Am considering the Nikon D3200 for my first DSLR?
What will I be missing out that the Nikon D5100 have to offer
or for that matter even the Canon EOS 550D
http://www.dpreview.com/...on_eos550d
Added (1). And I'm wondering why the D5100 is priced higher than the D3200
Nothing
the D3200 is a great first DSLR camera
all those three camera models have pretty much the same feature sets.
choose whichever feels best in your hands. The D3200 has the best sensor
The Nikon D3200 is in the way to becoming a classic.
Go for it!
The D3200 is the best deal for your money.
Let me clear you one thing: D5100 is a nice camera to begin. But it too is a Entry Level Camera like D3100 / D3200 / 550D / 600D.
People who can't afford D7000, choose D5100 because both share the same sensor hence image quality of D5100 and D7000 is same.
D5100 has three extra features: 1. Articulated Screen 2.in built HDR 3. WB Bracketing. These 3 extra features make D5100 popular. If you think these features are your requirement go for D5100
But, you will not miss anything if you buy D3200 or D3100 or 550D or 600D. Because your main concern is clicking good image.
Mostly all new age cameras work in a similar manner and have same technics. And basic of any DSLR is same i.e. Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO setting. Right combination of these setting with good light source make picture perfect.
Advantage of D3200:
1. Sensor of D3200 is the second best sensor after Nikon expensive camera D800.
2. Processor of D3200 is same as Nikon expensive camera D4 (FX format camera)
3. Image quality outperform all other entry level like D5100 / D90 or mid range like D7000 and even some high end cameras like Canon 5DMIII (Tested in lab.)
Cameras are just a tool. Choose anyone, you should have sound knowledge of photography.
I think that the D3200's 24 MP resolution is a bad idea. Most amateur lenses won't be sharp enough for it to capture finer detail than the 16 MP D5100. Sometimes new and improved technology can deliver lower noise despite a higher pixel density. The 16 MP sensor of the D5100 seems to have done that compared to the 12 MP sensor of the D5000.
However, when I compare these, I think the 24 MP sensor of the D3200 has a little bit more noise than the D5100.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d5100-review/using
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d3200-review?page=0, 2