The comparison of Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3200 needs analysis of body aspects and features. These entry-level cameras have a lot of features in common and differ in a lot of features as well. Meanwhile, there are features that lack in both of these cameras.
Sensor, imaging, video, body, performance, connectivity, compatible lenses, and other comparisons are a part of this article.
Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3200, which is better?
Nikon D3200 is better than Nikon D3100 in terms of photography and videography. Furthermore, Nikon D3200 has a wider range of functions that makes it more versatile.
You can find every detail in the article, but here is a short Justification:
- Higher sensor resolution (24MP)
- Higher Native ISO ( 6400 )
- Higher LCD screen resolution( 921k dots )
- Higher rate for continuous shooting ( 4.0 FPS )
- Higher color depth (24.1)
- Higher Dynamic Range (13.2)
- Higher video recording time (20 minutes)
- Lighter in weight(505g)
- Availability of microphone port
- Better for Portrait photography
- Better for Street photography
- Better for Sports photography
- Better for Landscape Photography
- Better for Travel Photography
- Better for Videography
- UHS card support
Reasons to choose Nikon D3100 over Nikon D3200
Only these are the reasons due to which you can prefer Nikon D3100 over Nikon D3200:
- Battery life(550 v 540)
- 69% larger sensor pixel area ( 25.12µm2 vs 14.85µm2 )
- Availability of flash sync port
Key specifications
Nikon D3200 replaced Nikon D3100 after a time period of 1 year and 7 months.
Key specifications include the general information that should be majorly known and most needed in photography or videography.
| Features | Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 |
| Release Date | 2010-12-21 | 2012-07-25 |
| Sensor | APS-C ( CMOS ) | APS-C ( CMOS ) |
| MegaPixels | 14 | 24 |
| ISO Range | 100-3200(extend to 12800) | 100-6400(extend to 12800) |
| Video Recording | Full HD Recording | Full HD Recording |
| Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Lowest FPS | 3 | 4 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount | Nikon F Mount |
| Weight(Including Battery) | 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 0z) | 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz) |
| Dimensions | 124 x 96 x 75 mm 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.9 in | 125 x 96 x 76.5 mm , 5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in |
| Viewfinder | Optical ( Pentamirror) | Optical ( Pentamirror) |
| Screen Size | 3.00” | 3.00” |
| Battery Life | 550 | 540 |
Nikon D3100 was released on 2010-12-21 and it has a 10.0 MP APS-C(23.1 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor. ISO ranges from 100 to 3200 with an option to extend till 12800 and has a Nikon F lens mount. The fixed screen has a size of 3 inches and the camera has an optical viewfinder. The weight is 505g and its dimensions are 124 x 96 x 75 mm. Video can be recorded in Full HD and at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Nikon D3200 has a 24MP APS-C( 23.2 x 15.4 mm ) sensor and was released on July 25, 2012. It comprises a Nikon F lens mount with an ISO range of 100 to 6400 with an option to extend to 12800. The fixed screen is 3 inches in size and the camera has an optical viewfinder. The camera weighs 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.810z)(with battery and memory card but without body cap) but approximately 455 g/1 lb (camera body only) and measures 125 x 96 x 77 mm. Full HD video with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 can be recorded.
Also Read: Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3000
Sensor comparison
Both cameras have APS-C sensors yet they differ in sensor size and a few more aspects.
The Nikon D3100 features a 14.0MP APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor of size 0.91 inch with the Expeed 2 processor. Nikon D3100 is a DX-format camera or crop sensor camera. The maximum image resolution for Nikon D3100 is 4608 x 3072 px.
The Nikon D3200 features a 24.0MP APS-C (23.2 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor of size 0.91 inch with the Expeed 3 processor. Nikon D3200 is a DX-format camera or crop sensor camera. The maximum image resolution for Nikon D3200 is 6016 x 4000 px.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Image Sensor Format | DX | DX |
| Sensor Size | 0.91 Inch ( 23.1 x 15.4mm) | 0.91 Inch ( 23.2 x 15.4mm) |
| Sensor Photo Detectors | 15.0 Mpx | 25.0 Mpx |
| Image Ratio (H:W) | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Effective Pixels | 14.0 Mpx | 24.0 Mpx |
| Maximum Resolution | 4608 x 3072 px | 6016 x 4000 px |
| Other Resolutions | 3456 x 2304 | 2304 x 1536 | 4512 x 3000 | 3008 x 2000 |
| Processor | Expeed 2 | Expeed 3 |
The Nikon D3100‘s resolution allows for more cropping options and the possibility of printing larger photographs. The D3100’s maximum print size is 23 x 15.4 inches (58.5 x 39 cm) for good quality output (200 dots per inch), 18.4 x 12.3 inches (46.8 x 31.2 cm) for very good quality (250 dpi), and 15.4 x 10.2 inches (39 x 26 cm) for outstanding quality (300 dpi).
