Are focus points and cross type focus points that important?

The Nikon D3200 has 11 focus points and 1 cross type focus point. The Nikon D5200 has 39 focus points and 9 cross type focus points. These are the only factors keeping me from buying the significantly cheaper D3200. So are focus points and cross type focus points really that important? What is their purpose and significance really?

It depends upon the subjects you tend to shoot.

Focus points and cross focus points are important if you are planning on shooting action subjects like sports.

I purchased a Nikon D500 because it has so many focus points (153), cross focus points (the number are determined by the lens being used) and 3D focusing tracking. Perhaps the most important feature of the D500 is its fast and accurate autofocusing system

It is always best to buy the most advanced camera body that fits your budget. Then as you build your system with new glass, the camera will last you for at least seven or eight years.

I'm still using an old Nikon D300 (purchased in 2007) when shooting events like marathons and Spartan races where I need to shoot in low resolution and up to 4,000 images a day.

It's a personal matter and it will depend on how you take a shot. Some photographers work faster with more focus points allowing them to frame the shot faster.

Me, no. I only use one focus point at dead center. I learned photography from the old days of film where I have to focus with the subject at center first before adjusting exposure and then framing.

For some people yes. Cross type is much more sensitive and accurate, especially in low light. Those who shoot sports and wildlife typically want more focusing points. While those not shooting sports or wildlife typically use the center point anyway. I personally can't remember the last time I took my camera off of center-point focusing.

Type Focus