Nikon Z5 vs. Pentax K100D Super: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

If you’re scratching your head wondering how a modern full-frame mirrorless stacks up against an older, entry-level DSLR from the mid-2000s - you’re not alone. The Nikon Z5 and Pentax K100D Super might seem worlds apart in technology, but both have carved niches that still resonate with photographers today. As someone who has handled thousands of cameras in the last 15+ years, I’m excited to take you through a detailed, down-to-earth comparison of these two cameras. We’ll dig deep into real-world usability, image quality, autofocus, and suitability for different genres - helping you decide which fits your needs, budget, and shooting style best.

First Impression: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

Right out of the gate, handling these two cameras feels like stepping into different generations - but both have their charms.

The Nikon Z5 sports the classic SLR-style mirrorless body with robust magnesium alloy construction and weather sealing - it weighs in at 675g with dimensions of roughly 134 x 101 x 70mm. The Pentax K100D Super is a compact DSLR of its era - slightly lighter at 646g and a bit smaller overall (129 x 91 x 71mm), built with a plastic shell but solid enough for enthusiast use.

The Z5’s grip is sculpted generously for larger hands - it feels modern and comfortable during extended shooting. Its controls cluster thoughtfully around the thumb and index finger, with clubs for thumbs to hold on securely. Meanwhile, the K100D S features a barebones grip typical of entry-level DSLRs from 2007 - pleasant for smaller hands but less refined in layout. It leans more on dials and simple buttons than the Z5’s touchscreen and electronic dials.

When it comes to durability factors, the Nikon’s weather sealing gives it an edge for outdoor and landscape shooters who brave the elements. The K100D S has none of that protection, so fair-weather usage or indoor shooting is the safer bet.

Design, Controls, and Display: A Modern Interface vs. Classic DSLR

Peering over the top reveals the modern approach Nikon took with the Z5 - a clean, digital interface including a rear tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen with 1,040k-dot resolution and a bright, high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) sporting 3,690k dots. This means focusing via live view is precise, and exposure preview is immediate - perfect for learning and fast adjustments on the fly.

Pentax’s K100D S deploys a classic pentamirror optical viewfinder - no electronic feed, so you rely on the glass and your exposure skill. Its 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 210k dots is functional but tiny by today’s standards, no touchscreen, no live histogram or focus peaking.

If you’re a photographer who likes poking through menus or changing settings quickly, the Nikon feels miles ahead, thanks to its touchscreen, customizable buttons, and intuitive menu flow. The K100D S has a more basic, button-and-dial-driven system which might appeal to “back to basics” shooters, but could frustrate modern users used to rapid touchscreen controls.

Sensor Specification and Image Quality: Full-Frame CMOS vs. APS-C CCD

Now, this is where we enter one of the biggest divides:

The Nikon Z5’s 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor is paired with the EXPEED 6 processor - a modern, mature sensor outputting clean images with broad dynamic range and excellent color fidelity. The Z5 also sports a low base ISO of 100, a max ISO of 51,200 native (extendable to 102,400), and includes a 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system - a boon for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Conversely, the Pentax K100D Super sports a 6.1MP APS-C (1.5x crop) CCD sensor - respectable for its time but dwarfed by today’s image quality standards. The native ISO range is only 200-3200, and there’s no stabilization at all. Images have a signature CCD look with distinct color reproduction but much less resolution and dynamic range. Noise kicks in far earlier than the Z5, especially past ISO 800.

Testing both side-by-side indoors and outdoors makes this gap clear: the Nikon delivers clean, finely detailed files for large prints, cropping, and professional work. The Pentax is quirky and characterful but shines best in good light and small print sizes.

Autofocus: Modern Hybrid AF vs. Classic Phase Detection

Autofocus capability is critical depending on your subject matter - and here the gap widens drastically.

The Nikon Z5 features a hybrid autofocus system with 273 focus points covering a wide portion of the frame. It supports phase detection and contrast detection AF, with reliable eye detection AF for humans and animals - a big help for portraiture and wildlife. The 5 fps continuous shooting is adequate for many but not specialized sports action.

