Which to Buy: Nikon D3200 vs D3300 Comparison

February 2019

The D3200 is 12 years old while the D3300 is 10 years old. These cameras are mostly similar but there are some improvements to the D3300 that the buyer needs to be aware of before making a decision.

The similarities between these two cameras are:

Compact DSLR design
DX/APS-C crop sensor
24 megapixel sensors
Supports 12-bit RAW images
Supports JPEG image format
3.0" 921k-dot TFT LCD fixed monitor
UHS-I SDXC memory card compatibility
matrix, center-weighted and spot metering
11 autofocus points (with 1 cross type)
30-1/4000th sec. mechanical shutter speed
1080p video
Bulb shutter
"Time" shutter (ML-L3 remote required for D3200)
Dedicated Fn (function) button
Hotshoe
External microphone jack
HDMI jack
1/200th sec. flash sync speed
90% optical viewfinder coverage
Live View
Reliance upon Nikon WMU (Wireless Mobile Utility) for communication with smart device (WU-1a accessory required)
Compatibility with Nikon F-mount lenses

The advantages the D3200 has over the D3300 are:

Built-in flash w/GN 43 ft. vs GN 39 ft
Less expensive on the used market

The advantages the D3300 has over the D3200 are:

Panorama Mode
No anti-aliasing filter for sharper images
5 frames-per-second stills vs 4 fps
Native ISO 100-12800 vs 100-6400
Longer battery life at 700 shots vs 540 shots
EXPEED 4 image processor vs EXPEED 3
1080p video at 60 fps vs 30 fps
Weight: 460g (1 lb. 0.2 oz) vs 505g (1 lb. 1.8 oz.)
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.9 x 3.0 in. vs 5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in.

Neither camera has:

IBIS
Built-in NFC to pair the camera with a smart device
Built-in Bluetooth to pair the camera with a smart device
Built-in WiFi to pair with a smart device
High dynamic range mode
GPS built-in
Touchscreen monitor
Fully articulated monitor
Tilting monitor
4K UHD video
Slow motion video
Pentaprism Viewfinder
Dual card slots
Top-side control panel
On sensor phase detect AF for video
Headphone jack
Auto FP High-Speed flash sync
Highlight-weighted metering
100% viewfinder coverage
Support for the TIFF format
Electronic viewfinder
Electronic shutter
Optional battery grip
Timelapse movies
Compatibility with Nikon Z-mount lenses
Eye AF

Additional Notes

The D3200 is not compatible with AF-P Nikkor lenses and requires the ML-L3 remote for "Time" exposures.

Though more expensive, the D3300 is clearly the better choice.

See these comparisons: