is it waterproof??
iqbal ahmad no
Ariana Grande Ty