Which to Buy: Nikon D3200 vs D3300 Comparison

February 2019

The D3200 is 11 years old while the D3300 is 9 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:

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