Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D800

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3200 and Nikon D800. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

These two camera models were both released 2012.

Camera Released
Nikon D3200 2012
Nikon D800 2012

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3200 has a "DX"-sensor while Nikon D800 has a "FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3200 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D800 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D3200 has a 24,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D800 has 36,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3200 24,2 MP
24064000 pixels
6016 x 4000
Nikon D800 36,3 MP
36152320 pixels
7360 x 4912

Nikon D800 has a 50 % larger resolution than Nikon D3200. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D800 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3200. Nikon D800 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon D3200 has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3200 100-6400
Nikon D800 100-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D800 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3200 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3200 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3200
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D800

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3200 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D800 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3200 4
Nikon D800 6

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D800. Sadly, the Nikon D3200 does not support this.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D800 weighs 900 gr (equal to 1,98 lb) which is 78% heavier than Nikon D3200 and its 505 gr (or 1,11 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3200 505 gr
1,11 lb
Nikon D800 900 gr
1,98 lb