Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K100D S
66 Imaging
56 Features
81 Overall
66


65 Imaging
45 Features
38 Overall
42
Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K100D S Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Bump to 25600)
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 560g - 128 x 97 x 79mm
- Launched April 2011
- Replaced the Nikon D5000
- Later Model is Nikon D5200
(Full Review)
- 6MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 646g - 129 x 91 x 71mm
- Introduced June 2007
- Replaced the Pentax K100D
- Newer Model is Pentax K200D

Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K100D S Overview
Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Nikon D5100 versus Pentax K100D S, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by rivals Nikon and Pentax. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the D5100 (16MP) and K100D S (6MP) but both cameras have the same sensor size (APS-C).

The D5100 was brought out 3 years after the K100D S which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).
Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the D5100 matches up against the K100D S in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K100D S Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D5100 & Pentax K100D Super. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon D5100 Gallery & Pentax K100D S Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D5100 over the Pentax K100D S
D5100 | K100D S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | April 2011 | ![]() | June 2007 | More modern by 47 months |
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 210k | Clearer display (+711k dot) |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Reasons to pick Pentax K100D S over the Nikon D5100
K100D S | D5100 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D5100 and Pentax K100D S
D5100 | K100D S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial accurate focusing | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch display |
Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K100D S Physical Comparison
For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Nikon D5100 features physical measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 79mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.1") along with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs) while the Pentax K100D S has specifications of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon D5100 versus Pentax K100D S in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the D5100 against the K100D S.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the D5100 and K100D S is 66 and 65 respectively.

Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K100D S Sensor Comparison
Usually, it's difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizes simply by seeing technical specs. The picture below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the D5100 and K100D S.
As you have seen, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You can anticipate the Nikon D5100 to provide extra detail having its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The fresher D5100 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.

Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K100D S Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K100D S Specifications
Nikon D5100 | Pentax K100D Super | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon D5100 | Pentax K100D Super |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Launched | 2011-04-26 | 2007-06-28 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Expeed 2 | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 370.5mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 6 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest resolution | 4928 x 3264 | 3008 x 2008 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Highest boosted ISO | 25600 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 11 |
Cross focus points | 1 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Number of lenses | 309 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inch | 2.5 inch |
Screen resolution | 921k dots | 210k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95 percent | 96 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.52x | 0.57x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 4.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | - |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/200s | 1/180s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) | - |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video format | MPEG-4 | - |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 560 grams (1.23 lb) | 646 grams (1.42 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 128 x 97 x 79mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.1") | 129 x 91 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 80 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.5 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.6 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 1183 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 660 photos | - |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | EN-EL14 | 4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC card |
Card slots | One | One |
Cost at launch | $0 | $520 |