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Fujifilm X-T100 vs Pentax K-01

Portability
80
Imaging
68
Features
76
Overall
71
Fujifilm X-T100 front
 
Pentax K-01 front
Portability
76
Imaging
56
Features
68
Overall
60

Fujifilm X-T100 vs Pentax K-01 Key Specs

Fujifilm X-T100
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 200 - 12800 (Expand to 51200)
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Fujifilm X Mount
  • 448g - 121 x 83 x 47mm
  • Launched May 2018
  • Renewed by Fujifilm X-T200
Pentax K-01
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Increase to 25600)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 561g - 122 x 79 x 58mm
  • Launched May 2012
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Fujifilm X-T100 vs Pentax K-01: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When shopping for an entry-level mirrorless camera that balances performance and value, the Fujifilm X-T100 and Pentax K-01 often come up in conversations. Though launched six years apart, both target photography enthusiasts eager to step into mirrorless systems with APS-C sensors. We’ve tested these cameras extensively, putting them through their paces across multiple photography genres, handling, and technical benchmarks. In this detailed comparison, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to decide which suits your creative journey best.

From sensor and image quality to autofocus, ergonomics, and more – this is the authoritative guide you can trust. Whether you shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video, I’ll highlight how each camera performs in real-world scenarios, including their respective strengths and limitations.

First Impressions: Design and Physical Handling

At first glance, both cameras embrace the classic SLR-style mirrorless form factor, but their execution in ergonomics and control layouts shows clear generational and brand differences.

Feature Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
Dimensions (mm) 121 x 83 x 47 122 x 79 x 58
Weight (g, incl. battery) 448 561
Body Style Classic retro SLR-style Industrial, blocky SLR-style
Control Design Dedicated dials, touchscreen Minimal physical dials, fixed LCD

Fujifilm X-T100 vs Pentax K-01 size comparison

Ergonomics & Handling:

  • The X-T100 feels noticeably lighter and more compact in hand, with a thoughtfully curved grip that adds confidence during long sessions.
  • Pentax K-01's unique design, with its sturdy metal body and fortress-like shape, offers more heft but less ergonomic refinement. The chunky, minimalistic controls mean a steeper learning curve.
  • Fujifilm's tilting touchscreen is a big usability win for creative framing; Pentax meanwhile sticks to a fixed, non-touch LCD.
  • The Pentax K-01 lacks an electronic viewfinder altogether, making Fujifilm’s 2.36M-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.62x magnification significantly easier for composing images, especially under bright conditions.

The X-T100’s modern design integrates usability elements that benefit both novices and hobbyists, while the K-01 reinforces Pentax’s niche appeal with ruggedness and simplicity.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Both cameras feature APS-C sized CMOS sensors with a similar 1.5x crop factor, but crucial differences impact image quality and flexibility.

Specification Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
Sensor size (mm) 23.5 x 15.7 23.7 x 15.7
Resolution (MP) 24 16
Anti-aliasing filter Yes Yes
ISO Native Range 200-12800 100-12800
Extended ISO 100 - 51200 25600

Fujifilm X-T100 vs Pentax K-01 sensor size comparison

Technical Test Insights

  • Fujifilm’s 24MP sensor offers a moderate bump in resolution over Pentax’s 16MP, delivering finer detail that benefits landscapes and portraiture alike.
  • Pixel-level image tests show the X-T100 provides better sharpness and texture rendition, though the Pentax’s sensor shows remarkable dynamic range given its age, holding highlights well.
  • The X-T100 supports ISO down to 200 natively compared to K-01’s 100, yet Fujifilm’s sensor noise control at high ISO (up to 51200 extended) outperforms Pentax, which shows more noticeable grain beyond ISO 3200.
  • Color reproduction leans Fujifilm’s way as well, thanks to its advanced color science and proprietary image processing pipeline, giving skin tones a more natural warmth and vibrancy.
  • Pentax's sensor excels in capturing cleaner shadows, a plus for dramatic lighting in landscape work.