In contrast, the K100D Super uses an older 11-point phase detection AF system with no face or eye detection - and no live view autofocus since it predates the technology. The focus speed and tracking abilities are chunky by today’s standards, making it tough for sports, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects, though it remains fine for landscapes and casual portraits.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

The Nikon Z5 boasts a respectable 4.5 fps continuous shooting speed - decent for wedding, event, or casual sports photography, though it’s not a high-speed specialist. The Pentax K100D S lags slightly behind at 3 fps - fairly slow for serious action shooters but adequate for leisurely shooting.

Maximum shutter speeds also tell an interesting story. The Z5 tops out at a sharp 1/8000s - great for freezing fast motion and shooting wide apertures in bright conditions. The K100D S caps at 1/4000s, limiting action and shallow depth of field options.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Now let’s talk about how each camera performs in specific photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

Portrait artists demand skin tone fidelity, bokeh quality, fast and accurate eye detection, and quiet operation.

The Nikon Z5’s full-frame sensor yields creamy bokeh rendering with its native Z-mount lenses, excellent skin tone reproduction, and its eye AF locks tightly, even at wide apertures. The IBIS allows handheld shooting in low light with less blur. The camera is silent enough for studio settings (with the electronic shutter).

Pentax’s K100D S, by contrast, is rougher around the edges. Its APS-C CCD chip has less resolution and poorer noise handling at high ISO. Bokeh and lens choices exist but no eye detection reduces ease of focus on subjects. The built-in flash can help fill shadows, but lacks subtlety.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands wide dynamic range, color accuracy, ruggedness, and resolution.

The Nikon Z5’s full-frame sensor shines here - dynamic range allows detail recovery in highlights and shadows, while the weather sealing protects on damp hikes. Combined with the Z-mount’s sharp wide-angle primes, it's a winner.

The K100D S does have access to an extensive Pentax K-mount lens catalog, including respected primes, which is a plus for those on a budget. However, its APS-C sensor’s lower resolution and lack of weather-sealing limit long-term landscape capabilities.

Wildlife Photography

Usually demanding fast autofocus and long telephoto lenses.

The Z5’s eye and animal detection AF, combined with the wide point coverage, gives it a leg up for tracking subjects. The 5 fps burst and modern AF system can get you usable shots of birds or small mammals, though no dedicated high-speed continuous shooting mode.

The K100D S is handicapped by its slow 3 fps shooting and dated autofocus system - more suited to stationary subjects than quick wildlife.

Sports Photography

Sports photographers thrive on tracking, high frame rates, and low-light sensitivity.

While the Nikon Z5 can handle casual sports with 4.5 fps and solid AF, it’s not built for professional high-speed sports shooting - competitors like Nikon Z6 II or Sony A9 outperform here.

The Pentax K100D S falls short entirely - neither its AF nor frame rate matches sports needs today.

Street Photography

Street shooters want discreet size, fast autofocus, decent low-light performance, and good connectivity for quick sharing.

Surprisingly, the Nikon Z5 is a bit large for stealthy street carry, though its quiet shutter and low noise performance shine after dusk. The touchscreen and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo facilitate quick edits/sharing from phone apps.

The K100D S, mildly compact, is similarly noisy and lacks connectivity, limiting spontaneous street workflow.

Macro Photography

Requires sharp focusing, high-resolution detail, and stabilization.

The Z5’s sensor and IBIS help macro shooters get tack-sharp photos handheld, supported by good Z-mount macro lenses. Focus bracketing support is a bonus for stacking in post.

The K100D S lacks stabilization, has lower resolution, and no bracketing, making macro work more challenging but not impossible with the right lenses.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance, long exposures, and low noise are key.

Here the Nikon Z5 pulls strongly ahead: its low noise at ISO 6400 and beyond, combined with sensor stabilization and long exposure capabilities, make it suitable for star trails and Milky Way shots.

The Pentax K100D S cannot compete due to higher noise and limited ISO range, though a sturdy tripod and long-exposure mode still render pleasing results at a basic level.

Video Capabilities

Modern creators need reliable 4K video, audio inputs, and stabilization.

The Nikon Z5 offers 4K UHD video at up to 30p with clean HDMI output, headphone and microphone jacks, and in-body stabilization. It’s a strong option for hybrid shooters and vloggers.

The Pentax K100D Super has no video functionality whatsoever - simply not designed for motion capture.

Travel Photography

Travelers value size, battery life, versatility, and reliability.

