Nikon D3200 review

For the opportunity Nikon D3200 body camera review Many thanks to Natriashvili George, who sent me a camera from another area to Kiev for writing this review.

Nikon 105mm f / 2.8 VR Micro on the Nikon D3200 camera

Nikon D3200 is an excellent consumer DSLR camera from Nikon. Nikon D3200 was released in the summer of 2012 and is now quite popular among Nikon amateur cameras. Title 'Nikon D3200 body ' means that the camera in the box does not have a lens. Usually Nikon D3200 comes with a lens Nikon 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor. Such a lens is called 'whale', and the set itself is called Nikon D3200 kit. In this review, sample photos were not taken with a whale lens, but with Nikon 50mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor.

Nikon D3200 boasts 24 MegaPixels on its CMOS matrix with crop factor 1.5X. Nikon D3200 camera can take pictures 6016 X 4000 pixels (24.064.000 pixels). Newer Model Nikon D5200 a slightly different matrix is ​​used, with almost the same, but slightly fewer pixels. Among the cameras with a sprinkled matrix APS-C format Nikon DX, so far the Nikon D3200 has the largest number of pixels... By the way, the newer model is Nikon D3300 has a little less pixels :)

Samyang 500mm f / 8.0 Mirror on the Nikon D3200 camera

Users who like to crop pictures on a computer a lot should like the small functional Nikon D3200. A very interesting point is that if we build a full-frame matrix with the same pixel sizes as the Nikon D3200, we will get a 54MP camera. Similar thoughts came true with Nikon D7000 (16mp) -> Nikon D800 (36MP = 16MP * 2.25).

Sigma 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 on the Nikon D3200 camera

A huge number of megapixels Nikon D3200 requires special attention. A large number of pixels on the camera can sometimes play a trick. It concerns:

• huge file sizes, especially when shooting in RAW format. Personally, I don’t particularly like the long copying of files to a computer and the resource consumption of batch processing of 'heavy' photos.
• It is quite difficult to achieve the so-called 'pixel-by-pixel' sharpness with such a matrix, for this you need to use lenses with good resolution, that is, very sharp lenses. Sometimes closing the aperture to a certain value of the number F just helps. There are a lot of rumors about this, I can reassure you that it’s not worth worrying. Most likely in the comments to this review you will find many bright thoughts about manipulating sharpness.
• a matrix with a large number of pixels has a lower diffraction threshold. This topic is quite complicated for the average amateur and deserves a separate article, who are interested, can be read here.
• when using matrices with a huge number of pixels, you need to enter an additional coefficient for calculating excerpts. On the fingers, this can be explained in such a way that shorter values ​​are required for handheld photography excerpts. When I worked with Nikon D3200, instead of my favorite excerpts in 1 \ 60 seconds for fifty lens, I had to use at least 1 \ 80 seconds to get a frame without stirring.

Personally, I need a camera with a large number of megapixels only for more flexible processing of photos on a computer, since with a large number of pixels you can pull out more useful data. But if processing is not needed, then I am quite pleased with the 6 megapixel Nikon D40... On the topic of pixels, I have another interesting article - Battle of Megapixels.

Nikon 105mm f / 2.8 VR Micro on the Nikon D3200 camera

Nikon D3200 can work with photosensitivity ISO 100 to 6400 units and expand your ISO range to Hi1, equivalent to ISO 12.800. I do not recommend shooting at ISO above 3200. Very interesting, but as for a cropped camera, the Nikon D3200 does a good job in low light. In my opinion, the noise level at high ISOs of the Nikon D3200 is comparable to such cameras as Nikon D5100 и D7000. One can safely say that the Nikon D3200 is one of the quietest cameras among other Nikon crop (at the beginning of 2013). Unlike older Nikon cameras, this model when operating in auto ISO can set the minimum shutter speed itself, exiting the parameters of the mounted lens.

Lens Nikon 70-200F2.8VR2 and camera Nikon D3200

Nikon D3200 uses for focusing 11 pointswhich the Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 focus sensor is responsible for working with. The exact same focusing system can be found on cameras. D200, D80, D90, D3000, D5000, D3100, D5100 и S5 pro. 11 focusing points are enough for uncomplicated amateur photography. The Nikon D3200 has the 'points' of focus that are visually visible in the viewfinder, not the 'areas' of focus, as on many other Nikon cameras. You can read more about focusing on Nikon cameras. here и here.

Sample photo on Nikon D3200. Skinton.