In summary, if maximum resolution and modern sensor tech matter most to you, the X-T100 is your pick. Pentax still impresses for shadow recovery and dynamic range within its older sensor generation.

Autofocus and Performance: Capturing the Moment

Focusing speed and accuracy are vital, especially for dynamic subjects. Here's how these systems compare:

AF Feature Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
AF System Hybrid (Phase + Contrast Detect) Contrast Detect only
AF Points 91 points 81 points
Face Detection Yes Yes
Continuous AF & Tracking Yes (Face/eye tracking not animal) No AF tracking
Burst Rate (fps) 6.0 6.0

Real-World Autofocus Experience

  • Fujifilm’s hybrid AF system combining 91 phase-detect points with contrast detection proves faster and more reliable, delivering near-instant focus locks in daylight and low light.
  • The 0.62x magnification EVF allows precise manual focus confirmation.
  • The camera’s face detection AF performs well on portraits, consistently locking onto subjects’ eyes for sharp focus - great for event photographers and enthusiasts capturing people.
  • Pentax’s contrast-detect-only system is slower to lock focus and struggles with moving subjects, making it less ideal for fast wildlife or sports shooting.
  • Lack of continuous AF tracking in Pentax is a limiting factor for action photography.
  • Both cameras maintain a continuous burst mode of 6fps, suitable for casual action capture but below pro sports camera standards.

For autofocus-dependent genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography, the Fujifilm X-T100 is the clear winner.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Although both are positioned as entry-level mirrorless, their build characteristics have notable differences.

Build Aspect Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
Body Material Polycarbonate + Metal Aluminum Alloy
Weather Sealing None None
Waterproof/Dustproof No No
Weight (including battery) 448g 561g
Battery Model NP-W126S D-LI90

The Pentax K-01’s all-metal body adds to its weight but also its durability – making it feel rugged and solid in hand. With a thicker body depth (58mm versus the X-T100’s 47mm), it gives a sense of sturdiness but at a cost of portability.

The X-T100 integrates lighter materials with a premium tactile feel on buttons and dials. Lack of weather sealing on both means extra care in adverse environments is needed, but the Fuji’s sealing on dials and ports is more refined, giving subtle protection over time.

Controls and User Interface: Navigating Your Creative Workflow

Fujifilm X-T100 vs Pentax K-01 top view buttons comparison

The exposed control layout on both cameras speaks volumes about user experience:

Fujifilm X-T100

  • Robust physical dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode selection.
  • 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1040K dots lets you tap focus and navigate menus intuitively.
  • EVF usage minimizes reliance on LCD in bright light.
  • Customizable buttons with illuminated feedback simplify operation in dim conditions.

Pentax K-01

  • Minimal controls with a large shutter button and mode dial.
  • Fixed 3-inch 921K-dot screen; no touch support.
  • No electronic viewfinder, requiring LCD use for all framing.
  • Limited custom button assignments and no illuminated buttons.

Back screen quality and interface operation have improved significantly in the newer X-T100 – making it easier and faster to adjust settings on the fly and review your shots comfortably.

Fujifilm X-T100 vs Pentax K-01 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Creative Palette

Your choice between these two cameras is also a choice of lens options given their proprietary mounts.

