Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3200

Cameras
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Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3200

APS-C 369.7mm²
12.4 megapixels
ISO 200 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-r Review.
See real-world photos taken with the K-r.

APS-C 357.3mm²
24.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 6400

Go in depth with our full Nikon D3200 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the D3200.

Succeeded by the Nikon D3300
Compare D3200 vs D3300
Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3300

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Differences

Pentax K-r advantages over Nikon D3200

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Bigger pixels
~ 5.53 vs 3.86 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Fast startup
~0.30 vs 0.4 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
More cross-type AF points
9 vs 1
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
Less shutter lag
0.10 vs 0.28 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Faster JPEG shooting
5.6 fps vs 4.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
Higher extended ISO
25600 vs 12800 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D3200 advantages over Pentax K-r

Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
D3200 test data on DxO Mark K-r test data on DxO Mark

1,131 vs 750 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
HDMI out
HDMI out vs None
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Shoots 1080p video
Yes vs No
You'll want this if you shoot video
More pixels
24.2 vs 12.4 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Bigger JPEG buffer
100 vs 30 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Pentaprism viewfinder
Neither provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Nikon D3200

Kit with 18-55mm Lens

All D3200 Deals

Review Excerpt

Read our Pentax K-r Full Review

High resolution allows cropping; Good performance in low light; Compact and comfortable, highly portable; Fast and responsive, just begs to take pictures; Quiet shutter is great for candids.
Mediocre kit lens; Might be too small for some; No bracketing; Narrow flash coverage; Matrix metering tends to overexpose.
Read our Nikon D3200 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3000

Pentax K-r

Nikon D3000

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fast startup

$450
APS-C

Less expensive

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3000

Nikon D3200

Nikon D3000

$477
APS-C

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

$450
APS-C

Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D3000

Compared to Pentax K-x

Pentax K-r

Pentax K-x

$850
APS-C

Fast startup
External Mic Jack

$702
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoots 24p video

Compare Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-x

Nikon D3200

Pentax K-x

$477
APS-C

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

$702
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3200 vs Pentax K-x

Compared to Nikon D3100

Pentax K-r

Nikon D3100

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fast startup

$700
APS-C

Less expensive
Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3100

Nikon D3200

Nikon D3100

$477
APS-C

Higher effective ISO
More dynamic range

$700
APS-C

Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D3100

Compared to Nikon D5200

Pentax K-r

Nikon D5200

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

$500
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D5200

Nikon D3200

Nikon D5200

$477
APS-C

Bigger RAW buffer

$500
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D5200

Compared to Sony A58

Pentax K-r

Sony A58

$850
APS-C

Lens selection
Bigger pixels

$598
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-r vs Sony A58

Nikon D3200

Sony A58

$477
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$598
APS-C

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3200 vs Sony A58

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