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Pentax K100D Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Pentax K100D

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    Main Features

    • 6MP - APS-C CCD Sensor
    • ISO 200 - 3200
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 2.50" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
    • 3.0fps continuous shooting
    • 660g. 129 x 93 x 70 mm
    • Replaced by Pentax K100D S
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Pentax K100D Overview

    Launched in December 2006 , Pentax K100D is a 6.0MP Entry-Level DSLR camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and Pentax KAF lens mount. Pentax later replaced K100D with K100D Super. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Pentax K100D vs Pentax K100D S

    Pentax K100D Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Other Features
    9. Photography Type Scores
    10. Alternatives
    11. Popular Comparisons
    12. Frequently Asked Questions
    13. Detailed Specifications

    Pentax K100D is a member of Pentax's Entry-Level DSLR class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Pentax Entry-Level DSLR Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Pentax KF
    Compare
    2022 24.0MP - APS-C 6.0 fps 126 x 93 x 74mm 684g
    Pentax K-70
    Compare
    2016 24.0MP - APS-C 6.0 fps 126 x 93 x 74mm 688g
    Pentax K-S2
    Compare
    2015 20.0MP - APS-C 5.4 fps 91 x 123 x 73mm 678g
    Pentax K-50
    Compare
    2013 16.0MP - APS-C 6.0 fps 130 x 97 x 71mm 650g
    Pentax K-500
    Compare
    2013 16.0MP - APS-C 6.0 fps 130 x 97 x 71mm 646g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Pentax KF vs K-70 vs K-S2 vs K-50 vs K-500

    Alternative Model names found for Pentax K100D: K100 D and K-100D.


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Pentax K100D PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax K100D review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    11 Focus Points
    Top LCD Display
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Pentax K100D from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    0.57x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 6.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.50")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 210kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    No Environmental Sealing
    No AF Micro Adjustment

    Report a correction


    Pentax K100D Physical Specs
    Pentax K100D weighs 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz) and has external dimensions of 129 x 93 x 70 mm (5.08 x 3.66 x 2.76″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 773g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 70mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K100D
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K100D
    Min
    Average
    Max


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax K100D, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Pentax K100D Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Pentax K100D Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax K100D with its main competitors:

    Pentax K100D Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs K100D Thickness vs K100D
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K100D S
    Compare
    646g 14g lighter 71mm 1mm thicker
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-70
    Compare
    688g 28g heavier 74mm 4mm thicker
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-5
    Compare
    740g 80g heavier 73mm 3mm thicker
    Pentax K100D Camera Nikon D40
    Compare
    522g 138g lighter 64mm 6mm thinner
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-m
    Compare
    590g 70g lighter 68mm 2mm thinner
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-r
    Compare
    598g 62g lighter 68mm 2mm thinner
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K110D
    Compare
    585g 75g lighter 70mm equal thickness
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-30
    Compare
    650g 10g lighter 71mm 1mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Pentax K100D doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Pentax K100D Lens Mount and Lenses

    Pentax K100D has a Pentax KAF lens mount and currently there are 161 native lenses available for this mount. Pentax K mount has backward compatibility for all the K mount lenses produced since 1975 so Pentax users has access to a large selection of manual era native lenses in addition to the modern AF lenses.

    K100D also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on K100D. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC.

    Weather Sealed Lenses for Pentax K100D

    There are 27 lenses with weather sealing for Pentax K100D but bear in mind that K100D body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Pentax K100D Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Pentax K100D
    Model Focal Length equiv. Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Lens Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
    225-675mm 35mm FF 2000gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
    225-750mm 35mm FF 1780gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD Pentax  DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Lens HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
    82.5-450mm APS-C / DX 466gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW Lens Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW
    24-75mm APS-C / DX 712gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Lens Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR
    75-300mm APS-C / DX 285gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Lens Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
    27-75mm APS-C / DX 158gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
    82.5-450mm APS-C / DX 471gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM
    27-405mm APS-C / DX 453gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Here you can find the lenses that are compatible with K100D classified by suitability to certain photography types:

    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Bird and Wildlife Photography
    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Sports Photography
    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography
    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Travel Photography
    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Street Photography
    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Wedding Photography
    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Vlogging
    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography
    • Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Macro Photography

