Model Design / Appearance (8.0)
The Nikon Coolpix 3200 has a smooth, square body with rounded edges and a brushed-silver metallic finish graced by highlights of darker gray and polished silver. The right-hand grip extends out from the front face of the camera with a slight vertical lip that allows for the tips of the fingers to have a resting place. The microphone and speaker for the camera are both located on the top of the camera body in a slightly awkward place.

Size / Portability (7.0)
The Nikon Coolpix 3200 is small and compact. The camera fits neatly in the palm of my hand, allowing for easy portability. The lens has a retractable cover, so the user need not worry about losing the lens cap. The camera is slight enough in thickness to fit into your pants pocket or purse without added bulk or cumbersome weight. There is a wrist strap attachment on the right side of the camera to allow for better handling when transporting.

Handling Ability (6.0)
The Nikon Coolpix 3200 is an entry level point-and-shoot camera, and this approach is reflected in the overall handling. The camera weighs 4.9 ounces without batteries or memory card installed; the weight of the camera is primarily due to the two AA batteries housed in the bottom.

There are a few concerns about handling. When extended and engaged, the zoom lens tended to be a perfect place for the fingers of my left hand to rest, potentially obscuring the final image. This is less of a concern when the user is looking at the 1.6-inch LCD screen, as the user can actually see the guilty fingers. However, when using the real-image optical zoom viewfinder, the user is unable to discern whether or not the lens is being masked. Also, the microphone for the camera is located directly behind the shutter button for the camera, potentially recording noise from my fingers rather than the action. This is particularly a drawback in movie mode.

Control (6.5)
With few buttons on the back of the Nikon Coolpix 3200, the photographer has less of a chance to press buttons accidentally during use. The buttons it does have are separated from one another with plenty of space, although still close enough to allow for comfortable use. The mode dial is a bit cumbersome, as it’s tucked between the viewfinder and the zoom toggle. However, despite slightly tedious initial adjustments, it turns easily and allows for fast mode changes.

Menu (6.0)
The onscreen color menu available on the Nikon Coolpix 3200 changes widely with each different mode that is set on the dial. The simplistic menus allow the user to select from a few different manual settings, as well as image presets, portrait modes, and image sizes and qualities. Navigation through the menu is straightforward and intuitive from the beginning without excessive manual reading. To access many of the settings, the user must engage the shooting menu prior to the other mode dial settings. This structure of dual settings can be cumbersome and awkward.

Ease of Use (8.0)
The Nikon Coolpix 3200 has multiple menu settings which at times force the user to switch between modes. More likely, the user will rely entirely upon image presets or auto mode, making this camera almost too easy to use and a perfect camera for the first time point-and-shoot user needing a simple camera as an introduction to digital photography.