Upgrade Guide
Nikon D90→Nikon D3200
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the D90. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the D3200
-
Resolution24MP vs 12MP (+12MP)
-
Generation4 years newer (2012 vs 2008)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | D90 | D3200 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.3 | ||
| Street | +0.5 | ||
| Travel | +0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.3 | ||
| Documentary | +0.8 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.2 | ||
| Landscape | +0.7 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.1 | ||
| Casual | +1.1 | ||
| Food | +0.8 | ||
| Macro | +0.5 | ||
| Architecture | +0.8 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.7 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D90 | D3200 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £25 | £80 | |
| Released | 2008 | 2012 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 12MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | 720p/24 | Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60 | |
| Autofocus | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 4fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~850 shots (CIPA) | ~540 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 700g (with battery) | 505g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Nikon F-mount (DX) | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D90 and D3200 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D3200 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the D90
Related buying guides
Camera family history