Nikon launch the D3200!

The new Nikon D3200 will be available in both Black and Red

This morning Nikon announced their third new DSLR camera for 2012, and the first new addition to their consumer range for the year following recent announcements of the pro-end D800/D800E and D4. Today's attention will be on the new D3200, a worthy replacement to the extremely popular entry-level D3100 Digital SLR. This isn't just a camera for beginners though - with a 24.2 megapixel DX-format sensor and improved ISO range, along with the simultaneous announcement of the clever little WU-1a mobile adapter that wirelessly connects the D3200 to a smart phone, it's an exciting addition to an already impressive Nikon DSLR range.

The D3200 with 18-55mm VR Lens

Specifications

• 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
• A standard ISO range of 100-6400, extendable up to 12800
• Next-generation EXPEED3 image processing engine
• Capable of wireless transfer and remote shooting in collaboration with smart devices with the use of the WU-1a adapter unit (sold seperately).
• Full HD 1080p movie capability
• 3.0? 921k dot resolution LCD screen

Top view of the new D3200 DSLR

Key Features

The D3200 boasts a really impressive 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor, a huge improvement on the 14.2 megapixels seen in the award-winning D3100. Other key upgrades include the addition of the latest EXPEED3 image-processing engine (as found in Nikon's pro-range D800 and D4 DSLRs) and a boost in standard ISO sensitivity range from 100-3200 in its predecessor to 100-6400 in the new D3200, also extendable up to ISO 12800.

The Nikon WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter

One of the most intriguing new features is the D3200's ability to wirelessly transmit images to smart phones, tablets and other smart devices (Android compatible only at this stage) by utilising the new Nikon WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. This small adapter also has the capability to deliver the D3200's live view display to smart devices to enable remote camera control. We're looking forward to seeing the D3200 and WU-1a adapter in action, it's another exciting glimpse at the role smart devices are beginning to play in DSLR photography. As Nikon put it themselves, this adapter will "provide new ways for users to enjoy shooting, viewing and sharing photographs".

Despite some impressive specs, the D3200 is still Nikon's entry-level offering and therefore maintains the popular Guide mode feature as found in both the D3000 and D3100. This time, there's been a few tweaks to make it even more intuitive and new options have been added to the Advanced Operation menu to help users become more accustomed to the functions of their new camera.

Guide mode displayed on the D3200's 3.0? 921k dot resolution LCD screen

As expected, the D3200 can shoot 1080p full HD movies (as did the D3100) with the D-movie function, but can now do so at frame rates of 30p, 25p and 24p where its predecessor was limited to a rate of 24p. In-camera movie editing has also been improved, making the process simpler.

In Comparison: D3100 vs D3200 vs D5100 vs D90

Side view of the new Nikon D3200

Sample Images

We’ve sourced these sample images from Nikon (original source here or click through on the individual images) for a first look at what the D3200 is capable of. More sample images will be added here as and when they become available.

D3200 - 1/400 sec at f/8, ISO 100. Taken with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens. ©Fraser Harding , courtesy of Nikon

D3200 - 1/25 sec at f/5, ISO 100. Taken with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens. ©SONOE, courtesy of Nikon

D3200 - 1/1600 sec at f/5.6, ISO 200. Taken with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens. ©SONOE, courtesy of Nikon

D3200 - 1/160 sec at f/3.5, ISO 200. Taken with an AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Lens. ©SONOE, courtesy of Nikon

Coming Soon!

The Nikon D3200 is expected to be available in mid May 2012 and can be pre-ordered at Wex from £559.00 (body only)*