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Nikon Coolpix 3200 Digital Camera Review

Review: Nikon Coolpix 3200 Digital Camera

After a year, the Nikon Coolpix 3100 evolves into the new Nikon Coolpix 3200. Except for a small number of design changes and some esthetic minor changes, the technical differencies are minimal. These have to do mainly with the memory slot, which now is able to accept modern SD memory cards, rather than old fashioned compact flash cards. Other novelties include the ability to record audio and a new video recording mode, which now allows storing clips as large as the total free memory. A supporting light for the auto focus system completes the list of upgrades from the Coolpix 3100.

On the other hand, the new Nikon implements the same 3.34 megapixel CCD and the 3 level lens, equivalent to 38-115mm, in the 35mm format already used by its predecessor.

If we take in consideration that this particular camera is intended to be used by beginners and inexperienced hobbyists and also as a back-up camera for those more experienced users that need to have a practical, helpful second camera at hand, we will find the Coolpix 3200 to be the perfect example of how to combine ease and simplicity of use with a decent image quality.

The Coolpix 3200 case is made of plastic in its entirety, but is resistant enough to face hitting the ground without breaking when accidentally dropped. Also, its metallic appearance and some chromed components give this camera an elegant look. This camera also features an ergonomic design. Buttons are perfectly distributed, very touchable and put many useful functions at your fingertips.

Zoom control is progressive and has enough steps to make it quite acceptable. Maximum picture size is 2048x1536 pixels, and it can be adjusted from the simple main menu, which can be browsed with the classical 4-direction button. Other options, such as memory card formatting or power saving options, there is a shortcut to this from the selector switch itself.

As with many other compact digital cameras, none of the parameters are modifiable by the user himself. The sensor sensitivity level is exclusively automatic too, and ranges from 50 to 200 ISO.

Even with these limitations, the Nikon Coolpix 3200 offers an outstanding picture quality, due to its reliable 256-segment matrix exposition system. The flash unit is excellent, although it is rather slow when recharging itself for the next shoot. The lens-sensor couple does not show any noticeable distortions or aberrations on the image.

The Coolpix 3200 is able to capture video with resolutions of 640x480, with audio; which represents a true creativity choice. However, the maximum 1.5fps speed makes continuous shooting for image capture a poor feature. As an addition, this camera has a multiple-shoot mode, featuring 16 expositions in a single frame. The Nikon Coolpix 3200 has an internal memory of 14.5 Mb, and it can be expanded with a SD memory card.

Recommendation:

From the beginner’s point of view, the Nikon Coolpix 3200 has almost no negative aspect. In fact, it improves the experience many users had with its predecessor, the Coolpix 3100.

The accuracy of the auto focus system under any kind of light conditions and the excellent response of the macro focus mode make this one an excellent choice.

Features:

Sensor resolution: 3.2 effective megapixel
3x optical Zoom - Nikkor lens with 5.8-17.4mm coverage (equivalent to 38-115mm in 35mm [135] camera format
Digital zoom up to 4x magnification
Red-eye reduction through pre-flash LED lamp
14.5MB of internal memory
Scene Assistance
Movie Modes: 640 at 15fps, 320 at 15fps, 160 at 15fps
Noise Reduction
Plug-and-play USB interface
1.6” TFT LCD monitor

Accessories: