Nikon D3200 24mp DSLR Announced: $699

In the never-ending quest to be king of the megapixel pile, Nikon today announced a somewhat amazing (and amazingly priced) consumer-level DSLR that features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor (this is quite a leap from the 14MP Nikon D3100 camera that it is replacing).  The camera supports a high-speed shooting rate of 4fps (frames per second) and has an ISO range of 100-6400 (with 12,800 available in extended range).

The camera features a 3-inch LCD and has a Live View mode that lets you view your scenes live on the LCD as well as both 1080p30 and 1080p24 video recording modes with full-time autofocus.  There is also a built-in microphone jack.

The D3200 will be sold as a kit with Nikon's AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens and is set to hit stores in late April. The suggested price is $699.95--so I imagine it will be even less when it hits the street. Nikon is also introducing a Wi-Fi add-on accessory (the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter) that will sell for $59.95, and clips into the side of the camera to add wireless file transfer and shutter control. This feature lets you transfer files directly from the camera to your smart phone, and also lets you control the camera using your phone from up to 50 feet away. 

Sound sweet? It does to me. It continues to amaze me that consumers these days can shoot with cameras that pros would have killed for just a few short years ago. And my guess is that cameras like the D3200 will find a place in pro bags as a backup body.

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