Nikon D3300 vs Nikon D3200

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D3300 and the Nikon D3200, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D3300 was introduced in April 2014 and Nikon D3200 was introduced in July 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D3300 Highlights

      • 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon D3200 Highlights

      • 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D3300 and Nikon D3200.

      PROS

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 430 g (0.95 lb / 15.17 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 81
      •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D3300

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3300 over Nikon D3200.

      Nikon D3300 vs Nikon D3200
      Cheaper Body w/18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR II lens ($649.95) vs US: with 18-55mm VR - $699.95; UK: with 18-55mm VR - £649.99; UK: with 18-55mm VR - €699
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Higher Boosted ISO 25,600 vs 12,800
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.57x vs 0.53x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1385 vs 1131
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.3 vs 24.1
      Higher DxO Overall Score 82 vs 81
      Lighter 430 g (0.95 lb / 15.17 oz) vs 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 700 shots vs 540 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3300.

      Advantage of Nikon D3200

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3200 over Nikon D3300.

      Nikon D3300 vs Nikon D3200
      Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 vs 6016 x 4000
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.8 vs 13.2

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3200.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D3300 Nikon D3200
        CheapBody w/18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR II lens ($649.95)US: with 18-55mm VR - $699.95; UK: with 18-55mm VR - £649.99; UK: with 18-55mm VR - €699
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D3300 Nikon D3200
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        Few Cross-type Focus Points11
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter or Eye-Fi via optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D3300 and Nikon D3200 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 921k dot resolution.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinders. They both have 95% coverage.

      Sensor

      Nikon D3300 features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Nikon D3200 features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.2 x 15.4 mm and a total area of 237.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D3300 is equipped with EXPEED 4 processor and can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4512 x 3000, 3008 x 2000 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon D3200 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 6016 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4512 x 3000, 3008 x 2000 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Nikon D3300

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Nikon D3300. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D3300 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3200 nothing can be done. On Nikon D3200 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3300 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D3300 has a Mini HDMI and Nikon D3200 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D3300 comes with EN-EL14a battery pack with battery life of 700 shots and Nikon D3200 comes with EN-EL14 battery pack with battery life of 540 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D3300 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Nikon D3200 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D3300 and Nikon D3200 have Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D3300, and up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D3200. Nikon D3300 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Nikon D3200 can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D3300 has 11 (1 cross-type) focusing points and Nikon D3200 has 11 (1 cross-type) focusing points. They both have detection range from -1 to +19 EV


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on both models.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100.. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D3300 body has dimensions of 124 x 98 x 76 mm (4.88 x 3.86 x 2.99") and Nikon D3200 body has dimensions of 125 x 96 x 77 mm (4.92 x 3.78 x 3.03"). Nikon D3300 weighs 430 g (0.95 lb / 15.17 oz) and Nikon D3200 weighs 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz).

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      124 mm

      98 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      125 mm

      96 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      98 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      96 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      77 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon D3300 and Nikon D3200

      Nikon D3300 and Nikon D3200 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      GOOD
      71
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      72
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      GOOD
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 430 g (0.95 lb / 15.17 oz)
      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      GOOD
      81
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 430 g (0.95 lb / 15.17 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D3300 and Nikon D3200 and give them scores of 66 and 65 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      OVERALL
      66
      OVERALL
      65

      Sensor

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82
      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 81

      Photo

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      GOOD
      82
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      82
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      GOOD
      75
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      75
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D3300

      Nikon D3200

      POOR
      45
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 430 g (0.95 lb / 15.17 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.