Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 04 ISO range
The newer Expeed processor in each model has an impact on the ISO range too. The D3100 is the worst here, offering a maximum ISO of 3,200.
This can be increased to ISO 12,800 in Hi 2 mode, but the quality goes downhill. The D3200 is slightly better, with a normal ISO range of 100-6,400, again expandable to 12,800, but the D3300 shows a clear improvement over both, with a range of 100-12,800, expandable to ISO 25,600. This is very good for a beginner-level camera.
SEE MORE: Nikon D5200 vs D3200 - which DSLR is best for you?
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 05 Kit lens
The Nikon D3300 itself has a number of useful improvements over its predecessor, but possibly the biggest news of all is that it introduces a new retracting 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens.
This has identical optical specifications to its predecessor, but is narrower and, when retracted, much shorter. This changes the overall size of the camera/lens combination considerably. Nikon's D3000-series camera bodies have always been very small, but somewhat let down by their ungainly and bulky kit lens.
But the new D3300's retractable kit lens puts this right, and closes the size gap to SLR-style mirrorless cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Panasonic Lumix G6. The dimensions tell the story.
The old lens measures 73mm across x 79mm long and weighs 265g. Nikon's new retractable lens measures 59.5mm x 66mm and weighs just 195g.
SEE MORE: Nikon lenses from A-Z - the ultimate photographer's guide
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 06 Autofocus
Interestingly, Nikon has stuck to the same Multi-CAM 1000 11-point AF sensor for all three cameras, presumably to avoid overlapping with cameras further up the range. It's a competent but basic AF module, with a single cross-type AF point in the centre.
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Sensor, Processor, Continuous shooting
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: ISO, Kit lens, Autofocus
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Shooting modes, Movies, LCD
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Memory, Wi-Fi, Battery
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Dimensions, Weight, Price
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Our conclusion
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