Nikon D3300 vs D3200 - Which One Is Better?

It’s always a good idea to compare a new model to its predecessor, especially when it seems like there aren’t any differences at all. There’s quite a big price gap between these two entry models though, so make sure to check out if the new features are worth it.

	Nikon D3300	Nikon D3200
Megapixels	24.2	24.2
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Size	23.2 x 15.4mm	23.2 x 15.4mm
Sensor Type	APS-C/DX	APS-C/DX
Image Resolution	6016 x 4000	6000 x 4000
ISO Range	100 - 25,600	100 - 12,800
Processor	Expeed 4	Expeed 3
AF Points	11	11
Burst Mode	5fps	4fps
LCD Size	3.0" Fixed LCD	3.0" Fixed LCD
LCD Resolution	921,000 dots	921,000 dots
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.85x	0.78x
Viewfinder Type	Pentamirror	Pentamirror
Shutter Speed Range	1/4000 to 30 sec.	1/4000 to 30 sec.
Exposure Compensation	±5 EV	±5 EV
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Full HD Video	1,920 x 1,080 (60fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (50fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (30fps) 1,920 x 1080 (25fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (24fps)	1,920 x 1,080 (30fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (25fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (24fps)
Weight (inc. batteries)	430g (0.95lbs)	505g (1.11lbs)
Battery Life	700 Shots (CIPA)	540 Shots (CIPA)
Dimensions	124 x 98 x 76 mm	125 x 96 x 77 mm
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2014	2012

There’s nothing really wrong with the D3300 itself, it’s just that the D3200 was packed with so many awesome features for its price range.

Nikon D3300 – 6 Biggest Changes

1. No Optical Low-Pass Filter

On paper, this means that all of your shots will be sharper. In reality, there’s hardly any difference seen unless you print large. By large, I mean bigger than what most people print.

Nikon has done this with a couple of their models so don’t be surprised if it will be the same for all of their cameras.

2. Faster Burst Mode (5 vs 4fps)

Just a couple of years ago it was a standard for entry level DSLRs to shoot at 3fps. Most consumers were fine with it, and companies didn’t bother to put out anything faster (especially Canon).

Now that the megapixel race has slowed down though, there’s been far more focus on the burst mode. The D3300 shoots at 5fps compared to 4fps, which is a pretty cool upgrade!

3. ISO Range

With an increase in megapixels, it’s usually expected for ISO performance to suffer a bit. The D3200 is quite bad at 12,800, but the D3300 still goes 1 stop further (to 25,600). The increase itself is no good if there wasn’t any work done on the noise part, and as far as I’m concerned it’s the same.

4. Battery Life

I’m surprised how many people fail to see anything big here, but the D3300 allows you to take up to 700 shots, compared to just 540 of the D3200. That’s almost 200 more good looking shots (or bad ones if you’re learning).

5. Weight & Size

How small will they get? The SL1 already wins here, and Nikon is partially following. D3300 is 20% lighter (430g vs 505g) and 30% smaller than the D3300. This is when you include the kit lens though, as the D3300 comes with a more compact 18-55mm. When comparing bodies only, there are hardly any differences.

6. Video Performance

The D3300 can record Full HD videos at 60, 50, 30, 25 and 24fps. This is just about perfect for anyone who wants their videos to be high quality.

To sum up, you’re paying around $150 more for:

1 more frame per second
1 stop higher ISO speed
No optical low-pass filter
More fps in Full HD video
70g lighter gear
New 18-55mm kit lens

I think $150 difference is almost pushing it, but let’s see what happens with the D3100 and further pricing of all Nikon’s entry level models.

You can the Nikon D3300 at Amazon.

Looking for the best lenses?

Trying to find the best compatible lenses for your Nikon D3200 or D3300? Or do you want to know what the best Nikon lens is for a type of photography?

Our sister site, Best Photography Gear, has done a complete review of the best lenses for each one of these models. So if you’re trying to figure out what “glass” to pair with your camera we’ve searched all the gear to find the best wideangle, macro, and telephoto lenses.