Nikon D3200

Preview based on a production

The D3200 represents the latest generation of Nikon's entry-level DSLR offering. The camera's headline feature is inevitably the new 24MP CMOS sensor which makes it equal to Sony's Alpha SLT-A65, A77 and NEX-7 in offering the highest pixel count we've yet seen at the APS-C sensor size, and in terms of output resolution, second only to the full-frame professional-grade D800 in Nikon's entire range. More significant than the bare fact of the D3200's pixel count though is that it is available in camera with a starting price of $699 (the same launch price as the D3100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-C G3, for comparison). The D3200 may not exactly be revolutionary, but it doesn't have to be. It just has to be competitive.

Pixel-count aside, the changes from the predecessor D3100 are subtle but, with 1080p30 video, a 920k dot LCD and the option to add an affordable Wi-Fi transmitter, there are clear benefits over the D3100's specification. As usual for Nikons at this level, the D3200 doesn't feature a built-in focus motor, and nor does it offer auto exposure bracketing. It also features a simplified version of the Active D-Lighting function that is now common across Nikon's DSLR range.

Also missing, oddly, are live view in-camera filter effects. Since Olympus introduced its Art Filters to the E-30 back in 2008, processing filters have become increasingly common on most cameras. And, while they're not an essential feature by any means, they're nice to have, especially in a camera at this level. Given that such effects are available in both the higher-level Nikon D5100 and the Coolpix P7100, their absence in the D3200 is unexpected. There is an option to re-process JPEGs, though, and apply several effects including simulated 'miniature' (tilt/shift) and 'selective color'.

Despite these omissions, the D3200 offers a compelling feature set for a camera in this class. We're especially pleased to see that you even have the option to trigger the shutter with an infrared remote - with the inclusion of sensors on the front and rear of the camera.

The inexorable rise of the mirrorless camera has undoubtedly put particular pressure on the entry-level end of the large sensor market. The smaller body sizes of mirrorless cameras, combined with their more compact-camera-like operation has helped win over some people who would otherwise have bought a DSLR, as well as drawing people away from high-end compacts. However, entry-level DSLRs still have a lot to offer - not least 'true' continuous autofocus that no mirrorless camera has come close to matching (aside from Nikon's own 1 V1 and 1 J1, which feature smaller 'CX' sensors).

Although its upgrades aren't necessarily the product of great leaps of ingenuity, the D3200 is a continuation of a carefully evolved - and tailored to suit its market - line of cameras, that has always offered good image quality and performance combined with well thought-out ease-of-use.

specification highlights 24MP CMOS sensor ISO 100-6400 (plus ISO 12,800-equivalent Hi1 setting) Expeed 3 processing 3.0", 920k dot screen Full HD 1080p30 video (with 25p and 24p options) Microphone socket Twin IR remote receivers 4 frame-per-second continuous shooting Guide mode Compared to its peers:

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