Nikon D3200 has a higher resolution (24.1MP) than the D3100 (14.2MP), but its individual pixels are smaller (pixel pitch of 3.85m versus 5.01m for the D3100). The D3200, on the other hand, is a year and eight months older than the D3100, and its sensor may have benefited from technological developments during that period that improved the light gathering capability of its pixel units.
The Nikon D3200’s higher resolution allows for more cropping options and the possibility of printing larger photographs.
The D3200’s maximum print size is 30.1 x 20 inches (76.4 x 50.8 cm) for good quality output (200 dots per inch), 24.1 x 16 inches (61.1 x 40.6 cm) for very good quality (250 dpi), and 20.1 x 13.3 inches (50.9 x 33.9 cm) for outstanding quality (300 dpi). For the Nikon D3100, high quality prints are 23 x 15.4 inches (58.5 x 39 cm), very good quality prints are 18.4 x 12.3 inches (46.8 x 31.2 cm), and outstanding quality prints are 15.4 x 10.2 inches (39 x 26 cm).
Result
Overall, Nikon D3200 can offer better results even though both cameras have almost the same size of sensors. It is obvious from the maximum resolution that a camera provides.
But keep it in mind that the Nikon D3100 and Nikon D3200 have almost identical sensor sizes, neither has a substantial advantage over the other in terms of depth of field control when utilized with the same focal length and aperture. But, Nikon D3200 can offer better cropping and printing results.
Also Read: Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D3100
Image Features Comparison
Here is a table that mentions the image features that each camera has.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Native ISO Range | 100 to 3200 | 100 to 6400 |
| Minimum ISO | 100 | 100 |
| Maximum Boosted ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
| ISO Auto | YES | YES |
| Extended ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
| Maximum Image Resolution | 4608 x 3072 px | 6016 x 4000 px |
| White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
| Custom White Balance | YES | YES |
| Supported Image File Formats | JPEG | NEF | RAW | JPEG | NEF | RAW |
| Image Stabilizer | NO | NO |
| Image Stabilization Type | NO | NO |
| Photo Effects | Black and White | Neutral | Vivid |
| Supported Aspect Ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Uncompressed Format | RAW | RAW |
| AEB/HDR Support | NO | NO |
| Image Editing Modes | Rotating |Trimming | Resizing | Rotating | Trimming |
The Nikon D3100 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 3200, with the option of increasing the ISO range to 12800. The maximum image resolution is 4608 x 3072 px and supported image file formats are JPEG, NEF, and RAW. There is no image stabilization and HDR support in Nikon D3100.
The Nikon D3200 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 6400 with an option to extend to 12800. The maximum image resolution is 6015 x 4000 px and supported image file formats are JPEG, NEF, and RAW. There is no image stabilization and HDR support in Nikon D3200.
Result
Nikon D3200 is superior to Nikon D3100 in terms of images. This is due to the higher resolution that Nikon D3200 offers.
Photography Features Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Camera Shutter Type | Electronic | Mechanical | Electronic |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 30.0s | 30.0s |
| Aperture Priority | YES | YES |
| Shutter Priority | YES | YES |
| Manual Exposure Mode | YES | YES |
| Exposure Compensation Steps | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Exposure Compensation Plus | 5 | 5 |
| Exposure Compensation Minus | -5 | -5 |
| Continuous Shooting | YES | YES |
| Continuous Drive | 3.0 FPS | 4.0 FPS |
| Speed ( RAW) | 3.0 FPS | 4.0 FPS |
| Speed ( JPEG) | 3.0 FPS | 4.0 FPS |
| Auto Exposure Lock | YES | YES |
| Self-timer | YES | YES |
| Self-timer Delay | 2s | 5s |10s | 2s | 5s | 10s | 20s |
| Subject / Scene Mode | YES | YES |
| Scene Modes | Children | Close-up | Portrait | Night portrait | Sports | Landscape | Children | Close-up | Portrait | Night portrait | Sports | Landscape |
| Metering Modes | Multi | Centre-weighted | Average | Multi | Centre-weighted | Spot AF-Area | Average |
| Shooting Modes | Auto | Manual | Movie | Auto | Manual | Movie | Program | Scene | Shutter priority |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine-tuning. | Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine-tuning |
| Manual Settings | YES | YES |
| WB Bracketing | YES | NO |
| AE Bracketing | NO | NO |
| Histogram | YES | YES |
| Noise Reduction | YES | YES |
These are complete details for the photography with these cameras, except the flash details that are mentioned in the next segment. Now, let’s see how these cameras perform in each type of photography.
Portrait Photography
Nikon D3200 has better performance for portrait photography due to the better features. Thus, Nikon D3200 is recommended if your main intention is to capture portraits.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 |
| 👍🏻Large sensor size | 👍🏻 Large sensor size |
| 👍🏻 Good Handling and ergonomics | 👍🏻 Good Handling and ergonomics |
| 👍🏻 Manual Focus | 👍🏻 Manual Focus |
| 👍🏻Provides face detection focusing | 👍🏻Provides face detection focusing |
| 👍🏻 Support RAW format | 👍🏻 Support RAW format |
| 👎🏻 No image stabilization | 👎🏻No image stabilization |
| 👎🏻 Average resolution sensor (14MP) |
Street Photography
Nikon D3200 is recommended for street photography in Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3200.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 |
| 👍🏻 Large sensor | 👍🏻 Large sensor |
| 👍🏻 Save RAW files | 👍🏻 Save RAW files |
| 👍🏻 Live view | 👍🏻 Live view |
| 👍🏻 Face-detection focusing | 👍🏻 Face-detection focusing |
| 👎🏻 Fixed screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
| 👎🏻No image stabilization | 👎🏻No image stabilization |
Sports Photography
Nikon D3200 is recommended for Sports Photography.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 |
| 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling | 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling |
| 👍🏻 Fast and maximum shutter speed: 1/4000 | 👍🏻 Fast and maximum shutter speed: 1/4000 |
| 👍🏻 11 Focus point | 👍🏻 11 Focus point |
| 👍🏻 Tracking Auto Focus | 👍🏻 Tracking Auto Focus |
| 👍🏻 1 cross-type focus sensor | |
| 👎🏻 Slow continuous shooting: 3.0fps | |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 14MP sensor resolution |
Landscape Photography
Nikon D3200 is recommended for landscape photography.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 |
| 👍🏻 Large APS-C sensor | 👍🏻 Large APS-C sensor |
| 👍🏻 Save RAW files | 👍🏻 Save RAW files |
| 👍🏻 Nikon F mount lenses | 👍🏻 Nikon AF mount lenses |
| 👍🏻 Live view | |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 No time-lapse recording | 👎🏻 No time-lapse recording |
| 👎🏻 No live view |
Travel Photography
Nikon D3100 is recommended for travel photography.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 |
| 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling | 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling |
| 👍🏻 Built-in Flash | 👍🏻 Phase detect AF |
| 👍🏻 24MP sensor resolution | |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 Do not possess selfie-friendly screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
| 👎🏻 10MP sensor resolution | |
| 👎🏻 No live view |
Videography features Comparison
The videography features include details about video recording resolution, frame rate, and other features.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Video Recording | YES | YES |
| Maximum Recording Time | 10 minutes | 20 Minutes |
| HD Type | Full HD | Full HD |
| Supported Video File Formats | MOV | MPEG-4 | H.264 | MOV | MPEG-4 | H.264 |
| Analog Signal Format system | NTSC | PAL | NTSC | PAL | SECAM |
| Camera Playback | Highlights | Movie | Single Image | Slideshow | Thumbnails | Histogram | | Highlights | Movie | Single Image | Slideshow | Thumbnails | Histogram | |
