Nikon D3200 Digital Field Guide

Video Accessories

The Nikon D3200 (like all dSLRs) is designed to shoot still images, not video. It is most obvious when you consider that the viewfinder can’t be used to compose video. Instead, you have to use the LCD screen on the rear of the camera. Many times it is difficult to see the image on the screen, especially in bright light. There are a variety of devices available to help solve this problem. Most of these solutions involve a device that mounts to the camera, allowing you to see the screen in all lighting conditions.

Since the introduction of dSLR cameras that shoot video, an entire market has erupted with accessories to help you. Some of the accessories are pretty inexpensive and quite simple, while others are really complicated and expensive.

The following are three of the main players in this field:

▶ Cinevate (www.cinevate.com). This company has tons of products for video creation. Many are expensive, but they do meet a specific need. For example, Cinevate produces a compact camera dolly that allows the camera to be moved smoothly while taking tracking shots and straight dolly moves. A dolly is basically a set of wheels that allows the camera to move smoothly. Cinevate also makes a set of camera sliders that allow smooth movements while filming. Sliders allow the camera to move smoothly on a track. The Atlas FLT Camera slider retails for $579, is 26 inches long, and weighs less than 10 pounds. It can create horizontal, vertical, and even angled camera movements. ...