Nikon L100 vs Pentax K-5

In this write-up, we are matching up the Nikon L100 versus Pentax K-5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Nikon and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the L100 (10MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the L100 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The L100 was revealed 22 months prior to the K-5 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Nikon L100 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the L100 grades against the K-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix L100 & Pentax K-5. The full galleries are available at Nikon L100 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon L100 offers outer measurements of 110mm x 72mm x 78mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check out the Nikon L100 versus Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the L100 versus the K-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the L100 and K-5 is 79 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specs. The pic underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the L100 and K-5.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The L100 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-5 will deliver more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged L100 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.