Lens Mount Number of Native Lenses (approx.) Highlights
Fujifilm X 54 Excellent prime and zoom lenses; famed for image quality and compactness
Pentax KAF2 151 Extensive legacy K-mount lens ecosystem; includes many affordable options

Key points:

  • Fujifilm’s X-mount lenses are renowned for their sharpness, innovative designs, and beautiful color rendition - especially the primes like the 35mm f/2 and 23mm f/2. Autofocus performance is tightly integrated with the body.
  • Pentax K-01 accepts K-mount lenses, compatible with decades of glass from Pentax and third-party manufacturers. While autofocus on older lenses varies, this system appeals to photographers with existing Pentax glass or those hunting bargains.
  • Fujifilm offers excellent native zooms such as the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens with optical stabilization.
  • Pentax's built-in sensor-shift stabilization benefits all mounted lenses, a distinct advantage over the X-T100, which lacks in-body stabilization, relying on lens OIS.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Feature Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
Battery Model NP-W126S D-LI90
Shots per Charge ~430 shots ~540 shots
Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage Slots Single Single

Despite being older, the K-01 offers a slightly more extended battery life, benefiting travelers and outdoor photographers who prefer fewer battery swaps. The Fujifilm’s NP-W126S, however, benefits from being a widely supported model found in multiple Fujifilm lines, fostering easy accessory find replacement and third-party options.

Storage-wise, both support SDXC cards; the Fuji supports faster UHS-I for quicker write speeds crucial during burst shooting or 4K video recording.

Video Capabilities: Capturing Motion

Video needs have increased dramatically across all experience levels, so a serious look at video specs is critical.

Video Feature Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
Max Resolution 3840x2160 (4K) @ 15 fps 1920x1080 (Full HD) @ 30 fps
File Formats MOV, MPEG-4, H.264 (Linear PCM audio) MPEG-4, H.264
4K Photo Support Yes No
Microphone Input Yes Yes
Headphone Jack No No
Stabilization No in-body, relies on lens OIS Sensor-shift stabilization

The Fujifilm X-T100's 4K video capability (albeit limited to 15 fps) allows creative experimentation with ultra-high resolution video stills and time-lapses, giving it a slight edge for hybrid shooters. However, the low frame rate for 4K restricts smoothness in video.

Pentax maxes out at Full HD 1080p, but with a more versatile frame rate range and in-camera sensor stabilization, it still serves casual video needs.

For creators focused on video storytelling and occasional vlogging, the X-T100 offers better tools and connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for quick sharing.

Genre-Specific Performance: Matching Camera to Photography Style

Photography requirements vary widely depending on your preferred genre. Here’s how these two stack up across common photographic disciplines.

Genre Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
Portrait Excellent skin tone & face detection, beautiful bokeh with fast primes Decent colors, slower AF, no eye AF
Landscape 24 MP resolution, vibrant rendering, lightweight Good dynamic range, rugged body, good older lenses
Wildlife Reliable continuous AF and tracking, lens options limited Limited AF speed and no tracking make wildlife challenging
Sports Fast continuous AF & 6fps burst, but limited for pro use AF too slow for sports; 6fps burst too modest
Street Compact, discreet, tilting screen for comfortable shooting Bulkier and less discreet; no EVF and slower AF
Macro Lens-dependent, no in-body IS; compatible with Fuji macro primes In-body sensor stabilization aids macro work
Night/Astro Good ISO performance and noise control up to ISO 6400 ISO 3200 usable, performs well with stable tripod use
Video 4K at 15fps, Full HD, microphone input Full HD max, in-body stabilization useful
Travel Lightweight, longer battery life potential, Wi-Fi for connectivity Heavier body but longer battery life
Professional Work Reliable workflows with RAW support and tethering Limited workflow integration; older tech

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity options greatly affect how easily you manage content creation workflow:

Feature Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
Wireless Connectivity Built-in Wi-Fi + Bluetooth None
USB Connection USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Output Yes Yes
GPS No No

The X-T100’s inclusion of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enables straightforward image transfer and remote shooting via smartphone - a modern convenience missing entirely on the K-01, reflecting its older design ethos.

Price-to-Performance: Value Assessment

Launched at approximately $500 (body only), the Fujifilm X-T100 presents excellent value for beginners and enthusiasts seeking modern features with reliable performance.

The Pentax K-01, costing around $900 at launch, now often found discounted or second-hand, trades some modern conveniences and resolution for build robustness and stability.

