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.
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