Measurement exposure implemented with 420 pixel RGB sensor. The same sensor can be found in many other Nikon hobby cameras. About froze exposure you can read on Nikon cameras here. In general, the Nikon D3200 normally copes with metering in difficult lighting conditions. exposure. But automatic white balance going crazy. I shot in a room with mixed light sources, white balance very often he lied, and shooting people under incandescent lamps was just horror - in the gallery below you will find one such photo. Due to the camera's huge dynamic range and vivid saturated colors, incorrect BB leads to the fact that the picture does not look the best.

Sigma Zoom DC 18-250mm 1: 3.5-6.3 HSM OS on the Nikon D3200 camera

Nikon D3200 - very compact SLR camera, one of Nikon's lightest CZK, weighing only 500 grams. The battery of the EN-EL14 camera holds a charge quite well. The same battery is used for cameras Nikon D3100, D5100, D5200.

Sample photo on Nikon D3200

Nikon D3200 uses a large 3-inch display at 920.00 points. The same display can be found in more advanced cameras, by type D3, D3s, D3x, D700, D300, D300s, D90, D7000 etc. Working with such a display is very convenient. Nikon D3200 display is better than that of Nikon D3100, which has the same 3 inches, but is divided into 230.000 points.

Example photo on the Nikon D3200. Job BB in difficult conditions

Nikon D3200 can shoot at speed 4 frames per second. Nikon D3200 shows very good performance results, this is due to the use of the processor from Nikon D800. Performance rating from Radozhiva can be viewed here. At the same time, in the RAW mode, the buffer indicator shows 8 shots, but in fact the camera takes about one shot 12 RAW format shots and with disabled advanced features that enhance the image. In JPEG mode, the buffer shows 14 pictures, but the camera takes about 19 pictures in one series until it starts to slow down. If you enable additional settings to improve image quality, then in RAW format and in the JPEG formatter 7 pictures are available in one burst. These are pretty good results for an amateur camera.

Sample photo on Nikon D3200

I was very surprised that Nikon D3200 uses RAW files only with 12-bit color depth. For example, cameras D5100 и D5200 use RAW files with 14-bit color depth. RAW files average approximately 20-25MB each. Camera supports SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I) memory card, I used a 32GB SDHC memory card without any problems.

Nikon D3200 allows you to shoot video Full HD up to 1920 x 1080 pixels and up to 25 fps. In the 1280 by 720 mode, you can shoot video at up to 50 fps. Uses MOV format and H.264 codec, you can set the quality level to 'High' or 'Norm'. When shooting video, the built-in monaural microphone. You can use manual or automatic adjustment of the microphone sensitivity, and you can also turn off the microphone altogether.

The camera has an additional stereo microphone jack, Nikon recommends using the native ME-1 microphone. The camera can use continuous tracking focus AF-F for shooting video. AF-F focus mode must be set using the 'I' button while Live View is on. The accuracy and focusing speed in the video shooting mode is not fast; the focusing model is very strongly affected by the lens model used on the camera. The camera can be connected to the TV using a Type C HDMI mini cable.

Example photo on Nikon D3200

In the camera menu, you can activate the 'Manual video setting' item. When this function is enabled, in manual mode of camera control 'M', manual shooting video available excerpts and ISO. Exposure can be set from 1 \ 30 to 1 \ 4000 seconds. When shooting video, you can immediately change the ISO value using the FN button if you set the FN button to control ISO sensitivity. It is convenient to shoot video in manual mode and with the included auto ISO function.

In P, A, S modes, you can shoot video and make corrections exposure for video using '+ \ -' button. In other scene modes, the correction exposure not available. Attention: during video recording, you cannot change the aperture value on which the video will be recorded, therefore, you need to set the F value before pressing the video recording button.

Example photo on Nikon D3200

Attention: The Nikon D3200 does not have a built-in focus motor, so be careful when choosing lenses for the Nikon D3200. Nikon D3200 fits all lenses with the designation DX, as well as any lenses with the designation AF-S, AF-I, or with any another designation, which indicates the presence of a focusing motor built into the lens. This disadvantage of the Nikon D3200 may slightly affect the cost of purchasing additional lenses. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with this, since all modern lenses have a built-in focusing motor.

All the photos in the gallery below were taken on the Nikon D3200. All photos without treatment... RAW -> JPEG Q80%. Reduced size to 1600 * 1200 and printed data from EXIF.

RAW source files ('.NEF') can be download from this link (28 files, 350 MB).

