Nikon D3200 Upgrade Options
The Nikon D3200 was released in 2012. Many newer cameras have come out that offer more image resolution, the ability to record 4k video, faster continuous shooting, ability to use the camera as a webcam, and other improved features that can be had by upgrading your Nikon D3200.
Where to Sell Your Nikon D3200
The Nikon D3200 still has value and can be sold. Compatible camera lenses for the D3200 will also be compatible with all the cameras recommended so you can keep your lenses if you want.
An upgrade can be made less expensive by selling off the gear you were going to upgrade. If you don’t want to take the time to sell locally through sites such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Kijiji, or eBay, there are websites willing to buy your used camera gear.
Each site will give you a quote. Shop around for the best offer.
Best Value - Nikon D3400
| Nikon D3200 | Nikon D3400 |
|---|---|
| Released | |
| 2012 | 2016 |
| Resolution | |
| 24 MP | 24 MP |
| Continuous Shooting | |
| 4 fps | 5 fps |
| Video | |
| 1080p 30fps | 1080p 60fps |
| Wireless | |
| Eye-Fi SD Card | Built-In |
| Touch Screen | |
| No | No |
The Nikon D3400 is 2 generations newer than the D3200. There are a few quality of life improvement such as having wireless built into the camera.
Another good improvement is the ability to record video at 60 frames.
The Nikon D3400 has been replaced by the D3500, which means a great deal can be had on a used Nikon D3400 camera kit or camera body. Any lenses for the Nikon D3200 will work on and are compatible with the Nikon D3400.
There is a red body variant of the D3400. The red body will cost more than one in black, so I do not recommend paying extra. That money can be used towards a better camera or camera lenses.
Check Nikon D3400 Prices:
You can find current prices for the Nikon D3400 on Amazon, eBay, or KEH
Pros
- 4 years newer.
- Improved image quality at high ISO.
- Continuous shooting +1 fps.
- The ability to record full HD video at 60 fps.
Cons
- Need to purchase used.
- No touch screen.
Current Generation - Nikon D3500
| Nikon D3200 | Nikon D3500 |
|---|---|
| Released | |
| 2012 | 2018 |
| Resolution | |
| 24 MP | 24 MP |
| Continuous Shooting | |
| 4 fps | 5 fps |
| Video | |
| 1080p 30fps | 1080p 60fps |
| Wireless | |
| Eye-Fi SD Card | Built-In |
| Touch Screen | |
| No | No |
The Nikon D3500 is not much of an upgrade from the Nikon D3400. The most glaring issue is that the screen on the D3500 is fixed to the back of the camera. Not having a flip screen make the D3500 less usable in many ways compared to the D3400.
Video frame rates and sensor size remain the same. Depending on your specific needs, buying a Nikon D3400 and spending the difference on a lens could be the better choice.
Check Nikon D3500 Prices
You can find the current prices for the Nikon D3500 on Amazon, eBay, KEH
Pros
- 6 years newer.
- Improved high ISO performance.
- Increase in FPS.
- Ability to record HD video at 60 fps.
Cons
- No flip screen.
- No touch screen.
Semi-Pro - Nikon D7200
| Nikon D3200 | Nikon D7200 |
|---|---|
| Released | |
| 2012 | 2015 |
| Resolution | |
| 24 MP | 24 MP |
| Continuous Shooting | |
| 4 fps | 6 fps |
| Video | |
| 1080p 30fps | 1080p 60fps |
| Wireless | |
| Eye-Fi SD Card | Built-In |
| Touch Screen | |
| No | No |
The Nikon D7200 is a high quality camera as it was originally targeted at prosumer and professional photographers. It is not as new as the other recommended upgrades for the D3200, but it uses the same Expeed 4 image processor that is in the D3500 and D3400.
Menus and camera controls are targeted towards advanced users. The D7200 is excellent for doing photography in aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual mode.
If you are more interested in video, check out the Nikon Z50 as it can record 4k video.
Check Nikon D7200 Prices
You can find current prices for the Nikon D7200 on Amazon, eBay, or KEH.
Pros
- 3 years newer.
- Better high ISO performance.
- 2 FPS increase in continuous shooting.
- Dual SD memory card slots.
Cons
- Need to purchase used.
- Similar used price to a used Nikon Z50.
Mirrorless - Nikon Z50
| Nikon D3200 | Nikon Z50 |
|---|---|
| Released | |
| 2012 | 2019 |
| Resolution | |
| 24 MP | 21 MP |
| Continuous Shooting | |
| 4 fps | 11 fps |
| Video | |
| 1080p 30fps | 4k 30fps |
| Wireless | |
| Eye-Fi SD Card | Built-In, with Bluetooth |
| Touch Screen | |
| No | Yes |
The Nikon Z50 uses Nikon’s new Z lens mount. The change in lens mount is because the Nikon Z50 is a mirrorless camera. The Nikon D3200 is a DSLR.
Instead of using a reflex mirror and optical viewfinder, the Z50 has a electronic viewfinder. This allows you to see what the exposure and white balance of an image will look like before you take the photo.
F-mount lenses can be used on the Z50 with the use of the Nikon FTZ or FTZ II lens adapters. The FTZ corrects for the flange distance and bridges the lens connections so that autofocus and electronically controlled aperture are fully functional.
Check Nikon Z50 Prices
You can find current prices for the Nikon Z50 on Amazon, eBay, or KEH.
Pros
- 7 years newer.
- Huge increase in continuous shooting FPS.
- Can record 4k video.
- Built-in wifi and Bluetooth.
Cons
- 3 megapixel decrease in resolution.
- Will need a Nikon FTZ or FTZ II lens adapter to use F-mount lenses from the Nikon D3200.
- Expensive compared to the Nikon D3200.
Nikon D3200 Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Nikon D3200 Have Wireless?
- Does the Nikon D3200 Shoot Video?
- Does the Nikon D3200 Have a Mic Input Jack?
- Is the Nikon D3200 Full Frame?
- Does the Nikon D3200 Have Image Stabilization?
- Does the Nikon D3200 Have GPS?
- Is the Nikon D3200 Weather Sealed?
- Can the Nikon D3200 Be Used as a Webcam?
- What is the Nikon D3200 Crop Factor?
- Nikon D3200 Upgrade Options?