| Motion JPEG Frame Rate | 30.0FPS | 60.0 FPS |
| Recording Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
| Maximum Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Maximum Resolution(Highest Frame Rate) | 1280 x 720 | 1280 x 720 |
| Maximum Frame Rate(Highest Resolution) | 24 FPS | 30FPS |
| Maximum Frame Rate(Regardless of Reso.) | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Timelapse | NO | NO |
Vlogging and Youtube videos comparison
Nikon D3200 is better for vlogging and youtube videos, as this camera provides better recording results due to 24 Megapixels. Furthermore, the 60FPS feature of the D3200 makes it a better choice for youtube videos.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 |
| 👍🏻 Face detection focusing | 👍🏻 Face detection focusing |
| 👍🏻 High Video Resolution (1920 x 1080 px) | 👍🏻 High Video Resolution (1920 x 1080 px) |
| 👍🏻 HD Recording | 👍🏻 HD Recording |
| 👍🏻 60 FPS | |
| 👎🏻 No external mic jack | 👎🏻 No external mic jack |
| 👎🏻 Fixed screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
Optics and Focus Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Digital Zoom | NO | N/A |
| Optical Zoom | 3.0 x | 3.0x |
| Magnification ( Crop Factor) | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Maximum Aperture | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Brightness Adjustment | YES | YES |
| Focal Length multiplier | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Autofocus Lock | YES | YES |
| Auto Focus Assist Light | Lamp | Lamp |
| Autofocus Assist Beam | YES | YES |
| AF Touch | NO | NO |
| AF Single | YES | YES |
| AF Continuous | YES | YES |
| AF Tracking | YES | YES |
| AF Selective | YES | YES |
| AF Center | NO | NO |
| AF Multi area | YES | YES |
| AF Live View | YES | YES |
| AF Face detection | YES | YES |
| AF Contrast detection | YES | YES |
| AF Phase Detection | YES | YES |
| AF in Recording Mode | YES | YES |
| Number of Focus Points | 11 | 11 |
| Autofocus Point Selection | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual |
| Manual Focus | YES | YES |
| Focus Adjustment | Auto / Manual | Auto / Manual |
| Filter Diameter | 2.64 in | 2.64 in |
| Image Stabilizer | Lens based only | Lens based only |
Screen and Viewfinder Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Screen Size | 3.00” | 3.00” |
| Screen Technology | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Screen Dots | 230,000 | 921,000 |
| Touch Screen | NO | NO |
| Flip-out Screen | NO | NO |
| Articulated LCD | NO | NO |
| Live VIEW | YES | YES |
| Viewfinder | Optical (Pentamirror) | Optical (Pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.8x | 0.8 x |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95.0% | 95.0 % |
| Diopter Adjustment (D-D) | -1.7 to + 0.5 | -1.7 to + 0.5 |
| Diopter Correction | YES | YES |
| Eye Relief | 0.71 in | 0.71in |
| Field of View | 95.0% | 95.0% |
| Separate Info Display | NO | NO |
Nikon D3100 has a TFT LCD screen of 3.0’’ with 230,000 screen dots. The screen is operated through a control button, as it doesn’t provide a touch screen feature. This screen can not be flipped or adjusted, because it is fixed. The camera features an eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder and the viewfinder coverage is 95.0%.
Nikon D3200 has a TFT LCD screen of 3.0’’ with 921,000 screen dots. The screen is operated through a control button, as it doesn’t provide a touch screen feature. This screen can not be flipped or adjusted, because it is fixed. The camera features an eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder and the viewfinder coverage is 95.0%.
Flash comparison(Built-in and External)
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Built-in Flash | YES | YES |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 s | 1/200 s |
| Flash Range | 12m( at ISO 100) | 12m( at ISO 100 ) |
| Flash modes | Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye correction, and rear-curtain with slow sync | Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off |
| External Flash Connection | Hot shoe | Hot shoe |
| Flash Metering System | i-TTL | i-TTL |
| External Flash | YES | YES |
Design Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Body Type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Body Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Anti-dust System | YES | YES |
| Weather Sealing | NO | NO |
| Colors | Black | Red | Black | Red |
Dimensions Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Weight | 505 g (1.1lb / 17.81oz ) | 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.810z) |
| Height | 2.95 in ( 75 mm ) | 3.01 in ( 76.5 mm ) |
| Width | 4.88 in ( 124mm ) | 4.92 in ( 125 mm ) |
| Depth | 3.78 in ( 96mm ) | 3.78 in ( 96 mm ) |
Nikon D3100 has a height of 2.95 in ( 75mm ), a width of 4.88 in (124mm ), and a depth of 3.78 mm ( 96mm ).
