Nikon escalated competition in one of the hotter fields of photography, entry-level DSLRs, with a midnight introduction Thursday for the D3200. The sequel to the D3100 ups the resolution dramatically, from 14 to 24 megapixels, while adding a unique Wi-Fi component. Adding a WU-1a wireless adapter will let users share photos directly to a nearby smartphone, letting photographers post online and even preview or control the camera remotely.
Android user will get the companion app first, in May, for Android 2.3 and later. iPhone and iPad users will have to wait until the fall.
The 11-point autofocus and ISO 12,800 maximum sensitivity carry over from the D3100, but it can now shoot at a faster four frames per second (up from three) and has improved 1080p, 30 frames per second video recording inherited from the 2012 wave of higher-end Nikon DSLRs. Videographers now get autofocus at all points in a movie and can manually steer the exposure as well as add a stereo microphone, support for which is rare at this price level.
Other components, such as the three-inch preview LCD, are inherited from the earlier camera, although the resolution has surged from 230,000 pixels to 921,000 for a much clearer shot. The D3000 series’ focus has always been on a Guide Mode that walks users through the basics of DSLR photography if not already familiar.
Due late this month, the D3200 will ship most commonly in $700 black and red kit versions that each have an 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 lens, although a body-only version and specialty kits should be available in some areas. The WU-1a wireless adapter is due in late May for $60. Owners of full-frame, FX-mount cameras like D800 are also getting a 28mm f1.8 prime lens in late May for $700.
