Nikon D3200 ─ The Expanded Guide

Nikon's new entry-level DSLR has been updated with the arrival of the D3200, a more sophisticated option to its popular budget D3100. The relatively small lightweight body of this camera contains technology that has trickled down from Nikon's more expensive models. Jon Sparks offers professional advice, hints and tips, on how to get the best from this versatile camera. The D3200 offers the highest pixel count from an APS-C sensor, second only to the full frame professional model, the Nikon D800. The 24.2 million pixel count offers greater post-capture cropping potential, ideal for relatively new DSLR users, who do not necessarily want to invest in a second, longer focal length lens. Despite the lack of built-in focus motor, auto exposure bracketing, its 1080mp30 video, 920k dot LCD and the option to add an affordable Wi-Fi transmitter (to connect the camera to smartphones and tablets for remote shooting and uploading images to social networking sites) do represent significant benefits over the D3100. A Live View button allows switching from the viewfinder to the LCD, which should make things more familiar to those stepping up from a compact camera. The camera offers a speedy Expeed 3 processing engine, low noise, and a range of frame rates for Full HD video recording. Other useful features include retouch options and the capability to straighten and crop images and add digital art filters after the shot has been taken. A Guide mode is especially helpful to beginners, handholding through the basic functions and offering advice for setting up shots.