subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 27 July 2019 49N
ikon’s entry-level DSLRs have long been popular with
beginners. The D3200, which arrived in April 2012,
presented signifi cant improvements in regard to image
quality. Its 24.2MP DX-format (APS-C size) sensor, with an
ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800) was far superior to the
14.2MP DX-format sensor of old. As well as offering higher resolution,
improved colour depth and a wider dynamic range, it advanced in other
areas. Burst speed increased to 4fps from 3fps, while the 921k-dot LCD
screen, Full HD video at up to 30p and support for UHS memory cards
were all reasons to choose it ahead of the outgoing Nikon D3100.Nikon
D3200
What we said
● ‘The D3200 has a small body
and a beginner-friendly layout.’
● ‘Crisp and punchy images with
a wide dynamic range can be
produced on a large scale
thanks to the high resolution.’
● ‘The D3200 could prove
popular with enthusiasts who
opt to buy the camera as a
lightweight back-up for their
existing model.’
● ‘Most importantly, the
D3200 is capable of some
very impressive images.’What to pay
Visit MPB.com, type in Nikon
D3200, and you’ll fi nd a large
stock of used examples. Expect
to pay about £129 for a D3200
in ‘good’ condition with a shutter
count of around 35k. Examples
deemed to be in ‘excellent’
condition fetch a little more, but
those with the original packaging
and a shutter count under 5k
still cost less than £150. Each
and every camera on MPB.com
is photographed so you can
inspect it closely before buying.How it fares today
The D3200 is seven years old.
In that time the D3300, D3400
and D3500 have all been
released. It has the same pixel
count as today’s D3500, but its
ISO range doesn’t stretch to ISO
25,600, nor can it shoot a burst
at 5fps. The D3200 is heavier
than the D3500, and without
built-in Wi-Fi connectivity it’s not
easy to pair and transfer images
to mobile devices unless you buy
the WU-1a mobile adapter.New alternatives
The Nikon D3500 (£314 with
18-55mm VR lens) has a
near-identical feature set to the
Nikon D3400 in a redesigned
body that features a deeper,
more comfortable handgrip and
improved battery life. It is bulkier
than many of its mirrorless rivals
and lacks 4K video, but the
built-in Guide Mode is useful for
novices. If you’d like to have an
articulated touchscreen, check
out the Nikon D5600 instead.SECOND-HAND CLASSIC
Nikon’s entry-level DSL R remains
widely used and is a steal for just
£149 in mint second-hand condition
USED CAMERAS Testbench
The 420-pixel RGB metering sensor and 11-point AF
system were inherited from the Nikon D3100See over to find out what Nikon D3200 owners have to sayIN ASSOCIATION WITH MPB | WWW.MPB.COMSECOND-HAND CLASSIC
The 420-pixel RGB metering sensor and 11-point AF
systemwere inherited fromthe Nikon D3100GOLD
systemwere inherited fromthe Nikon D3100At a glance
£12 9-149 body only (via MPB.com)
●24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor
●ISO 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 12,800)
●11-area AF system, Multi-CAM 1000
AF sensor module
●3in, 921k-dot fixed screen
●455g+ Excellent beginners’ camera
+ Sturdy construction
+ 540-shot per charge battery life- Not compatible with AF-D or AF-P
type lenses - Auto white balance veers to being a
touch on the cool side - No built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity
For and against
The D3200 lacks twin dials to
take independent control of
shutter speed and aperture in
manual mode