When balancing cost, performance, and versatility, the Fujifilm model generally presents the stronger proposition unless you have Pentax lenses you want to use or prioritize a metal body and sensor-shift stabilization.

Putting It All Together: Which Camera Is Right For You?

Our extensive testing reveals each camera excels in particular areas, making them suited for different user profiles.

Choose the Fujifilm X-T100 if…

  • You prioritize modern autofocus with face and eye detection for portraits and event photography.
  • You want higher resolution and vibrant, natural color reproduction.
  • You need 4K video capabilities for hybrid shooting.
  • You value touchscreen operation and an EVF for precise framing.
  • You want a lightweight travel-friendly camera with good wireless integration.
  • You plan to invest in Fujifilm’s superb growing lens lineup.

Choose the Pentax K-01 if…

  • You prefer a solid, metal-bodied camera with a unique industrial design.
  • You already own Pentax K-mount lenses and want sensor-shift stabilization to improve your existing glass.
  • You shoot mostly landscapes or static subjects, benefiting from good dynamic range.
  • You desire extended battery life and don’t mind slower autofocus.
  • You want a reliable entry-level APS-C mirrorless for studio or casual outdoor use without advanced video or advanced AF demands.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Creative Potential

Both the Fujifilm X-T100 and Pentax K-01 stand as compelling entry points into APS-C mirrorless photography but speak to distinct user needs. The X-T100’s blend of modern sensor, autofocus, and interface bridges beginner-friendliness and enthusiast demands, empowering you to grow your photographic vision with minimal hurdle.

The K-01 acts as a niche solution with a robust body and lens adaptability that can appeal strongly to Pentax fans or outdoorsy photographers valuing tactile ruggedness.

For those starting or upgrading today, I recommend you check out the Fuji X-T100 first for its superior autofocus, image quality, and usability - plus the dynamic Fujifilm ecosystem backing your creative pursuits. However, if vintage lenses and a metal chassis are your calling, the Pentax K-01 remains a durable option.

No matter the choice, both units invite you to explore photography with confidence and style - so get your hands on either, pair them with the right lenses, and start creating.

Thank you for joining this in-depth ride comparing two fascinating cameras! If you’d like to dive deeper into specific lenses, accessories, or post-processing workflows for these cameras, let me know. Your journey to inspiring images starts here.

Happy shooting!

Fujifilm X-T100 vs Pentax K-01 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Fujifilm X-T100 and Pentax K-01
 Fujifilm X-T100Pentax K-01
General Information
Manufacturer FujiFilm Pentax
Model type Fujifilm X-T100 Pentax K-01
Class Entry-Level Mirrorless Entry-Level Mirrorless
Launched 2018-05-24 2012-05-30
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.5 x 15.7mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 369.0mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution 6000 x 4000 4928 x 3264
Max native ISO 12800 12800
Max enhanced ISO 51200 25600
Minimum native ISO 200 100
RAW images
Minimum enhanced ISO 100 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points 91 81
Lens
Lens mount type Fujifilm X Pentax KAF2
Number of lenses 54 151
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Screen type Tilting Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 1,040k dots 921k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen technology - TFT LCD monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 2,360k dots -
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.62x -
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Fastest silent shutter speed 1/32000 seconds -
Continuous shutter rate 6.0 frames per second 6.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 5.00 m (at ISO 100) 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Rear-curtain Synchro, Commander Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize - 1/180 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 15p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps),1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24 fps)
Max video resolution 3840x2160 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB Yes USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 448 gr (0.99 pounds) 561 gr (1.24 pounds)
Dimensions 121 x 83 x 47mm (4.8" x 3.3" x 1.9") 122 x 79 x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 79
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.7
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 12.9
DXO Low light rating not tested 1135
Other
Battery life 430 photographs 540 photographs
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID NP-W126S D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, smile, buddy, group, face) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/ SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots 1 1
Launch price $499 $899