Capturing the world through a Nikon lens
Guide

Nikon Z Fc Vs D3200: Which Camera Is Best For Beginners In 2023?

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • The Z fc uses the Nikon Z mount, while the D3200 uses the Nikon F mount.
  • The EVF on the Z fc is much larger and brighter than the OVF on the D3200, making it easier to see your shots in low-light conditions.
  • If you’re not sure whether the Nikon Z fc or D3200 is the right camera for you, there are a few other cameras that you may want to consider.

When it comes to choosing a camera, there are many factors to consider. Two popular options from Nikon are the Z fc and the D3200. While both cameras offer excellent image quality, they have some key differences that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Nikon Z fc vs D3200 and help you decide which one is right for you.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon Z fc features a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the D3200 has a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but the Z fc has a slight edge in terms of resolution. This means that you can print larger photos or crop your images more tightly without losing detail.

Lens Mount

One of the biggest differences between the Nikon Z fc and D3200 is the lens mount. The Z fc uses the Nikon Z mount, while the D3200 uses the Nikon F mount. This means that you can use a wider variety of lenses with the Z fc, including the latest Z-mount lenses from Nikon. The D3200 is limited to F-mount lenses, which are still widely available but not as cutting-edge as the Z-mount lenses.

Design and Build Quality

The Nikon Z fc and D3200 have very different designs. The Z fc has a retro look that is inspired by the classic Nikon FM2 film camera. It’s made from magnesium alloy and has a weather-sealed body, making it more durable than the D3200. The D3200 has a more traditional DSLR design and is made from polycarbonate plastic. It’s not weather-sealed, so it’s not as well-suited for shooting in inclement weather.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

The Nikon Z fc has a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), while the D3200 has an optical viewfinder (OVF). The EVF on the Z fc is much larger and brighter than the OVF on the D3200, making it easier to see your shots in low-light conditions. The Z fc also has a 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD screen, while the D3200 has a 2.7-inch non-touch LCD screen. The touchscreen on the Z fc makes it easier to navigate the camera’s menus and settings.

Autofocus

The Nikon Z fc has a hybrid autofocus system that uses both phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus. This system is very fast and accurate, even in low-light conditions. The D3200 has a phase-detection autofocus system that is not as fast or accurate as the Z fc’s autofocus system.

Video Recording

The Nikon Z fc can record 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), while the D3200 can only record 1080p video at 60 fps. The Z fc also has a microphone input, which allows you to connect an external microphone for better audio quality. The D3200 does not have a microphone input.

Connectivity

The Nikon Z fc has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while the D3200 does not. This allows you to easily transfer photos and videos to your smartphone or computer. The Z fc also has a USB-C port, while the D3200 has a mini-USB port.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon Z fc and D3200 are both excellent cameras, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Z fc has a better sensor, lens mount, design, viewfinder, autofocus, video recording capabilities, and connectivity. However, it’s also more expensive than the D3200. The D3200 is a good choice for beginners who are looking for a budget-friendly camera. It’s also a good choice for photographers who want a camera that is easy to use.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re not sure whether the Nikon Z fc or D3200 is the right camera for you, there are a few other cameras that you may want to consider. Some of these cameras include:

  • Nikon Z50: The Z50 is a more affordable option than the Z fc, but it still offers many of the same features.
  • Canon EOS M50 Mark II: The EOS M50 Mark II is a mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and a variety of features.
  • Fujifilm X-T30: The X-T30 is a retro-styled camera that offers excellent image quality and a variety of features.

Final Note: The Best Camera for Your Needs

The best camera for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a camera with excellent image quality, a variety of features, and a retro design, then the Nikon Z fc is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly camera, then the Nikon D3200 is a good option.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which camera has a better sensor?
A: The Nikon Z fc has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the D3200 has a 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor. The Z fc has a slight edge in terms of resolution.

Q: Which camera has a better lens mount?
A: The Nikon Z fc uses the Nikon Z mount, while the D3200 uses the Nikon F mount. The Z fc can use a wider variety of lenses, including the latest Z-mount lenses from Nikon.

Q: Which camera has a better design and build quality?
A: The Nikon Z fc has a retro design that is made from magnesium alloy and has a weather-sealed body. The D3200 has a more traditional DSLR design and is made from polycarbonate plastic. It’s not weather-sealed.

Q: Which camera has a better viewfinder and LCD screen?
A: The Nikon Z fc has a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), while the D3200 has an optical viewfinder (OVF). The EVF on the Z fc is much larger and brighter than the OVF on the D3200. The Z fc also has a 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD screen, while the D3200 has a 2.7-inch non-touch LCD screen.

Q: Which camera has better autofocus?
A: The Nikon Z fc has a hybrid autofocus system that uses both phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus. This system is very fast and accurate, even in low-light conditions. The D3200 has a phase-detection autofocus system that is not as fast or accurate as the Z fc’s autofocus system.

Was this page helpful?

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
Back to top button