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Nikon

D3200

Groundbreaking 24MP entry DX DSLR with EXPEED 3, Guide Mode, and 1080p30 video — brought high resolution to the budget tier.

$699

Launch price

Released Apr 2012

vs

Sony

Alpha 6000

Classic compact APS-C body that sold millions and introduced many to mirrorless.

$649

Launch price

Released Feb 2014

Alpha 6000 is 1.8 years newer.

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Wins

6categories

D3200

★ Travel★ Wildlife

Wins

4categories

Alpha 6000

8 categories tied

Which would you choose?

TL;DR — Key differences

D3200 wins 4 categories·Alpha 6000 wins 1 categories
  • AD3200 has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 0 fps)
  • AD3200 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 179)
  • BAlpha 6000 has higher Burst (mechanical) (11 fps vs 6 fps)
  • AD3200 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 360 shots)
  • AD3200 has higher EVF resolution (2,360,000 vs 1,440,000)

Key specs at a glance

D3200Alpha 6000
Resolution24.2 MP24.3 MP
SensorAPS-CAPS-C
ISO max25,60025,600
Burst11 fps11 fps
4K60 fps—
IBISNoNo
Weight520 g344 g
Battery640 shots360 shots

Size and weight, to scale

D3200

138 × 98 × 88 mm

520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)

Credit card shown to scale as a size reference (ISO 7810, 85.6 × 54 mm)

Credit card

85.6 × 54 mm

for scale

Alpha 6000

120 × 67 × 45 mm

344 g (0.76 lb / 12.13 oz)

D3200 is 18mm wider, 31mm taller, and 43mm thicker than Alpha 6000.

D3200 is 176 g heavier than Alpha 6000.

Depth (front-to-back): 88mm D3200 · 45mm Alpha 6000

Sensor size, to scale

D3200

23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C

367 mm² area

Alpha 6000

23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C

367 mm² area

Lens ecosystem

Native lens selection

D3200

Nikon F

270+

native lenses available

90 first-party180 third-party

Alpha 6000

✓ more lenses

Sony E

350+

native lenses available

80 first-party270 third-party

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

Use caseD3200Alpha 6000
Portrait
5.5Fair
5.5Fair
Sports & Action
4.5Fair✓ wins
2.0Limited
Video & Hybrid
4.5Fair✓ wins
1.0Limited
Landscape
1.5Limited
1.5Limited
Travel
6.0Good✓ wins
5.5Fair
Wildlife
6.0Good✓ wins
2.5Limited
Vlogging
5.5Fair✓ wins
3.0Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose

D3200

  • AF low-light limit

    -8.5 EV vs -1 EV — lower is better

  • 4K max frame rate

    60 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 138, 98, 88

  • Card types

    Adds SD UHS-II

  • Subject recognition

    Adds Animal, Bird, Vehicle

  • AF points / zones

    493 vs 179 — higher is better

  • Codecs

    Adds H.265

  • Bluetooth

    Only D3200 supports it

Reasons to choose

Alpha 6000

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 120, 66.9, 45.1

  • Card types

    Adds SD UHS-I

  • Codecs

    Adds AVCHD, MP4

  • Burst (mechanical)

    11 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better

  • Weight

    344 g vs 520 g — lower is better

  • AF frame coverage

    94 % vs 90 % — higher is better

  • Resolution

    24.3 MP vs 24.2 MP — higher is better

Both cameras share

  • ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
  • ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
  • ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
  • ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 11 fps
  • ✓RAW buffer depth — Both 60 frames
  • ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps

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

Alpha 6000

Pros

  • ✓Ultra compact
  • ✓Fast AF for era
  • ✓Affordable

Cons

  • –Very dated
  • –No IBIS
  • –No 4K

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the D3200 and Alpha 6000 at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

✓ = category winner

D3200
Alpha 6000
Resolution
24.2 MP
24.3 MP✓
Sensor type
APS-C CMOS
APS-C Exmor CMOS
Sensor size
23.5 × 15.6 mm
23.5 × 15.6 mm
AA filter
No
No
D3200
Alpha 6000
Processor
EXPEED 3
BIONZ X
D3200
Alpha 6000
ISO min (native)
100
100
ISO max (native)
25,600
25,600
ISO max (expanded)
102,400
102,400
D3200
Alpha 6000
Shutter type
Mechanical + Electronic
Mechanical + Electronic first curtain
Max mechanical speed
1/8000 sec
1/4000 sec
Max electronic speed
1/16000 sec
1/16000 sec

Frequently asked

Quick answers generated from verified specs.

Which is better for wildlife, D3200 or Alpha 6000?

D3200 scores 6.0/10 versus 2.5/10 for Alpha 6000 — Bird AF subject recognition.

What's the resolution difference between the D3200 and Alpha 6000?

D3200 is 24.2 MP and Alpha 6000 is 24.3 MP, so the Alpha 6000 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.

How does stabilization compare between the D3200 and Alpha 6000?

D3200 does not have IBIS, while Alpha 6000 does not have IBIS.

Which shoots faster bursts — the D3200 or the Alpha 6000?

D3200 reaches 11 fps electronic. Alpha 6000 reaches 11 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the D3200 and Alpha 6000?

D3200 weighs 520 g and Alpha 6000 weighs 344 g, so the Alpha 6000 is 176 g lighter.

Do the D3200 and Alpha 6000 record 4K video?

D3200: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 6000: Full HD.

Are the D3200 and Alpha 6000 weather sealed?

D3200: No. Alpha 6000: No.

Which has better battery life?

Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D3200 and 360 shots for the Alpha 6000, giving the D3200 the edge.

How much does each cost?

D3200 launched at $699 and Alpha 6000 at $649. The Alpha 6000 is $50 less.

Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.

Add any camera to get a three-way D3200 vs Alpha 6000 vs X comparison.

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed October 2026.