Sony Alpha 3500 vs Pentax K100D

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha 3500 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.

      Sony Alpha 3500 was introduced in March 2014 and Pentax K100D was introduced in December 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha 3500 Highlights

      • 20 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 16,000 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 3.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 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
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha 3500
      4. Advantage of Pentax K100D
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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 Sony Alpha 3500 and Pentax K100D.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 411 g (0.91 lb / 14.50 oz)
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      •   Sensor Resolution - 20 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   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 Sony Alpha 3500

      Sony a3500
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha 3500 over Pentax K100D.

      Sony Alpha 3500 vs Pentax K100D
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixel vs 6.1 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 16,000 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 5456 x 3632 vs 3008 x 2008
      More Focus Points 25 vs 11
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 210k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 96%
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.5 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Speaker Mono vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Lighter 411 g (0.91 lb / 14.50 oz) vs 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha 3500.

      Sony a3000
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Pentax K-3 III
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      APS-C

      25.73 MP

      Hasselblad X2D 100c
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      Medium format

      100 MP

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      12.8 MP

      Nikon D80
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Sony a6300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Pentax K-500
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Fujifilm X-E2S
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Fujifilm X-T200
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic G2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K100D

      Pentax K100D
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K100D over Sony Alpha 3500.

      Sony Alpha 3500 vs Pentax K100D
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.47x vs 0.57x
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/160 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Average Metering vs

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

      Pentax K100D Super
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Leica M9
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      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
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      APS-C

      25.73 MP

      Samsung NX mini
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      1-inch

      20.5 MP

      Nikon D3000
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 1D C
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      Full Frame

      18.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Fujifilm X-E4
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      APS-C

      26.1 MP

      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 Sony Alpha 3500 Pentax K100D
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha 3500 Pentax K100D
        Timelapse Recording
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot210k dot
        Low Max Continuous Shooting3.5 fps2.8 fps
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha 3500 has a 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution and Pentax K100D has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha 3500 has a built-in Electronic viewfinderPentax K100D has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Sony Alpha 3500 has 100% coverage with 0.70x (0.47x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Pentax K100D has 96% coverage with 0.85x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha 3500 features a 20 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 16,000. 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

      Sony Alpha 3500 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 5456 x 3632 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3872 x 2576, 2736 x 1824 with 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

      Sony Alpha 3500 has Sony E 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 on Pentax K100D

      Pentax K100D has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is 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

      Sony Alpha 3500 comes with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 470 shots and Pentax K100D comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha 3500 has a single 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 Sony Alpha 3500, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K100D. Sony Alpha 3500 can shoot continuously up to 3.5 fps. Pentax K100D can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 4m at ISO100 on Sony Alpha 3500. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Pentax K100D. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha 3500 and 1/180 sec on Pentax K100D.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha 3500 body has dimensions of 128 x 91 x 85 mm (5.04 x 3.58 x 3.35") and Pentax K100D body has dimensions of 129 x 93 x 70 mm (5.08 x 3.66 x 2.76"). Sony Alpha 3500 weighs 411 g (0.91 lb / 14.50 oz) and Pentax K100D weighs 660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz).

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      128 mm

      91 mm

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      129 mm

      93 mm

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      91 mm

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      93 mm

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      85 mm

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      70 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha 3500 and Pentax K100D

      Sony Alpha 3500 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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k 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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      76
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      80
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 411 g (0.91 lb / 14.50 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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      80
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 411 g (0.91 lb / 14.50 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 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 Sony Alpha 3500 and Pentax K100D and give them scores of 59 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.


      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      OVERALL
      59
      OVERALL
      54

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      GOOD
      71
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   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

      Sony Alpha 3500

      Pentax K100D

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 411 g (0.91 lb / 14.50 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 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:

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