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 review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Nikon D3200 belongs to a Entry-Level DSLR category, the other model, Nikon D3200 is a Entry-Level Mirrorless camera. Nikon D3200 is equipped with a 24.0 MP CMOS sensor, while Sony Alpha A3000 comes with a 20.0 MP CMOS sensor.
Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - DSLR and MirrorLess. Keeping in mind all the distinctive features of each category, it will be hard to make a detailed comparison of these two models. However, we will do our best to make this review as unbiased and detailed as possible.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D3200 and Sony Alpha A3000 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D3200 Key Features:
Sony Alpha A3000 Key Features:
Nikon D3200 was substituted by Nikon D3300.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D3200 vs. D3300
Nikon D3300 vs. Sony Alpha A3000
Nikon D3200 substituted Nikon D3100.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D3200 vs. D3100
Nikon D3100 vs. Sony Alpha A3000
Wireless Connectivity | Optional vs No | Better connectivity |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 20.0 MP | 16.7% more pixels |
Continuous Shooting | 4 fps vs 3 fps | 1 fps faster |
Flash Range | 12 vs 6 | 6 better flash range |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots vs 230k dots | 75% higher resolution screen |
Battery Life | 540 shots vs 470 shots | 70 more frames with a single charge |
Microphone Port | Yes vs No | High quality audio recording option |
Dxo Color Depth | 24.1 vs 23.7 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 13.2 vs 12.8 | Better dynamic range |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 1131 vs 1068 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.53 vs 0.47 | 0.06 better magnification |
Sensor Area | 366.6 mm2 vs 357.28 mm2 | 2.5% larger pixel area |
Number Of Focus Points | 25 vs 11 | 14 more focus points |
Weight | 411 g vs 505 g | 94 g lighter |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic | Better framing and control |
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 |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 230k 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 |
Continuous Shooting | 4.0 fps | 3.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
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 Sony Alpha A3000 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, Sony Alpha A3000 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 94g 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 Sony Alpha A3000 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 . Sony Alpha A3000, in its turn, comes with a 20.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processor processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D3200 and Sony Alpha A3000 by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D3200 and Sony Alpha A3000 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
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 Sony Alpha A3000 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.
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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 Sony Alpha A3000, 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 Sony Alpha A3000 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha A3000 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 | Sony Alpha A3000 | |
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General | ||
Brand | Nikon | Sony |
Model | D3200 | Alpha A3000 |
Announced | Jul 25, 2012 | Aug 27, 2013 |
Body Type | Compact SLR | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.2 x 15.4 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
Sensor Area | 357.28 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 20.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 5456 x 3632 |
Max Native ISO | 6,400 | 16,000 |
Max Boosted ISO | 12,800 | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
Number of Lenses | 287 | 83 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.5x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
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 | 25 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | 1 | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 230k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.53 | 0.47 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 4.0 fps | 3.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 12 | 6 |
Flash Modes | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain | Flash off, Auto flash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync. |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 81 | 78 |
DxO Color Depth | 24.1 | 23.7 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 13.2 | 12.8 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 1131 | 1068 |
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 |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD, H.264, MP4 |
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 | 411 g |
Physical Dimensions | 125 x 96 x 77 mm | 128 x 91 x 85 mm |
Battery Life | 540 shots | 470 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | EN-EL14 | NP-FW50 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant | n/a |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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