The Nikon D3200 and the D3100 are entry-level DSLRs targeted at those who are just starting out in photography. The Nikon D3200 is a third iteration of the original D3000 that came out in 2009. While it has not gone through drastic changes, having a very similar layout as the D3100, the same 11 point autofocus system, the same metering sensor and a similar build, it has slightly improved over its predecessor. The camera now sports a very high resolution 24 MP sensor developed by Nikon, faster continuous speed of 4 fps, a much better LCD screen, superior video recording capabilities and other improvements such as WiFi capability through an optional accessory. In this Nikon D3200 vs D3100 comparison, I will go over the features of each camera and compare specifications differences between the two cameras.
Nikon D3200 vs D3100 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D3200 | Nikon D3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.2 Million | 14.2 Million |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 23.2×15.4mm | 23.1×15.4mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 3.9µ | 5.0µ |
| Sensor Dust Reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,016 × 4,000 | 4,608 x 3,072 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 2 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentamirror | Pentamirror |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Media | 1x SD, SDHC, SDXC | 1x SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 4 FPS | 3 FPS |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
| Shutter Durability | 100,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 420-pixel RGB sensor | 420-pixel RGB sensor |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-6400 | ISO 100-3200 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 12800 | ISO 6400, 12800 |
| Autofocus System | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 |
| Focus Points | 11, 1 cross-type | 11, 1 cross-type |
| Video Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Video Output | MOV, Compressed | MOV, Compressed |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p, 25p, 30p | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| LCD Size | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 921,000 dots | 230,000 dots |
| HDR Support | No | No |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Eye-Fi Compatible, WU-1a | Eye-Fi Compatible |
| Battery | EN-EL14 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL14 Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 540 shots (CIPA) | 550 shots (CIPA) |
| Weather Sealed Body | No | No |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 455g | 455g |
| Dimensions | 125 x 96 x 76.5mm | 124.46 x 96.52 x 73.66mm |
| MSRP Price | $699.95 (as introduced) | $699.95 (as introduced) |
As you can see, aside from the sensor and a couple of other features, the Nikon D3200 is very similar to its predecessor.