Nikon D3200 vs Sony H300

The Nikon D3200 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in April 2012 and February 2014. The D3200 is a DSLR, while the H300 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3200) and a 1/2.3-inch (H300) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 19.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon D3200		Sony H300
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Nikon F mount lenses		25-875mm f/3.4-6.5
24.1 MP, APS-C Sensor		19.9 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/30p Video		720/30p Video
ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 12,800)		ISO 80-3,200
Optical viewfinder		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 921k dots		3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4 shutter flaps per second		0.8 shutter flaps per second
540 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
125 x 96 x 77 mm, 505 g		128 x 89 x 92 mm, 590 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3200 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3200 and the Sony H300. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D3200 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the H300 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony H300 is notably smaller (5 percent) than the Nikon D3200. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D3200 nor the H300 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the H300 has a lens built in, whereas the D3200 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D3200 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon D3200	125 mm	96 mm	77 mm	505 g	540	n	Apr 2012	599
2.		Sony H300	128 mm	89 mm	92 mm	590 g	350	n	Feb 2014	219
3.		Leica Q Typ 116	130 mm	80 mm	93 mm	640 g	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249
4.		Nikon D5600	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	465 g	970	n	Nov 2016	699
5.		Nikon D3400	124 mm	98 mm	76 mm	445 g	1200	n	Aug 2016	499
6.		Nikon D5500	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	420 g	820	n	Jan 2015	899
7.		Nikon D3300	124 mm	98 mm	76 mm	430 g	700	n	Jan 2014	499
8.		Nikon D7100	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	950	Y	Feb 2013	1,199
9.		Nikon D5300	125 mm	98 mm	76 mm	480 g	600	n	Oct 2013	799
10.		Nikon D5200	129 mm	98 mm	78 mm	555 g	500	n	Nov 2012	749
11.		Nikon D5100	128 mm	97 mm	79 mm	560 g	660	n	Apr 2011	749
12.		Nikon D3100	124 mm	96 mm	75 mm	505 g	550	n	Aug 2010	599
13.		Sony RX100 IV	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	298 g	280	n	Jun 2015	999
14.		Sony HX400V	130 mm	93 mm	103 mm	660 g	300	n	Feb 2014	499
15.		Sony H400	130 mm	95 mm	122 mm	628 g	300	n	Feb 2014	319
16.		Sony RX1R	113 mm	65 mm	70 mm	482 g	270	n	Jun 2013	2,799
17.		Sony H200	123 mm	83 mm	87 mm	530 g	240	n	Jan 2013	249
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The H300 was launched at a lower price than the D3200, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3200 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony H300 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the H300 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 5.6. The sensor in the D3200 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the H300 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 24.1MP, the D3200 offers a higher resolution than the H300 (19.9MP), but the D3200 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.85μm versus 1.19μm for the H300) due to its larger sensor. However, the H300 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 9 months) than the D3200, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the H300 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D3200 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D3200 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20 inches or 76.4 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16 inches or 61.1 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.3 inches or 50.9 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony H300 are 25.8 x 19.3 inches or 65.4 x 49.1 cm for good quality, 20.6 x 15.5 inches or 52.3 x 39.3 cm for very good quality, and 17.2 x 12.9 inches or 43.6 x 32.7 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D3200 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Nikon D3200	APS-C	24.1	6016	4000	1080/30p	24.1	13.2	1131	81
2.		Sony H300	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Leica Q Typ 116	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.7	2221	85
4.		Nikon D5600	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1306	84
5.		Nikon D3400	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.8	13.9	1192	86
6.		Nikon D5500	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1438	84
7.		Nikon D3300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.8	1385	82
8.		Nikon D7100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.2	13.7	1256	83
9.		Nikon D5300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.0	13.9	1338	83
10.		Nikon D5200	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60i	24.2	13.9	1284	84
11.		Nikon D5100	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.5	13.6	1183	80
12.		Nikon D3100	APS-C	14.2	4608	3072	1080/24p	22.5	11.3	919	67
13.		Sony RX100 IV	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.8	12.6	591	70
14.		Sony HX400V	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
15.		Sony H400	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/30p	..	..	..	..
16.		Sony RX1R	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	25.0	13.6	2537	91
17.		Sony H200	1/2.3	15.2	5184	2930	720/30p	..	..	..	..

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the D3200 provides a higher video resolution than the H300. It can shoot video footage at 1080/30p, while the Sony is limited to 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D3200 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the H300 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D3200 and Sony H300 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Nikon D3200	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
2.		Sony H300	none	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/1500s	0.8	Y	Y
3.		Leica Q Typ 116	3680	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	n	Y
4.		Nikon D5600	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
5.		Nikon D3400	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
6.		Nikon D5500	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
7.		Nikon D3300	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
8.		Nikon D7100	optical	Y	3.2	1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0	Y	n
9.		Nikon D5300	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
10.		Nikon D5200	optical	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
11.		Nikon D5100	optical	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
12.		Nikon D3100	optical	n	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
13.		Sony RX100 IV	2359	n	3.0	1228	tilting	n	1/2000s	16.0	Y	Y
14.		Sony HX400V	210	n	3.0	921	tilting	n	1/4000s	10.0	Y	Y
15.		Sony H400	210	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/2000s	0.7	Y	Y
16.		Sony RX1R	optional	n	3.0	1229	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
17.		Sony H200	none	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/1500s	0.8	Y	Y

The D3200 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the H300 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The D3200 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the H300 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D3200 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Nikon D3200	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Sony H300	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
3.		Leica Q Typ 116	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Nikon D5600	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
5.		Nikon D3400	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	Y
6.		Nikon D5500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Nikon D3300	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Nikon D7100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Nikon D5300	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Nikon D5200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon D5100	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Nikon D3100	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Sony RX100 IV	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Sony HX400V	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Sony H400	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Sony RX1R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony H200	-	mono	mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the D3200 has a hotshoe, while the H300 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

The H300 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the D3200 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D3200 was succeeded by the Nikon D3300. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon and Sony websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon D3200 better than the Sony H300 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3200:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24.1 vs 19.9MP) with a 12% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/30p vs 720/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 460k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/1500s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4 vs 0.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (540 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in April 2012).

Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the D3200 requires a separate lens.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 9 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D3200 is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3200 and the Sony H300 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D3200 and the H300 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon D3200	5/5	+ +	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	599
2.		Sony H300	..	+	..	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2014	219
3.		Leica Q Typ 116	5/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249
4.		Nikon D5600	4/5	..	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699
5.		Nikon D3400	4/5	+	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499
6.		Nikon D5500	5/5	+	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899
7.		Nikon D3300	3/5	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2014	499
8.		Nikon D7100	5/5	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	1,199
9.		Nikon D5300	4/5	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799
10.		Nikon D5200	4/5	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2012	749
11.		Nikon D5100	5/5	+ +	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2011	749
12.		Nikon D3100	5/5	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2010	599
13.		Sony RX100 IV	4.5/5	+ +	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999
14.		Sony HX400V	4/5	+ +	..	4/5	4/5	Feb 2014	499
15.		Sony H400	..	o	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2014	319
16.		Sony RX1R	5/5	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	2,799
17.		Sony H200	..	..	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Jan 2013	249
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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Specifications: Nikon D3200 vs Sony H300

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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