Nikon D3200 has a bunch of useful features:

1. Function face priority focusing Live View - quickly helps you focus on people's faces.
2. Function matrix cleaning. I recommend setting this function to clear the matrix when the camera is turned off.
3. Guide Mode to quickly familiarize yourself with the camera and quickly learn the basic settings. By the way, in this mode there is a mode of softening the background area, which allows you to take pictures with blurry background, the camera recommends using lenses no shorter than 80mm.
4. Tips & Tricks when working with the camera. A nice little thing for beginners. To see the prompt, you need to click on the button with the image of the question mark.
5. Scene Recognition System, for people who need effortless results in the photo.
6. Active D-lighting and noise reduction function at high ISO. You can read more about these functions. here.
7. Picture Control with 'Standard', 'Neutral', 'Vivid', 'Monochrome', 'Portrait', 'Landscape' modes. I love that you can customize the Picture Control for color and taste. For this review I used the Vivid mode with a sharpness level of 7-9.
8. Possibility remote controlfor example using a cheap remote control ML-L3. By the way, the camera has two infrared receivers of the remote control signal, one is located behind the camera, the other in front. This arrangement of receivers is very convenient to use.
9. The ability to connect an additional wi-fi module WU-1 for instant transfer of photos / videos to a computer or other compatible devices. Not included in delivery.
10. Quiet mirror operation.
11. Electronic rangefindersorry range finder does not work with old class optics AI-S.
12. The built-in flash can operate at shutter speeds up to 1 \ 200 second. The flash guide number in manual flash control is 13 meters. Nikon D3200 does not support FP mode works with flash and does not support creative lighting system Nikon CLS.
13. Auto release function. The self-timer can be set to a series of 9 shots. It is convenient to take self-portraits, especially with a group of people.
14. automatic adjustment distortions.
15. An additional button has appeared on the Nikon D3200 body, which is responsible for the shooting mode - you can select burst, single-frame shooting, self-timer and release with a delay
16. the D3200 has a rubberized insert on the body under the thumb of the right hand, as well as the camera grip-holder is also rubberized. Black rubber is clearly visible on the red camera housing shown in the photo below.
17. You can buy a camera in a red case :)

Nikon D3200 camera available in red

Personal experience:

In this cell, I found fault with the following:

• Pentazor-based viewfinder with 95% frame coverage
• UC-E17 Series Custom USB Cable
• the Fn function button is programmable for only 4 functions: quality / image size, ISO sensitivity, white balanceactive D-lighting. I configure this button to control ISO.
• Active D-lighting It can be either turned on or off and has no gradations. And here is the passive D-lighting in post-processing it already has 3 gradations: normal, moderate, enhanced.
• When the battery is depleted, the camera blocks the shutter, but you can still dig into the menu for a long time and watch the shot material. This annoys me very much, the camera works but does not take pictures.
• the 'noise reduction' function is not divided, but immediately includes noise reduction in pictures taken with high sensitivity, and noise reduction in pictures taken at long excerpts. Also, this function does not have any gradation of noise reduction, but can be either turned on or off. On other cameras, you can set the noise reduction level
• in RAW + JPEG mode, only 12-bit RAW and only JPEG with high image quality are available
• it is not clear which lenses will work with the 'Aut. distortion control '. The menu states that these must be CPU lenses with distortion control support.
• the ISO step does not change and is 1 step, which means that you cannot manually select the ISO with values ​​of 125, 500, 2500, etc. Only ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, Hi1 can be used.
• you cannot control the aperture value while shooting a video, most likely this is due to mechanical limitations and the aperture control method itself, which use Nikon cameras.
• you cannot immediately start recording video by pressing the 'rec' button. Be sure to turn on Live View, and then press the 'rec' button.
• lack of additional features that are in more advanced cameras, such as Nikon D7000. These functions include bracketing, multiple exposure, HDR, etc.

In general, I really liked the small and remote Nikon D3200. It would not hurt to improve the operation of the automatic BB. I even thought if I could change my old woman Nikon D40 on the Nikon D3200. After Nikon D40 Pictures taken with the Nikon D3200 appear very vibrant and juicy.

Sample photo on Nikon D3200

RAW source files ('.NEF') can be download from this link (21 files, 415 MB). Source files in '.JPEG' format can be download from this link (49 photos, 619 MB).

RAW source files ('.NEF') can be download from this link (71 photos, 1.34 GB).

Canon Lens FD 50mm 1: 1.8 on the Nikon D3200 camera

More sample photos on Nikon D3200 and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.4G SWM can be seen in my creative blog here.

If don't know which camera and lens to choose, then my article will help with this - Which Nikon amateur DSLR camera to choose?. And in choosing an additional flash, here this article.

Prices for modern Nikon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.

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Conclusions

Nikon D3200 - great little amateur slr camerathat can create amazing photos without undue complexity. I recommend.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram