Pentax K-01 vs Pentax K100D

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Pentax K-01 and the Pentax K100D, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Pentax K-01 was introduced in May 2012 and Pentax K100D was introduced in December 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Pentax K-01 Highlights

      • 16 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 81 Focus Points (81 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax K100D Highlights

      • 6.1 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pentax K-01 and Pentax K100D.

      PROS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)

      Advantage of Pentax K-01

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-01 over Pentax K100D.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax K100D
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixel vs 6.1 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 3008 x 2008
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 81 vs 11
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 210k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
      Speaker Mono vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) vs 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-01.

      Advantage of Pentax K100D

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K100D over Pentax K-01.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax K100D
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder vs Optical (pentamirror)
      Average Metering vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K100D.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pentax K-01 Pentax K100D
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Pentax K-01 Pentax K100D
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Pentax K-01 has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Pentax K100D has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder on Pentax K100D

      Pentax K100D has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 96% coverage and 0.85x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax K-01.

      Sensor

      Pentax K-01 features a 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 372.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Pentax K100D features a 6.1 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Pentax K-01 can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4352 x 3264, 4224 x 2816, 4928 x 2776, 4224 x 2376, 3840 x 2880, 3456 x 2304, 3456x1944, 3264 x 3264, 3072 x 2304, 2880 x 2880, 2688 x 1792, 2688 x 1512, 2304 x 2304, 2304 x 1728, 1728 x 1728 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax K100D can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Pentax K-01 has Pentax KAF2 lens mount and Pentax K100D has Pentax KAF lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Pentax K-01 comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 540 shots and Pentax K100D comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Pentax K-01 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Pentax K100D has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Pentax K100D has Electronically controlled Vertical Run Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K-01, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K100D. Pentax K-01 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps. Pentax K100D can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Pentax K-01. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Pentax K-01 body has dimensions of 122 x 79 x 58 mm (4.8 x 3.11 x 2.28") and Pentax K100D body has dimensions of 129 x 93 x 70 mm (5.08 x 3.66 x 2.76"). Pentax K-01 weighs 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) and Pentax K100D weighs 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz).

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      122 mm

      79 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      129 mm

      93 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      79 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      93 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      58 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      70 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Pentax K-01 and Pentax K100D

      Pentax K-01 and Pentax K100D for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      81
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Street Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      81
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      GOOD
      77
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      79
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Pentax K-01 and Pentax K100D and give them scores of 64 and 54 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      54

      Sensor

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      75
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K100D

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.