Nikonman2014

How important are megapixels? Well, if you make large prints it's nice to have them. With my 24 MP D3X I can may 24 x 36 prints at 300 dpi.

In addition, I can crop more if I need to, and that often improves the composition.

That said, if you are not into large prints, the extra MP are probably not a big deal.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

The D3200 is newer technology and a better sensor - and it happens to have 10 more mp than the 3100. One primary advantage is cropping, which you can do with better results with the 24 mp camera. If you are just uploading to social media and rarely printing your work, or if you make small prints on a 8.5x11 or 13" printer, you are not likely to see much of a difference. But the newer camera has features not present on the older one that might make it more desirable for you.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It took me a moment, but I figured out your avatar. Congratulations!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am sure you will get lots of answers to your questions. Megapixels are important but you should keep the size of the enlargements you plan on doing in mind because if you are not going to be working with murals neither you nor anybody else needs millions of pixels.
I seldom go beyond 13x19 when I enlarge my work. I have beautiful enlargements full of details when I have used my 4.1 megapixels D2H.
The D300 I have sports about 12 megapixels and I have found that the enlargements are also spectacular. My most recent camera is a D7000 with about 16 megapixels and it does very well also.
I am not familiar with the D3100 or the 3200. Modern sensors are very good and their performance is great.
You have to make a decision based on what you know about photography and what you intend to do with your files. Be reassured that 14 megapixels most probably will cover very well your needs.
All modern sensors have more megapixels than we actually need and many photographers look at the camera's features first to see if those features meet their photographic needs.
Good luck with your selection.

Peekayoh Loc: UK

Is that a fact? :thumbdown:
Yea, right! :thumbdown: :thumbdown:
Who's this "we"? Don't include me in this twaddle.

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

All else being equal, the main advantage of having a higher megapixel count is that you can have A bigger enlargement or crop in closer in your photos with less image degradation.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Isn't it a pity that all else is NEVER equal? Life would be so much easier if it was. :wink:

Ladywendy Loc: Georgia

A I understand this issue, 6 is all you really need if you are printing up to 8x10. The more you get, the quicker you use up cards and storage space. It is hipe to charge more for cameras and sell more cards. See some excellent articles on this subject by Scott Kelby who is on both the Nikon team and chief advisor for Photoshop.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

And has recently switched to Canon.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

It didn't take me a moment. Wooo Rah!!!!!

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Sort of related.

Loosely.

My loving wife will be running the MCM (Marine Corp Marathon) this weekend. Not as toasty, but still a kinda related line crossing.

But congrats to Shellback!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Something to consider. For large prints you'd be surprised at how little resolution you actually need for acceptably sharp and detailed images.

Take a look at this guide provided by an online gallery hosting service

http://support.pixieset.com/knowledgebase/articles/260129-lab-fulfillment-what-is-the-minimum-resolution-re

You'll see that their minimum for a 24x36 print is about 3 mp and the print resolution is about 60 dpi.

I have had work printed from a D70s (6 mp) at that size and up to 40x60 with good quality.

You don't need 300 dpi for a 24x36 unless you intend to look at it through a loupe.

Here is another site that has a great discussion about why this is true:

http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/printing/resolution/1_which_resolution_print_size_viewing_distance.htm

So, needless to say, either camera is overkill as far as making large prints is concerned.

Peekayoh Loc: UK

I dare say that's OK for on line photo prints but 10MPix would be better for an Epson Printer.

tradergeorge Loc: Newport, Kentucky

I am an engineer. When designing anything from an electrical service to a structure, the option always exists for "more" of everything. However, the real question is how much do you need to fulfill the required function within the budget allotted. This is the balance that always comes around. Infinite megapixels would certainly be a nice thing from one viewpoint. However, more components (i.e. on the chip), means more power required, means lower battery life. Also, once you exceed the resolving power of the human eye for a given enlargement, extra resolution is superfluous. Infinite megapixels may be desirable for satellite photography. They are not required for most of the HOGs' needs.

big ed Loc: Dudley UK

I have a d3100 and am very pleased with it.... no problems with enlargements or prints.....