Nikon CoolPix 3200

Value (6.5)
In July 2004, PC World named the Nikon Coolpix 3200 a "Best Buy." For a MSRP of $199.95, however, the user of the Nikon Coolpix 3200 is probably going to be disappointed if he or she ever wants to move beyond basic digital photography. It does have a 3x optical zoom lens, direct printing capabilities, and a 1.6-inch LCD screen with a 3.2 MP CCD. This camera is definitely intended for the low priced point-and-shoot camera market. It’s a good value if the user wants menus that are simple to scan, direct print capability, and plenty of scene modes.

Comparisons
Canon PowerShot A75- Introduced earlier this year, the Canon PowerShot A75 has 3.2 effective megapixels and a similar 35-105mm lens. While the A75 has similar dimensions to the Nikon Coolpix 3200, it is much heavier at 7.06 ounces. The Coolpix 3200 is far lighter at 4.9 ounces. Of course, the A75 comes with a slightly larger 1.8-inch LCD screen. For a suggested retail of $249, the Canon PowerShot A75 comes with features similar to the Coolpix 3200.

Nikon Coolpix 2200 - This earlier model in the Coolpix line sells cheaper at $149.95, but comes with only 2.1 megapixels and a smaller 1/3.2-inch CCD. The camera’s dimensions and weight are the same as the Nikon Coolpix 3200. The 2200 comes with a smaller 1.6-inch LCD screen, but the basic automatic and manual functions of the camera are pretty much the same, all the way down to the 4 – 1/3000 shutter speed range. With a similar 36-108mm lens and the exact same 14.5 megabytes of internal memory, the Nikon Coolpix 2200 only falls short in its megapixel count.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P41 - With the DSC-P41, the consumer gets a camera that has a larger 1/2.7-inch 4 MP CCD, for less money at $179.95. The only problem with this camera is the absolute lack of optical zoom, forcing the user to rely solely upon digital zoom, and even then, only 3x digital zoom at that. Poor automatic focusing adds to this problem and creates a difficult camera to use for any level user. White balance and other customized settings are tailored in the same automatic mode driven format found in the FinePix and the Coolpix, however, the DSC-P41 does have a manual focus distance setting, which is controlled through the LCD screen, and set based upon suspected distances. This camera is easily portable, neatly fits into a pocket, and shoots in five still image modes and audio/video at a much better frame rate than the FinePix, at 30 frames per second. It also comes with a 16MB memory stick and a 1.5-inch LCD screen with a real image viewfinder.

HP Photosmart 735 - This 3.24 megapixel digital camera is so recently announced that it probably won’t hit shelves until November. The HP Photosmart 735 retails at $179.99, just in time for the holiday season. The 735 is not quite as compact as the Coolpix 3200 and comes with a smaller 1.5-inch LCD screen. However, it does have many similar features, including its 38-114mm lens and 1/2.7-inch CCD. It also has 16MB of internal memory, 1.5MB more than the Nikon Coolpix 3200.

Kodak EasyShare CX7430 - This model retails for $249.95 and is provided as an example of what is available to the consumer who is willing to spend a little more in the hopes of getting a somewhat better camera. This camera by Kodak comes with a 1/2.5-inch 4 MP CCD, and 3x optical zoom with 4x digital zoom, slightly higher than those available on the Coolpix. It comes with four still image format settings and two video settings at rates of 13 and 20 frames per second. There is no audio recording available on this camera. There is auto focus with multi-zone or center zone focus settings available. This camera, although more expensive than the other models featured here, has just as few manual controls available to it, although, like the Coolpix, it does come with 16 MB built-in memory. This camera is not capable of webcam service, but is direct print capable with the EasyShare printer series. Like the Nikon Coolpix 3200, it has a real image optical viewfinder and a 1.6-inch LCD screen.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - This camera is meant for the point-and-shoot user, especially those who need to rely upon basic pictures due to photographic illiteracy. It’s almost entirely controlled via automatic mode, so even the most basic of decisions is usurped by the camera.

Budget Consumers - With an MSRP of $199.95 and a street price of about fifty bucks cheaper, the Nikon Coolpix 3200 is probably reasonably priced for what it can offer; however, more manual control is available on similarly priced models manufactured by other companies.

Gadget Freaks - Although there are an overwhelming number of image presets available, this camera is not necessarily full of interesting or curious features for the gadget freak.

Manual Control Freaks - The manual control enthusiast will cringe at the Nikon Coolpix 3200, whose only major manual control is the white balance custom setting.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - There is no real reason a pro or serious hobbyist would ever choose the Nikon Coolpix 3200 as a camera, even if a basic point-and-shoot model was desired.