    Check our Pentax K100D Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

    Pentax K100D Sensor and Photography Features

    Pentax K100D has a 6.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3008 x 2008 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. K100D has a native ISO range of 200 - 3200 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Pentax K100D is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Fujifilm X-T5 with its 40.2MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax K100D vs Fujifilm X-T5 or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Pentax K100D's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Pentax K100D Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Pentax K100D Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Pentax K100D LCD and Viewfinder

    Pentax K100D has a Fixed Type 2.50-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 210k dots. At only 2.50", the screen is on the smaller side and 210kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Pentax K100D back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Pentax K100D doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best DSLR Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    K100D has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 96% and a magnification ratio of 0.57x. 96% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Pentax K100D Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Pentax K100D has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Pentax K100D Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K100D S
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-70
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots Yes No No
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-5
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 980shots No No No
    Pentax K100D Camera Nikon D40
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-m
    Compare
    None 1800shots No No No
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-r
    Compare
    1280 x 720 470shots No No No
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K110D
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Pentax K100D Camera Pentax K-30
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots No No No

    Pentax K100D Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Pentax K100D can shoot continuously at max speed of 3 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    K100D has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Pentax K100D features a Phase Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 11 points to choose from.



    What type of Photography is Pentax K100D Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Pentax K100D in 5 different photography areas.

    Pentax K100D for Portrait Photography

    Pentax K100D has a score of 53 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K100D for Portrait Photography

    Pentax K100D for Street Photography

    Pentax K100D has a score of 67 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K100D for Street Photography

    Pentax K100D for Sports Photography

    Pentax K100D has a score of 71 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    11 Focus Points
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K100D for Sports Photography

    Pentax K100D for Daily Photography

    Pentax K100D has a score of 50 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K100D for Daily Photography

    Pentax K100D for Landscape Photography

    Pentax K100D has a score of 27 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theK100D.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K100D for Landscape Photography
    Pentax K100D Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Pentax K100D compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax K100D alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Pentax K100D

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax K100D amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Pentax K100D S
    Pentax K100D S
    Compare
    Pentax K-70
    Pentax K-70
    Compare
    Pentax K-5
    Pentax K-5
    Compare
    Nikon D40
    Nikon D40
    Compare
    Pentax K-m
    Pentax K-m
    Compare
    Pentax K-r
    Pentax K-r
    Compare
    Pentax K110D
    Pentax K110D
    Compare
    Pentax K-30
    Pentax K-30
    Compare

    Pentax K100D Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Pentax K100D with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Pentax K100D's price range.

    Panasonic S5 II
    Panasonic S5 II
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-H2
    Fujifilm X-H2
    Compare
    Nikon Z6 II
    Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    Nikon Z6
    Nikon Z6
    Compare
    Panasonic S5
    Panasonic S5
    Compare
    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Sony A7c
    Sony A7c
    Compare
    Nikon Z5
    Nikon Z5
    Compare

    Pentax K100D Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Pentax K100D has an Overall Score of 43/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Pentax K100D is ranked #165 out of 209 in DSLR cameras (Top 20 DSLR), and ranked #642 out of 1259 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #642 out of 1259 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #165 out of 209 in Top Ranking DSLR Cameras
    #74 out of 82 in Top Ranking Entry-Level DSLR Cameras
    #223 out of 270 in Top Ranking APS-C Sensor Cameras
    #26 out of 34 in Top Ranking Pentax KAF Lens Mount Cameras
    #273 out of 379 in Largest Viewfinder Magnification Cameras (0.57x)
    #77 out of 143 in Lightest DSLR Cameras with APS-C sensor(660g)
    #304 out of 918 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax K100D
    Does the Pentax K100D have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Pentax K100D have RAW support?
    Does the Pentax K100D have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Pentax K100D have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Pentax K100D?
    What is the Sensor Size of Pentax K100D?
    is the Pentax K100D a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Pentax K100D have Touch Screen?
    Does the Pentax K100D have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax K100D?
    What is the Weight of Pentax K100D?
    What are the Dimensions of Pentax K100D?
    Pentax K100D Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Pentax
    Model Pentax K100D
    Announced 2006-12-03
    Body Type Compact SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Pentax KAF
    Number of Lenses 161
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5�
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 2.50"
    Screen Resolution 210k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 96%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range n/a
    Max Flash Sync 1/180s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.5 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95mm2
    Sensor Resolution 6 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 3008 x 2008
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 200
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 11
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Max Video Resolution None
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 660g
    Physical Dimensions 129 x 93 x 70mm
    Battery Model 4 x AA
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/MMC card
    Storage Slots 1


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