Nikon D3200 has a height of 3.01 in ( 76.5mm ), a width of 4.92 in (125mm ), and a depth of 3.78 in ( 96mm ).
Audio Features Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Built-in Microphone | YES | YES |
| Microphone Type | Mono | Mono |
| Voice Recording | YES | YES |
| Audio System | Mono | Stereo |
| Supported Audio File Formats | Linear PCM | Linear PCM |
Storage Comparison
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Compatible Memory Cards | SD | SDHC | SDXC | SD | SDHC | SDXC |
| Storage Type | SD | SDHC |SDXC | SD | SDHC |SDXC |
| Memory Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Camera File system | DCF 2.0 | EXIF 2.21 | DPOF 1.1 | DCF 2.0 | EXIF 2.3` | DPOF 1.1 |
| Internal Storage | NO | NO |
| Maximum Memory card Size | 64 GB | 128 GB |
| Dual Memory Card Slots | NO | NO |
Nikon D3100 has only one memory card slot that is compatible with SD, SDXC, and SDHC memory cards. The maximum card size can be up to 64GB. Furthermore, Nikon D3100 does not possess any internal storage as well as dual memory card slots.
Nikon D3200 has only one memory card slot that is compatible with SD, SDXC, and SDHC memory cards. The maximum card size can be up to 128GB. Furthermore, Nikon D3200 does not possess any internal storage as well as dual memory card slots.
Power Comparison
Nikon D3100 has an advantage over Nikon D3200 in terms of battery lasting time.
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Power Source Type | AC | Battery | AC | Battery |
| Battery Life (CIPO) | 550 shots ( CIPA ) | 540 shots (CIPA) |
| Battery Technology | Lithium-Ion(Li-Ion) | Lithium-Ion(Li-Ion) |
| Battery Model | EN-EL14 | EN-EL14 |
| Number of Batteries Supported | 1 | 1 |
| AC adapter Included | YES | YES |
Nikon D3100 supports an AC adapter and rechargeable EN-EL14 battery of Li-ion that can last up to 550 shots each charge. The battery model that Nikon originally offered with this camera was EN-EL14. Nikon D3100 has only one battery slot.
Nikon D3200 supports an AC adapter and rechargeable EN-EL14 battery of Li-ion that can last up to 540 shots each charge. The battery model that Nikon originally offered with this camera was EN-EL14. Nikon D3100 has only one battery slot.
Connectivity
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3200 | |
| Built-in WIFI | NO | YES |
| GPS | NO | YES |
| Bluetooth | NO | NO |
| HDMI | YES | YES |
| HDMI ports quantity | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI connector Type | Mini | Mini (Type-C ) |
| USB port | NO | YES |
| USB Version | N/A | 2.0 |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi connected | Optional |
| Remote Control | YES | YES |
| PictBridge | YES | YES |
| NFC | NO | NO |
| AV Output | YES | NO |
| Firewire | NO | NO |
| Microphone Port | NO | YES |
| DC-in jack | YES | YES |
| Tripod Mounting Support | YES | YES |
Nikon D3100 has no built-in WIFI, microphone port, and Bluetooth, rather it has an HDMI port. Thus, the camera cannot be connected wirelessly to other devices.
Nikon D3200 has no Bluetooth, rather it features WIFI. Thus, you can connect your Nikon camera wirelessly to other devices. Furthermore, it also has an HDMI port and USB port.
Common Weaknesses of Nikon D3100 and Nikon D3200
These are the features that both of these cameras lack:
- No built-in body Image stabilization
- No flexible screen
- No environment sealings
- No option to fine-tune Autofocus
- No AE bracketing
Common Strengths of Nikon D3100 and Nikon D3200
These are the features that both of these cameras possess:
- Built-in Flas
- External Flash shoes
- RAW support
- Face detection focus
Major Difference
The effective megapixels and the ISO range are the two primary differences between Nikon D3100 and Nikon D3200.
