Nikon introduces D3200 entry-level DSLR

Nikon has introduced a new DSLR to sit within its entry level range of cameras, featuring a 24.2 million pixel sensor, which it says it will sell alongside the camera's predecessor, the D3100.

The headline grabbing specification of the D3200 is of course the 24.2 million pixel sensor, Nikon's second high resolution camera to be introduced this year and the second highest in its current line-up (behind the Nikon D800's 36 million pixels).

It is designed to sit above the D3100 in the entry level range of DSLRs, but is not intended to be a direct replacement.

The native sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 up to ISO 6400, and is expandable up to Hi1, which is an equivalent of ISO 12800.

Eleven autofocus points are provided by the Multi CAM 1000 autofocus sensor for phase detection focusing when shooting through the optical viewfinder. A contrast detection system is also available when using Live View.

The D3200 uses the same Expeed 3 processor which can be found in Nikon's more expensive bodies, the D800 and D4. This promises to offer considerably faster speeds than the Expeed 2 processor, allowing for better noise reduction and full HD video recording.

1080p video recording is available at 24, 25 and 30fps, while 50 and 60fps can be achieved when recording in 720p HD. A stereo mic jack is included for adding an optional external microphone.

Big improvements have been made to the Guide Mode, which Nikon says has proven to be popular on its previous D3000 and D3100 models. This acts as an in-camera guide to achieving popular results. New additions, such as "Reds in Sunsets" have been added for the D3200.

Slight changes have been made to the ergonomics of the camera, including the addition of a dedicated Live View button, a movie record button and a drive mode option.

The rear LCD is now a 921k dot device, compared with the 230k dot screen of the D3100.

Available as a separate accessory, the Nikon D3200 can have Wi-Fi functionality added via the WU-1A adapter. This allows for images to be shared on social networking sites and other options via a connected smartphone. A free app for Android will be available to download from sales start date, while an iOS version should be ready in the autumn.

The Nikon D3200 price is set to be around £559.99 body only (around $895), or £649.99 (around $1,039) with the 18-55mm kit lens. It will be made available in both red and black from the middle of May. Meanwhile, the Nikon WU-1A wireless adapter price will cost around £54.99.