Nikon has unveiled its muchrumoured new entry-level digital SLR in the D3200. But it’s not a straight replacement for the D3100, the number one top-selling DSLR throughout Europe. This will remain in the manufacturer’s line up just below the same-sized D3200 for at least a year. Interestingly the earlier D3000 also continues, albeit in limited supply.
Launching the camera, Nikon UK’s General Manager John Walsh stated that it was Nikon’s “clear ambition to be the number one imaging brand by market share.” In fact, GfK data showed it had held the number one position for the first two months of 2012.
Pitched at customers searching for an entry level DSLR, but one with advanced settings, the D3200 is designed to deliver stunning pictures and Full HD video in as simple a way as possible, thanks to the built-in Enhanced Guide mode. As on previous models, the Guide option on the shooting mode dial is designed to teach new users stepping up from a compact snapshot about photography in the process of their taking pictures.
The D3200 also features an all-new DX format 23.2×15.4mm CMOS sensor and 24.2 megapixel resolution. A light sensitivity range of ISO100-6400 is expandable to ISO12800. With 11 AF points off ered, its Expeed 3 image processor is the same as that featured in the flagship D4, partly enabling 1920×1080 pixels video at 30fps. A dedicated movie record button is provided, as is an external microphone input, while LCD resolution is boosted to 921k dots. Available in red or black, SRP for the camera is £559.99 body only or £649.99 with 18-55mm VR zoom.
Nikon also announced a new wireless adapter for the D3200 only, priced at £54.99. The WU-1a can connect the camera to a smart device, such as a phone or tablet computer, enabling pictures to be taken remotely, transmitted and uploaded to social networking sites. New also is an AF-S 28mm f/1.8G prime lens for FX format Nikons, off ering a 42mm focal length when alternatively attached to a DX DSLR. SRP is £619.99. Availability is mid May. www.nikon.co.uk
Nikon joins the Dots, adjusts DSLR prices
Not content with its TIPA Awards this month Nikon has picked up another ‒ the Red Dot Award ‒ from the worldwide product design community. Its winning products recognised for their looks, not just performance, are the Nikon 1 system cameras (V1, J1), the Coolpix AW100 and Coolpix P310.
The Nikon 1 camera system went on to be selected for the ‘best of the best’ award in the Entertainment Technology and Cameras category, one of the more competitive categories (www.nikon.co.uk).
A reminder too: Nikon is running its latest consumer cashback promotion ‒ involving the D3100, D5100 and D7000 ‒ until May 30th inclusive. For details see … www.nikon.co.uk/cashback
Recommended prices have also been corrected upwards for the D4, D800 and D800E after an earlier ‘internal systems error.’ The correct pricing should have been D4: £5289.99, D800: £2,599.99 and D800E: £2,899.99. Nikon will be honouring the original prices to retailers on all customer pre-orders that were placed before March 24th 2012.
The Red Dot Award has become one of the largest and most prestigious design awards worldwide. This year, designers and companies from 58 countries entered 4,515 products.
