Nikon D3200: manual and instructions

Nikon’s entry-level DSLR, 24 MP. Its official manual as a PDF, then the essentials to get started.

The PDF opens directly, hosted by Nikon. Opening it means accepting its download agreement.

Getting started

Charging EN-EL14 (or EN-EL14a) battery in the MH-24 charger: about 1 h 30 min. The CHARGE lamp stops blinking when it’s done.
Lens With the camera off, line up the marks, turn until it clicks, then set the lens switch to A for autofocus.
Card Insert an SD card and format it in the setup menu the first time you use it.
Switching on for the first time Language, time zone, date format, daylight saving time, then date and time: until they’re set, the shutter won’t release.
Your first photo Mode dial on AUTO (or AUTO flash off). Halfway to focus, all the way to take the shot. Don’t remove the card while the access lamp is lit.

Mode dial on GUIDE: the screen guides you step by step to take, view or delete your pictures and change the settings.
Three sections: Shoot, View/delete and Set up.

Nikon F mount. Autofocus only works with AF-S and AF-I lenses.
Other AF lenses (G or D type) fit, but focusing is manual.
A lens without a CPU can only be used in M mode, with no light metering. IX-Nikkor lenses can’t be mounted.

Change lenses with the camera off, away from dust, and put the body cap back on.
The sensor is cleaned of dust by vibration every time the camera is switched on and off. Never touch its filter: Nikon recommends an authorised technician.
No alcohol or thinners: a blower, then a soft dry cloth.

Sensor: DX-format CMOS (23.2 × 15.4 mm), 24.2 MP
Mount: Nikon F
Sensitivity: ISO 100 to 6,400, up to about ISO 12,800 at Hi 1
Burst: about 4 frames per second
Video: 1920 × 1080 at 30p, 1280 × 720 at 60p
Screen: 7.5 cm (3 inches), 921,000 dots
Battery: EN-EL14, about 540 shots
Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I)
Wi-Fi and GPS: not built in: WU-1a wireless adapter, GP-1 GPS unit
Factory reset: “Reset shooting menu”, then “Reset setup options” in the setup menu