Nikon 24.2 Megapixels D3200 DSLR Camera Review by NeoCamera With Rating 3/4

On April 19 2012, Nikon announced the new entry-level D3200 DSLR camera. Boasting the latest-generation Guide Mode with full 1080p HD video, the D3200 features a 24.2 Megapixels DX format APS-C sensor, the same EXPEED 3 processor as the flagship D4, ISO 100-12800, 11-point autofocus system, 4fps continuous shooting, and 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen. 

The Nikon D3200's Guide Mode, accessible through the Mode Dial on top of camera, provides step-by-step photo instructions to beginner photographers. It walks through the process of set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images as well as the best video settings to create home movies, or serve as a visual reference. The D3200 supports full HD 1080p video at 24 or 30 fps. It implements full-time AF during video recording and offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone such as the compact ME-1 Stereo Microphone. Also announced alongside the D3200 is the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, which allows you to wirelessly transmit images from your camera to an Android smart device (iOS support is promised for later in 2012) and to remotely preview the live view screen. The Nikon D3200 with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization kit lens is available for $699.95 in either black or red colors. The optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter is sold separately for $59.95. Here's the summary of review by NeoCamera, giving the camera a rating of 3 out of 4:

"The Nikon D3200 raises the bar for entry-level cameras. Its 24 megapixels sensor delivers sufficiently high-quality output to make poster-sized prints at low ISO and remains very usable until its maximum standard sensitivity of ISO 6400. As a Nikon DSLR, this model gives users access to the second largest lens lineup of the industry, ensuring tremendous flexibility. This 24 MP resolution DSLR is also very competitively priced but remember that to take truly advantage of the high resolution, sharp and expensive are a must. This DSLR remains quite responsive in use. The autofocus is nothing to write home about but the camera rarely gets in the way of photography. In terms of output, there is only one disappointing aspect and that is the metering system which is prone to significant over-exposure. This is the only aspect to prevent the D3200 from obtaining our highest camera rating. White-balance is not perfect either but can easily be corrected.

Video from the Nikon D3200 is very nice. Outside of the one second delay at the start of recording, it manages to preview framing correctly and captures video with smooth motion and crisp details. There are plenty of video features for an entry-level model, including stereo sound input and adjustable microphone sensitivity. Autofocus is possible while recording too for those who feel the need. Both feature set and ergonomics are very reasonable for an entry-level DSLR. Pros will feel limited but novices will not find this camera daunting. Its more advanced features like spot-metering and white-balance fine-tuning make nearly any desired result achievable. Luckily for advanced photographers, the Nikon D3200 supports an optional remote-trigger which get around the annoyance of the self-timer which resets itself between shots. In the end, the D3200 proves to be a very capable camera with truly excellent output but one flaw which requires additional effort to get around. Those who use spot-metering or Manual exposure most of the time are unlikely to be affected but the auto-exposure system is sure to trip up beginners."