Gear Review: Nikon D3200 Entry-Level DSLR
Shoot like a professional with minimal experience using this entry-level DSLR from Nikon.
[entry-level DSLR]
Our test team called this DSLR “the perfect rig for hikers who want high-end shots but don’t have the budget (or ambition) to justify a full-blown pro setup.” Novice testers and experienced shooters found that the D3200 performed admirably across all light ranges thanks to its standout “Guide Mode” feature, which blends point-and-shoot operational ease with DSLR-style control. In this setting, select from 18 different styles—such as “moving subjects,” “water flowing,” or “red sunsets”—and the camera switches presets for ISO, f-stop, and exposure compensation. In low light (dusk and around campfires), high-ISO performance was noise-free; close-up subjects popped off our computer screens at home without a hint of grainy distortion.
The Live View feature on the crisp, 3-inch LCD display lets you frame, shoot, and manage images in the field. The included 18-55mm lens offers standard zoom ranges to cover all your needs—from flower close-ups to mid-range shots of peakbaggers to landscapes of distant summits. The camera also captures HD 1080-pixel video (even in slow motion) with stereo sound. Tech upgrade: Pair Nikon’s WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter ($60) with its companion smartphone app to download pictures from the camera for instant sharing, and to trigger the camera shutter remotely. $700; 1 lb. (body only); nikonusa.com