Good news to travelers! Nikon just announced the latest consumer DSLR camera, the cheapest model of all Nikon DSLR and the entry level DX-format digital Single Lens Reflector (DSLR), the Nikon D3200 DSLR. Why do I say it is a good news to travelers? Because it is so light, so compact and so easy to use as a photo taking tool on any travel! With its 24MP resolution, Nikon D3200 has by far the highest count of pixels jammed in its CMOS DX-format image sensor. And it is from Nikon. This means you’ll have your choice of over 70 legendary NIKKOR lenses to pair with your Nikon camera, when you’re ready to expand your system and extend your creativity.

At a glance, the list of features of this latest model from Nikon will definitely impress most of the photo hobbyists:

• Wi-Fi Connectivity with optional adapter – You can upload photos you’ve just taken to your mobile via WiFi connection;
• 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor – The highest resolution by far you can get from a DX-format DSLR;
• EXPEED III Image Processing – The latest image processing engine inherited from Nikon flagship model D4;
• Wide ISO sensitivity range – From ISO 100-6400 expandable to 12,800;
• One-touch button to record full HD 1080p movie;
• Guide Mode to operate for even beginners to photography;
• 11 Points Auto Focus with 3D tracking ensure fast and accurate focusing;
• 4 Frames Per Second burst shooting rate;
• 3″ 921,000 dot LCD screen

Nikon D3200 24MP DX-Format DSLR – Overview

Nikon D3200 24MP DX-Format DSLR – Rear View

D3200 is also available in red colour.

Below are write-up for each feature of Nikon D3200 from Nikon websites:

24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3

Why do photos and videos shot with a Nikon HD-SLR look so good? It all starts with Nikon’s exclusive image sensors, and the D3200 has the most powerful CMOS sensor we’ve ever put in a HD-SLR at this level. Boasting an astounding 24.2 effective megapixels, it captures sharper, richer images—even in low light. Combine that with EXPEED 3 image processing, the processing power behind the acclaimed Nikon D4, for super-fast operation, exceptional image capture, in-camera filter effects and more. Your photos and videos will amaze even you.

Guide Mode ensures success

It’s never been easier to create HD-SLR quality photos, thanks to the D3200’s Guide Mode. Learn the camera’s key features and controls while you shoot, and even get advice and sample images to succeed in difficult shooting situations. Guide Mode is easy to access and easy to understand. You’re never shooting alone with the D3200.

Six Scene Modes and Scene Auto Selector

Experienced photographers optimize their camera settings for the scene they’re shooting. With the D3200, optimizing your camera settings is as easy as turning a dial. Choose from six common Scene Modes like Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, Close up and more, for flawless results even in demanding circumstances. When using Live View, Scene Auto Selector automatically sets the D3200 for the most suitable Scene Mode for the situation. A highly accurate 420-pixel RGB sensor powers Nikon’s Scene Recognition System, which compares scene data against an extensive database to optimize the shot accordingly.

One-touch Full HD 1080p movie recording with stereo sound

Nikon is committed to developing HD-SLRs that are not just superlative still image cameras, but superlative video cameras, as well. With a touch of a button, the D3200 starts recording Full HD 1080p video with full-time autofocus, manual exposure control and stereo sound. Its breathtaking 921,000-dot, ultra-high-resolution display makes it easy to frame, monitor and review your footage. Even record in super-smooth slow motion up to 60 fps! Unleash your inner cinematographer.

Versatile AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 18-55mm

Nikon’s renowned NIKKOR lenses have long been the choice of pros and serious photographers. Marvels of clarity, consistency, precision and reliability, they draw peak performance from Nikon HD-SLRs. The D3200 comes equipped with the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-55mm, a versatile, high performance VR image stabilized lens. And when you’re ready to expand your system and extend your creativity, you’ll have your choice of over 70 legendary NIKKOR lenses.

Fast and accurate shooting

The D3200’s 11-point Autofocusing System is as fast as it is precise. Check your focus points, track your subject or shoot carefree right from the viewfinder. And when the action speeds up, simply aim, hold down the shutter and fire off approx. 4 fps at 24.2 MP resolution.

Wi-Fi Connectivity—Now you can easily get GREAT pictures on your smartphone

Using the WU-1a optional wireless mobile adapter you can now automatically send great images to your smartphone and even use your smartphone to remotely capture images from your D3200. With an easy to use app, now, when you can’t wait to share that great shot, you don’t have to. Share it to your smartphone in an instant.

Compact, lightweight and durable

Your D3200 is designed for comfort, intuitive use and durability. Its compact, lightweight and rugged body puts key controls at your fingertips. You’ll never hesitate to bring along your D3200.

Dramatic low-light photos

The D3200′s wide ISO range of 100 to 6400 allows for shooting in very low light without a flash or in very bright light with zoom, macro, fixed focal length or wide aperture lenses. For extreme low-light situations, set the ISO to Hi 1 and achieve ISO 12800 equivalent sensitivity.

Below are a few D3200 sample photos shared by Nikon France. Just see how sharp is the camera can produce! Brilliant!

Conclusion

Should we buy this little DSLR or other compact’s or system cameras such as the PEN 3 or GF1 if for the purpose of capturing travel photos? If you ask me, the image quality produced by this DSLR is unrivaled by any other compact cameras with a small sized sensor. Look at the photo below that I took with my aged 6 MP Nikon D60, 3 generations before this latest D3200.

If you think this is a great shot that couldn’t have done with compact cameras, what could the new Nikon D3200 with 24MP do? Even my trusted Nikon D7000 has less pixel counts than it. We know higher pixel count doesn’t guarantee good images, but it does mean newer technology. Do you still want a Nikon D1 with only 2MP, eventhough it was the Nikon flagship model at that time?

Should we buy D3200 or D7000 or D800 for travel? It depends which one you need. I’ll definitely bring my Nikon D7000 along my Japan trip next week because I need it and I used it on every trip I go. – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo guide.