Nikon D3200

The Nikon D3200 is an APS-C DSLR released in 2012. Its 24.2-megapixel sensor captures plenty of detail, and the Nikon F DX mount lets you fit different F-mount lenses as your needs change.

At 505 g it is a light camera to carry, and the optical viewfinder gives a direct view of the scene for comfortable framing. The 3-inch LCD is there for review and live view work.

Owning it is simple but basic. There is no wireless connectivity, so moving images to a computer means handling the memory card, and the fixed screen does not tilt for shooting high or low.

The 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, handled by the Expeed 3 processor, is the camera's core strength. Files carry enough resolution for large prints or generous cropping. Its Optics score of 63 is good and sits around the middle of cameras in our database.

The Nikon F DX mount accepts F-mount lenses, so you can start with one lens and add others for different subjects without changing systems.

Several specs show the camera's age. The 11 autofocus points, 4 fps maximum burst and 1/4000 s top shutter speed are modest figures, and the ISO range tops out at 6400, which narrows the options when light falls.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so sharp handheld frames at slower shutter speeds depend on steady technique or a stabilised lens if one is fitted. The optical viewfinder helps that discipline, giving a clear view for careful composition.

Video is a secondary capability here, and the modest score of 43 reflects that. The maximum recording resolution is Full HD, the highest frame rate on offer is 30 fps, and footage records as MOV files. That combination covers family clips, web content and straightforward handheld work.

Recording is framed in live view on the LCD, because the optical viewfinder cannot show the captured image. The screen does not tilt or fold out, so low or high camera angles take more effort to set up.

There is no built-in intervalometer for time-lapse, so sequences need another approach, such as shooting individual frames at fixed intervals and assembling them into a video in software afterwards.

The 3-inch LCD carries 921,000 dots, enough detail to check focus and composition after a shot. It is not a touchscreen, so settings change through buttons and menus rather than taps.

Both a built-in flash and support for an external flash are included. The built-in unit lifts shadows in daylight or lights a dim room, while the external option lets you add stronger, more controllable lighting as your skills grow.

The modest features score of 41 matches the sparse extras. There is no weather sealing, so keep the camera dry in rain or dust. With no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GPS, the camera cannot send files wirelessly or tag photos with its own location data.

A single SD, SDHC or SDXC slot handles storage and accepts UHS-I cards. With only one slot there is no spare card inside the camera, so pack extras for a long shoot.

The EN-EL14 battery is rated at 540 shots per charge. Treat that as a baseline figure rather than a promise of everyday endurance.

The battery cannot be charged over USB, so you cannot top it up by plugging the camera in. A spare EN-EL14 lets you swap batteries and carry on shooting.

The limited score of 27 for this section reflects the single card slot, the modest battery life rating and the absence of USB charging. None of that stops the camera working; it just asks for a little more planning.