Available for around $500, the Nikon D3200 is a great camera for taking pictures, especially if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a digital camera. But – is the Nikon D3200 good for YouTube videos as well or you should look for other cheap options?
Nikon D3200 DSLR is an excellent entry-level camera. It has features like autofocus, auto image stabilization, live view mode, an LCD screen, a port for an external microphone, automatic ISO, and Full HD 1080P video resolution at fairly high frame rates of 30fps.
So, it can shoot good YouTube videos but you cannot expect it to deliver highly professional results.
Can You Vlog with Nikon D3200?
You can vlog with the Nikon D3200 without any worries. After all, people are also using their smartphones for vlogging and YouTube videos. A dedicated digital camera despite its specs is always better than a smartphone camera, even that of an iPhone, for photo and videography.
Benefits of Using Nikon D3200 for YouTube
The camera offers a lot of benefits when it comes to vlogging and creating YouTube videos such as:
Shoots in Full HD 1080P Definition
Nikon D3200 records videos in Full HD 1080P at 30 frames per second. Therefore, it is a superb camera for video making. Nikon D3200’s video quality is much better than some of the comparable cameras.
One of the best things about the Nikon D3200 is that it can also shoot in slow motion at 60fps. Therefore, you can create beautiful, clear, and smooth slow-motion videos.
LCD Screen
The camera features an intuitive touchscreen that not only helps you frame the exact shot you want to capture but also allows you to playback videos right on the camera.
Live View Mode
Another great feature of the camera for videos is the live view mode. You can raise the mirror by pressing the Live View button to see what is in the frame while recording videos.
Powerful CMOS Sensor
The Nikon D3200 has a powerful 24-megapixel CMOS sensor. Usually, cameras in this price range don’t have such high megapixels or powerful sensors. As a result, you can capture sharp, crisp, and detailed images and videos.
Hybrid Autofocus
Hybrid or continuous autofocus is necessary while shooting videos. The camera always keeps you in focus even while recording videos thanks to its excellent full-time autofocus. The resulting videos are sharp and devoid of blurs.
External Microphone Jack
Typically the audio quality of the built-in microphones is not that great and the same is true for Nikon D3200. However, this camera has a jack for an external microphone to considerably improve the audio quality of your videos.
VR Image Stabilization Lens
Nikon D3200 has a VR image stabilization lens to reduce camera shakes. Therefore, you don’t need any tripod to create sharp and crisp images and videos. However, tripods can significantly improve the quality of your videos. They are one of the most important camera accessories and should always be in your kit.
Disadvantages of Using Nikon D3200 for YouTube
Shooting with Nikon 3200 also has some disadvantages such as:
You cannot Monitor the Sound
Some cameras allow you to monitor or check the quality of the sound while recording using headphones. However, the Nikon D3200 lacks this feature and you can only check the audio quality after the shooting has been completed.
Expensive for Absolute Beginners
Although Nikon D3200 is affordable for most people yet it is still quite expensive for absolute beginners with no source of earning. Costing around $500, it is one of the best cameras at this price but it is still a huge amount of money for new YouTubers.
Over Exposure in Auto ISO
Auto ISO is a very nice feature, helping you to record beautiful videos in all light conditions. But – it can create problems for you, especially in Live View mode, by overexposing in bright settings. However, you can easily solve this problem by manually adjusting the ISO yourself.
Should You Get Nikon D3200 for Vlogging and YouTube
You should get it for YouTube but after some careful thinking and consideration. The first answer you should seek while asking yourself, “Is the Nikon D3200 good for YouTube videos” is whether or not you need a $500 camera in the early stages of your vlogging journey. You can get some excellent cameras for even less than $400. Therefore, you need to think long and hard and evaluate your career status before buying this camera.
Who Should Buy Nikon D3200 for YouTube?
Is the Nikon D3200 a good camera for videos? Yes, it is but you should only buy it if you meet certain conditions.
You have a Big Budget
You should buy a Nikon D3200 if you have around $500 to spend on a camera. Similarly, it is a good choice if you are already earning some money from YouTube and now planning to further grow your channel. Nikon D3200 will help you give vent to your creativity and record some truly great videos.
You also Want to Capture Images
You can capture some excellent images with Nikon D3200 as well. Therefore, you don’t need to buy separate cameras for images and videos if you invest in this particular camera.
Why Nikon D3200 is Worth the Money
So, you are still interested in purchasing the Nikon D3200. It is worth the money and the following are some reasons why.
Lightweight and Easy to Carry
Nikon D3200 is lightweight and you can easily carry it wherever you go. Therefore, you can shoot beautiful handheld candid videos and vlogs on the go. It doesn’t require a tripod to get different angles and types of footage.
The small camera can easily fit in your pocket as well. You don’t have to hang it around your neck which is great for tourists, travelers, and YouTubers.
Autofocus and Auto ISO
You have to manually set up the ISO and autofocus in some cameras which can be quite problematic for beginners. Similarly, it limits your movement and you cannot take shots from different angles without adjusting autofocus. The natural light can also change unpredictably making shoots brighter or darker.
Nikon D3200 comes with autofocus and auto ISO which means it will automatically adjust the focus and brightness irrespective of your movement and light conditions. You will always remain in focus and the resulting footage will look sharp and natural.
Excellent Live View Mode
The Live View mode of the Nikon D3200 is perhaps the best among comparable cameras. It allows you to see exactly what you want to shoot. Therefore, you can adjust the focus, set ISOs, select apertures, and do other things while you are recording the video. Your videos will never be out of focus or too dark or bright, saving you from the hassle of reshooting.
Nikon D3200 Video Quality Analysis
The ability to shoot in Full HD 1080P at 30fps means the video quality of the camera is excellent. Furthermore, the videos have clear colors and good details while motion artifacts are kept to the minimum.
Apart from Full HD, you can also shoot in HD or 720P and 640 x 424 SD resolution.
You can considerably enhance the video quality of your YouTube channel by using Nikon D3200. The videos are sharp and rich thanks to the extremely powerful 24-megapixel CMOS sensor.
Also Read: How To Take Landscape Photos: 25 Best Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nikon D3200 good for videos?
The Nikon D3200 is capable of shooting HD video at 1080p resolution, making it suitable for basic video recording needs. However, it may not meet the demands of more advanced videography due to its limited video features compared to newer models.
Which Nikon camera is best for YouTube videos?
For YouTube videos, Nikon models like the Nikon Z6 or Z50 are often recommended due to their superior video capabilities, including 4K recording, advanced autofocus, and flip screens, which are beneficial for vlogging and content creation.
Does Nikon D3200 shoot 4K?
The Nikon D3200 does not shoot in 4K. It can only record videos in Full HD (1920×1080) at up to 30 frames per second, which was standard for DSLRs of its generation but is now surpassed by newer models offering 4K video.
How long can a Nikon D3200 record video?
The Nikon D3200 has a maximum single video recording time limit of 20 minutes per clip in high quality or 29 minutes and 59 seconds in normal quality due to file size limitations and to prevent overheating, which is common in DSLRs during prolonged video recording.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have found a satisfactory answer to the question, “Is the Nikon D3200 good for YouTube videos.” Yes, it is an ideal and affordable choice for creating YouTube videos. Features like Full HD video recording, autofocus, VR image stabilization, auto ISO, external mic jack, and Live View mode result in sharp images and excellent sound. However, it can be quite expensive for absolute beginners because of its price tag of $500.
The camera can serve intermediate and professional YouTubers perfectly well. However, it can be overkill if you are a hobbyist. In this case, a good smartphone camera will do the job just fine for you.