While the D3200 boasts 24.2 effective megapixels, the D3100’s 14.2 megapixels are more than adequate. It would be nearly hard to distinguish which camera captured which photograph if the same shot was taken with the D3100 and the D3200 in identical light and with the same lens.
The D3100’s 14.2 megapixels do not imply that the camera is inferior to the D3200. Keep in mind that the top-of-the-line digital camera, the Nikon D4, “only” boasts 16.2 megapixels!
While both cameras can increase their ISO to 12800, the D3100’s usual or native ISO range is 100-3200, while the D3200’s is 100-6400. Because of the negative influence on the image, most photographers avoid shooting at excessively high ISO.
The camera’s “brain” or processor removes any graininess or “noise” from the image while processing it in the camera at high ISO levels. In most cases, this processing produces “softer” photos. Although the D3100 and D3200 can process photographs at high ISO settings, the greatest results are usually obtained at low ISO settings, when noise reduction is not required.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nikon D3100
Advantages
These are the features that are liked by the user:
- Compact and lightweight
- Cost-effective
- Excellent low-light performance
- The image quality is excellent.
- Excellent build quality and ergonomics
- Simple to use
- Shoots HD video with autofocus.
- Dedicated Live View switch and Movie Record button on camera body
- The drive mode switch cuts down on menu access.
- 14-megapixel CMOS sensor
Disadvantages
These are the features that are not liked by the user:
- Difficult to maintain body balance.
- Manual with a limitation (but builtin guide is useful)
- No exposure bracketing.
- Poor implementation of Live View
- LCD with a low resolution
- In movie mode, autofocus creates noise.
- LCD display that is fixed
- In tungsten lighting, Auto and Incandescent white balance modes are very warm.
- Older “screw-drive” AF lenses will not autofocus.
- Expensive
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nikon D3200
Advantages
These are the features that are liked by the user:
- Good detail at low ISOs (with good lenses)
- Noise reduction is well-balanced at higher sensitivities
- Decent noise levels
- Low Raw noise levels
- Video production of high quality
- Enough buffer and burst rates are available
- Quick performance and response
- Simple user interface and control arrangement
- Hand-grip that is both large and pleasant
- Customizable Fn-button
- Microphone input on the outside
- Adjustable sound recording levels in video mode
- Connector for a GPS device (optional)
- SD-card compartment on its own
- In-camera retouching possibilities are extensive.
- A good software bundle that includes a raw converter.
- Two infrared wireless remote ports
Disadvantages
These are the features that are not liked by the user:
.
- In high-contrast situations, a tendency to slightly overexpose
- In movie mode, there’s an odd way to select the aperture.
- In the live-view mode, there is no ‘live-preview’ of aperture changes.
- There’s no button for ISO (but you can set the Fn-button to control this setting)
- The magnification of the live-view image isn’t particularly accurate.
- In live-view mode, the slow contrast-detect AF.
Conclusion
Nikon D3200 is better than Nikon D3100 in many aspects. Despite having the same weight and almost similar sensor size, Nikon D3200 offers higher image resolution and a higher native ISO range. Furthermore, video recording with Nikon D3200 brings better results due to 24 Megapixels. Thus, Nikon D3200 performs better for photography and videography.
Nikon D3100 is better only for the longer battery-lasting time. But, the difference( 550 vs 540 ) is so narrow that it is almost negligible.
FAQs
Is Nikon D3200 good for photography?
YES. The Nikon D3200 is a little but significant improvement over its predecessor(D3100). The D3200 is a powerful DSLR camera for starting photographers, with a high-resolution 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor, full HD video recording capability, and a lightweight camera body.
What memory card does a Nikon D3200 use?
Regular SD cards, SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards, and SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) cards are all compatible with the Nikon D3200. The SD card format, which can contain up to 2GB of data, is no longer widely utilized. SDHC cards can hold up to 32GB of data, whereas SDXC cards can hold up to 2TB of data.
Is the Nikon D3100 good for wildlife photography?
NO. The D3100 isn’t a fantastic camera for wildlife, and you’ll want to upgrade at some point. Wildlife photography can quickly become prohibitively expensive. Another option is to purchase a bridge camera with a zoom range of 30-50x.
