Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this overview, we are going to take a look at two different camera models that fall into different categories: the first model we are about to review, Nikon D3200 is a camera from Entry-Level DSLR category. It features CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.0 MP. The second model we are looking at, Nikon Coolpix P330, falls into a Small Sensor Compact category and it is equipped with BSI-CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 12.0 MP.
Without a doubt, these two categories have a few considerable distinctive features. However, it is worth saying that cameras from DSLR category create serious competition to models that fall into Compact category. Such an intense competition between these two categories is explained by the significant advantages of cameras from the first category in terms of size and weight. In addition, thanks to the latest enhancement, this type of cameras come with increased focus speeds. This fact makes our comparison overview even more exciting.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon D3200 and Nikon Coolpix P330.
Nikon D3200 Key Features:
Nikon Coolpix P330 Key Features:
Since Nikon D3200 has been around for some time, it was substituted by
Nikon D3300.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D3200 vs. D3300
Nikon D3300 vs. Nikon Coolpix P330
Being a newer model, Nikon D3200 substituted
Nikon D3100.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D3200 vs. D3100
Nikon D3100 vs. Nikon Coolpix P330
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 50% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 357.28 mm2 vs 41.52 mm2 | 88.4% larger pixel area |
Flash Range | 12 vs 6.5 | 5.5 better flash range |
External Flash | Yes vs No | Connect off-camera flash |
Number Of Cross Focus Points | 1 vs 0 | 1 more cross focus points |
Battery Life | 540 shots vs 200 shots | 340 more frames with a single charge |
Microphone Port | Yes vs No | High quality audio recording option |
Dxo Color Depth | 24.1 vs 21 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 13.2 vs 11.7 | Better dynamic range |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 1131 vs 213 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.53 vs No | 0.53 better magnification |
Gps | Built-in vs Optional | Has GPS |
Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
Continuous Shooting | 10 fps vs 4 fps | 6 fps faster |
Weight | 200 g vs 505 g | 305 g lighter |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 921k dots | Small screen resolution |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Timelapse Recording | No | No | No timelapse recording |
Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D3200 and Nikon Coolpix P330 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon Coolpix P330 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 305g less than the Nikon D3200. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D3200 and Nikon Coolpix P330 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D3200 features a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor . Nikon Coolpix P330, in its turn, comes with a 12.0 MP 1/1.7" sized BSI-CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D3200 and Nikon Coolpix P330 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon D3200 has a sensor area 0.1x bigger compared to Nikon Coolpix P330. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D3200 and Nikon Coolpix P330 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Nikon D3200 | Nikon Coolpix P330 |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D3200 or Nikon Coolpix P330, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D3200 and Nikon Coolpix P330 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon Coolpix P330 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D3200. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Nikon D3200 | Nikon Coolpix P330 | |
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General | ||
Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
Model | D3200 | Coolpix P330 |
Announced | Jul 25, 2012 | Mar 04, 2013 |
Body Type | Compact SLR | Compact |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Size | APS-C | 1/1.7" |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.2 x 15.4 mm | 7.44 x 5.58 mm |
Sensor Area | 357.28 mm2 | 41.52 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 12.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max Native ISO | 6,400 | 12,800 |
Max Boosted ISO | 12,800 | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Fixed lens |
Number of Lenses | 287 | n/a |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | n/a |
Macro Focus Range | 3 | |
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 11 | n/a |
Number of Cross Focus Points | 1 | 0 |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 921k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentamirror) | |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | % |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.53 | |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 60 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 4.0 fps | 10.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 12 | 6.5 |
Flash Modes | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain | |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 81 | 54 |
DxO Color Depth | 24.1 | 21.0 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 13.2 | 11.7 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 1131 | 213 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720p (30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25fps) |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 505 g | 200 g |
Physical Dimensions | 125 x 96 x 77 mm | 103 x 58 x 32 mm |
Battery Life | 540 shots | 200 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | EN-EL14 | EN-EL12 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | Built-in |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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