Nikon
D3200
Groundbreaking 24MP entry DX DSLR with EXPEED 3, Guide Mode, and 1080p30 video — brought high resolution to the budget tier.
$699
Launch priceReleased Apr 2012
Nikon
D810
36MP full-frame DSLR workhorse prized for landscape, studio, and commercial stills.
$3,299
Launch priceReleased Jun 2014
D810 is 2.2 years newer.
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Wins
D3200
Wins
D810
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BD810 has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 0 stops)
- AD3200 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 51)
- AD3200 has higher Max video bit rate (150 Mbps vs 42 Mbps)
- AD3200 has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 12,800)
- BD810 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD3200
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D810
146 × 123 × 82 mm
980 g (2.16 lb / 34.57 oz)
D3200 is 8mm narrower and 25mm shorter than D810 but it is also 7mm thicker.
D3200 is 460 g lighter than D810.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D3200 · 82mm D810
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D3200
138 × 98 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
D810
146 × 123 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D3200
138 × 88 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
D810
146 × 82 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D3200
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
D810
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D3200
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
D810
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D3200
AF low-light limit
-8.5 EV vs -2 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
493 vs 51 — higher is better
Max video bit rate
150 Mbps vs 42 Mbps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 12,800 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265
Wi-Fi
Only D3200 supports it
Reasons to choose
D810
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 146, 123, 81.5
Card types
Adds SD, CompactFlash
Animal / bird AF
Only D810 supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only D810 supports it
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Codecs
Adds MPEG-4
Weather sealing
Only D810 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 90 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Battery life (CIPA) — Both 640 shots
- ✓EVF refresh rate — Both 120 Hz
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D3200
Pros
- ✓24.2MP at entry price (2012)
- ✓Guide Mode tutorials
- ✓Affordable used body
- ✓Huge F-mount lens library
- ✓Good stills IQ for era
Cons
- –Dated EXPEED 3
- –1080p30 video only
- –11-point AF, 4 fps
- –No articulating screen
D810
Pros
- ✓36MP no OPLF
- ✓Excellent dynamic range
- ✓Pro F-mount ecosystem
Cons
- –Superseded by D850
- –Slow live view AF
- –Heavy
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D3200 and D810 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D3200
Nikon D810
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, D3200 or D810?
D810 scores 7.5/10 versus 1.5/10 for D3200 — 36.3MP — ample resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the D3200 and D810?
D3200 is 24.2 MP and D810 is 36.3 MP, so the D810 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the D3200 and D810?
D3200 does not have IBIS, while D810 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D3200 or the D810?
D3200 reaches 11 fps electronic. D810 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D3200 and D810?
D3200 weighs 520 g and D810 weighs 980 g, so the D3200 is 460 g lighter.
Do the D3200 and D810 record 4K video?
D3200: 4K up to 60p. D810: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D3200 and D810 weather sealed?
D3200: No. D810: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D3200 and 640 shots for the D810, giving the D810 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D3200 launched at $699 and D810 at $3,299. The D3200 is $2,600 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D3200 vs D810 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.