Nikon D3200 vs Canon T5

Introduction

We’ve seen entry-level Nikon DSLRs before, as I’ve made hundreds of reviews and comparisons about different DSLR categories, nonetheless, this time around the Nikon D3200 is competing with one of Canon’s most sold entry-level DSLR (Canon T5) which packs incredible value for money, while it has some of the most useful and common features for novice users.

I’m pretty sure how a DSLR is different from the other types of cameras, but for the sake of the article, we’re still going to explain it in a few words. Unlike a mirrorless camera, DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflective camera, which means that it uses an optical viewfinder where the light goes directly through, while they are named DSLR simply because they came first in line, while mirrorless cameras came second.

I would really recommend these cameras to people that have been using more premium cameras before, they’re more oriented towards beginners and people that are just starting out, however, they would be also perfect as a second camera to go with if you are in need of one, mostly due to the affordable price, and their common set of the most essential features found in the most popular DSLRs.

Even though this is not our first time making a review about the D3200, still, in this article, we’ll try to mention some other things which we forgot to mention in our previous reviews, while we’ll make a head-to-head comparison about both cameras, and see what their differences no matter how small they may be.

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Head To Head Comparison

Nikon D3200

The DX-line has been a very popular line of cameras along the years, while this is not the newest addition to the lineup, still, in my opinion, it shares similar features and almost the same performance as its successor, the D3300. There’s really a lot to talk about this camera, even though it comes at a fairly affordable price, so stay with us in the next couple of minutes to find out more.

The design of this camera changes slightly from its predecessor, more precisely in some parts of the control layout. It remains mostly the same in terms of aesthetics, built quality and construction, while it has a fairly decent handgrip but not as good as you’d think, especially if you have large hands. But of course, this is only my personal opinion which doesn’t have to affect your thoughts on this product. There are some textures here and there which add some extra points to comfortability, however, I do think that these textured spots also give a great look to the overall appearance of the camera.

Also, it’s important to mention that the camera’s optical viewfinder has a coverage of 95%, which means that you’ll miss out on some details around the corners of the frame, but for the most part, these corners are not that important since the subject is always on the center, or far enough from the corners.

The LCD screen is not that groundbreaking, but it’s reliable with a 3-inch 920k-dot screen, you’ll get stunning color accuracy, vibrant and sharp details, while from my experience, I didn’t have any problems in outdoor light as well, so there’s that. But, as I’m used to having a fully articulating touchscreen LCD, I’m not really a fan of this screen because it’s fixed, while it lacks touchscreen capabilities. However, I don’t really blame the manufacturer, it’s just an entry-level DSLR which for the price, it delivers great value for money.

Performance-wise, the Nikon D3200 uses a remarkable 24MP CMOS sensor, and for more convenience, it combines with the EXPEED 3 image processor to output a continuous shooting speed of 4fps. This is not the best camera for videography, but for photography, it’s one of the best in this price range, especially if you pair it with the best lens for Nikon D3200.

Although what I do like is the impressive autofocus system with 11-AF point and 3D tracking, you’ll basically have a focus on the subject across the entire frame, even if it’s a fast-moving subject. But that’s not all, let’s not forget to mention that the native ISO of D3200 is 100-6400, but it can also be expanded to a Hi1 setting equivalent 12,800.

In terms of video recording, you only get Full HD 1080p, while if you were hoping for 4K, you won’t get that here just as I mentioned in the beginning. I recommend you take a look at our list of the best tripods for Nikon D3200 so you can maximise the outcome.

Furthermore, when it comes to connectivities, there’s no built-in Wi-Fi, there’s only a WU-1a Wi-Fi transmitter available which clips into the USB socket, thus, allowing for image transfer to compatible smartphone devices that use the Nikkon app.

Overall, I really like the D3200, it lacks some features but considering that it comes at a fairly affordable price, it’s a great entry-level DSLR for novice users.

Nikon D3200 Sample Images:

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Canon T5

The Canon T5 is not exactly what you can call an entry-level DSLR since it packs some impressive specs and a plethora of premium features. It’s more of a semi-pro level photography tool, but nonetheless, you’re about to find out for yourself later in this review, where we’ll mention everything from design to performance and connectivities.

First, let’s start by pointing out some interesting facts about the design.

The Canon T5 is a relatively small camera measuring 5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches and 15.3 ounces, while for a DSLR, these are really good measurements because it means it comes with a very lightweight and compact body, thus, the camera is great for travelers, and can be carried around very easily.

Just like any other DSLR, this one too has some texture implemented on the handgrip, which delivers exceptional comfort, while I find the handgrip size to be better than Nikon D3200’s mostly due to the sculpted form.

Although, same as the Nikon D3200, the T5 has a 3-inch fixed LCD monitor which also doesn’t have touchscreen capabilities. For me, this is a huge problem since I’m really used to having touchscreen or tilting screens, while these can be very useful in different situations, such as navigating through the menu using the touchscreen, scrolling through images, or even using some features such as autofocus, while tilting can help for shooting from different angles and viewing positions, especially for videographers, this is really a must-have feature. Nonetheless, the T5 is more of an entry-level DSLR just as we mentioned in the beginning, thus, for the price, it delivers mostly everything you could ever need as a novice user.

Okay, now, let’s jump to performance and see what specifications this camera has.

The Canon EOS Rebel T5 has an 18-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, while it runs the DIGIC 4 image processor which means you’ll get faster performance with this one, rather than with D3200. However, the combination of these specs still output “not a very impressive” continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second, which brings up what we said, this camera isn’t really made for videographers.

To continue, the same as the T3, and same as Nikon D3200, this particular camera has a native ISO sensitivity of 100-6400. Video performance is also the same, they both can record at Full HD 1080p, however, the T5 provides better picture clarity and color, and for well-lit situations, you’ll have stunning results.

Also, what I really like about the T5 is that it offers three autofocus modes in video capture, such as Flexizone, Quick and Live. But take in mind that you have to let the AF w/ shutter button enabled during video recording to let the camera focus and refocus as you’re taking shots constantly. For your information, the Canon T5 carries a 9-point AF system with one central cross-type AF point, which means that you’ll be able to shoot up to approximately 69 JPEGs or 6 RAW files.

Before we end, let’s also point out that the T5 doesn’t have a built-in Wi-Fi, just as Nikon D3200, but it accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC, it has a built-in flash, and you can transfer files using the Wireless Adapter, which isn’t really preferable, but that’s what you get in a camera of this price range.

Canon T5 Sample Images:

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Nikon D3200 vs Canon T5 Feature Comparison

	Nikon D3200	Canon T5
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Megapixels	24.0	18.0
ISO Range	100-12800 (25600 with expansion)	100-6400
Flip-Out Screen	No	No
AF Points	11 AF Points	9 AF Points
Viewfinder	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen	No	No
Video Recording	Yes	Yes
Sensor Size	CMOS	APS-C

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Conclusion

I think the comparison table speaks for itself, there are really some major differences between them, even though they come at a similar price. For those of you that have been following me from before this review, you guys probably know I’m a huge fan of Nikon, but anyway, you can’t really ignore these specs.

If you were to decide between these two cameras, I would suggest you go for the Nikon D3300, it’s simply a great entry-level all-rounder DSLR camera, while it’s great for still-photography, portrait photography as it has an impressive autofocus system, and an advantage in ISO sensitivity.

However, that’s doesn’t necessarily mean that the Canon T5 is not good for you, in fact, if you’re a traveler, this is the option you should go for because it has a durable yet lightweight and compact construction which can be easily carried with you wherever you go. It has decent specs and performance, and it would definitely be worth it if you’re someone who is just starting out.

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