Nikon D3200 Camera Review – An Exceptional Entry-Level DSLR

There comes a time when we ask ourselves: do we stick with a point-and-shoot, or do we upgrade to DSLR or mirrorless? What could we possibly get out of a DSLR that a point-and-shoot can’t achieve? As consumers we can go to a big box store, spend under $500, and get a camera that can zoom 1200mm – which retracts and becomes a standard 35mm lens that magically takes a nice macro.

Nikon D3200 Featured 1

Modern point-and-shoot cameras are always improving and getting faster. Sensors are becoming larger, and with every new generation. As these cameras evolve consumers are getting more bang for their buck, but eventually we come to a point in photography where these devices reach their full potential. That is when an upgrade is needed which for this review is the Nikon D3200 – a great option for a first-time DSLR user. It doesn’t break the bank at $600 CAD, and this camera will give you a glimpse into what can be achieved with photography without needing expensive professional tools. 

NIKON D3200 PACKAGING

You can buy the camera in a couple of different options –  as a bundle which comes with the standard 18-55mm VR Lens Kit; or you can purchase the camera body separately and choose to buy any lens you want. In this review we will be testing the D3200 with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens.

nikon d3200 dslr camera box front

Nikon goes for a very basic simple gold box design with embossed lettering on the D3200; the box itself lets you know what colour camera you have. On the bottom of the box is a simple supplied accessories list:

nikon d3200 dslr camera box back

You get a fair amount of accessories out of the box. The D3200 itself comes available in black and red variations. The battery is an EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery which is a 7.4V 1030mAh, paired of course with The Nikon MH-24 Quick Charger. The EG-CP14 Audio/Video Cable simply plugs into the camera and allows quick playback of photos or video on a television. DK-20 Rubber Eyecup is the standard basic eyecup, hence it is easy to remove and replace.

nikon d3200 dslr camera contents

If you only want to use the Live View mode simply attach the included DK-5 Eyepiece Cap. This protects the glass on the viewfinder. To protect the mirror and sensor from dust and debris either a lens, or the included BF-1B Body Cap should stay on at all times. Inside you should also find the hot shoe cover to protect the contacts if not using an external flash. Other accessories include the user manual and NikonView NX CD-ROM, basic information pamphlets, and warranty card.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Kit Lens

If you have the bundled version you will also receive the standard Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Kit Lens that comes packaged in its own separate box, but with the same layout as that of the D3200.

4 comments

  1. Great post and photos. I couldn’t decide whether to opt for the D3200 or
    the D5100. See my musings here. Be interested if eveyone agrees with my
    verdict! Cheers James

  2. While the Nikon D3200 is the newest entry level DSLR from Nikon, overall I think the D3100 is still the better entry level DSLR camera. While there more pixels on the D3200, they are half the size of the pixels on the D3100. \

    • @Menshealth99 Honestly I never really got the chance to play with the D3100 too much, I like some of the newer features of the D3200 over the D3100. Pixel size aside both cameras are practically the same. and you are guaranteed decent shots even as a novice photographer. I will have to compare the two cameras one day for a head to head breakdown.
      Thanks foe the reply

    • yeah..we should have just one but big pixel, right?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *