If you look back to 2008 when DSLR cameras were “just out”, people like you or me would have probably had no idea how to use one. Back then, few people had them, and the ones who did would have most likely been “hard-core photographers”. Look at today, and it’s a completely different story. The range of DSLR cameras we have at our disposal is massive, and general-usability has most certainly improved. And now with the Nikon D3200, it doesn’t take a professional-hard-core photographer to take great pictures.

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be sent a D3200 for review, and for probably the most unprofessional photographer in the world, I managed to take some superb pictures with the camera. What I love about the D3200 is that everything is really accessible and it’s so easy to use. And for a DSLR, I was quite surprised by how much it didn’t weigh!

Features

The D3200 does, truthfully, look almost identical to it’s older sibling, the D3100. And whilst they are in many ways the same, Nikon has incorporated an all-new 24.2MP sensor and Nikon’s latest EXPEED 3 image processor into the later model, leaving the D3100 with a 14.2MP sensor and Nikon’s EXPEED 2 image processor. What I found particularly helpful is the “Guide Mode” — (as you’ve probably guessed) a guide which helps you along by giving you illustrative advice on the right settings to use in certain conditions for certain subjects etc. For non-professional photographers like me, this is a great feature, as it really does make it so much easier to take better pictures. Some of the camera’s other features include: a top shooting speed of 4fps; a sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 6400 and  internal image editing — something I think all cameras should have! On the top right of the camera — next to the shutter release — is a dedicated movie recording button, enabling Full HD 1080p video recording at 25fps.

Nikon D3200

Vedict?

It’s a great camera. Easy to use, high resolution, great picture quality. In fact, it’s quite hard to actually think of any faults! The only thing that I can possibly say is that the camera isn’t weather proof, so if you’re planning on climbing Mount Everest, then this isn’t the DSLR for you. Other than that, it’s pretty much flawless!

I may not be big on photography, but I’m seriously considering buying one of these myself. You can pick them up (Body only) at Amazon in red for £500, or the cheaper black option for £440. For the D3200 + 18-55VR Lens Kit, it’s about £530. Read more about the D3200 at Nikon.

+Helpful Guide Mode
+Full HD Video
+Small and fairly light

-Not weather proof

[All images by Nikon Press Room UK]