While the Z5 weighs slightly more, its fully modern features, weather sealing, dual card slots, and substantial battery life (around 470 shots) make it ideal for travel.

The K100D S runs on AA batteries (handy in remote areas) and is lightweight, but lacks flexibility with a single SD slot and no weather sealing.

Professional Work

Durability, workflow efficiency, and file versatility define professional needs.

Nikon Z5 shoots in 12-bit RAW with good software compatibility and dual SD slots for safe backups, fitting well into professional pipelines.

The Pentax K100D S holds up for beginner pro work but lacks modern file formats, rapid connectivity, and durability expected today.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The Nikon Z5 uses the Nikon Z-mount, a rapidly growing lineup with impeccable lens quality from Nikon and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. Fifteen prime and zoom lenses exist as native options, with adapters expanding the arsenal further.

Pentax K100D S embraces the venerable KAF2 lens mount, boasting an enormous legacy of over 150 lenses, including legacy glass. This gives Pentax users affordable access to various optics, though many lenses lack modern auto-focus speed or optical stabilization.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The Z5’s EN-EL15c battery is rated for approximately 470 shots per charge, typical of mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinders. Storage is via dual SD card slots, both UHS-II compatible - great for backup and overflow.

The K100D S uses readily available 4x AA batteries - an advantage in remote or prolonged shooting without access to power, though life varies widely by battery brand. Storage is single SD/SDHC - no UHS-II speed but fine for slower write needs.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Nikon Z5 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling easy tethering, remote control, and instant photo transfers to apps like Nikon’s SnapBridge.

Pentax K100D S has no wireless connectivity, only a USB 2.0 port - a sign of the era before smartphones and constant sharing.

Price-to-Performance Ratio Analysis

At roughly $1,400 new, the Nikon Z5 positions itself as an affordable full-frame mirrorless - delivering modern technology, solid image quality, and excellent versatility for enthusiasts and pros alike.

The Pentax K100D S, at around $520 (used or refurbished market pricing, since production ended long ago), appeals to newcomers or budget shooters wanting to learn fundamentals on a dependable DSLR.

Sample Results: Side-by-Side Gallery

No comparison is complete without seeing how these cameras perform in the field.

Nikon Z5 front Nikon Z5 screen back Pentax K100D S front Pentax K100D S screen back

Notice the Z5’s rich detail, smooth gradients, and deep dynamic range contrasts sharply with the Pentax’s characteristic grain and more limited resolution - especially under low light.

Overall Performance Ratings

Here’s a summary chart of core performance metrics I gathered through controlled testing and real-world use:

As you’d expect, the Nikon Z5 scores consistently higher across sensor quality, autofocus, video, and features, while the Pentax K100D S is modest but respectable for a 15-year-old midrange DSLR.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Finally, a genre-by-genre breakdown to guide your purchase decision:

The Z5 leads in all modern photographic specialties due to its sensor size, AF system, and video capabilities. The K100D S retains its charm in portrait and general daylight shooting for enthusiasts with lens budgets and a cheapskate’s heart.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Nikon Z5
Pros:

• Full-frame CMOS sensor with 24MP resolution
• 5-axis IBIS for handheld stability
• Hybrid AF with eye and animal detection
• 4K UHD video with mic/headphone ports
• Weather sealed and robust build
• Dual SD card slots and modern connectivity
• Tilting touchscreen and high-res EVF

Cons:

• Middle-tier continuous shooting (4.5 fps)
• Larger/luggier than ultra-compact mirrorless
• Price higher than entry-level DSLRs

Pentax K100D Super
Pros:

• Affordable entry point into DSLR photography
• Extensive K mount lens catalog availability
• Runs on easy-to-source AA batteries
• Solid, compact ergonomic DSLR chassis

Cons:

• Only 6MP CCD APS-C sensor, low dynamic range
• No video or live view autofocus
• Limited ISO range and subpar low-light performance
• No weather sealing or wireless connectivity

Who Should Consider Each Camera?

Choose the Nikon Z5 if you:

• Want a full-frame sensor with modern image quality
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife or video seriously
• Desire reliable autofocus and stabilization
• Need weather sealing for outdoor work
• Value connectivity and dual card slots for security
• Can allocate $1,400+ budget

Choose the Pentax K100D Super if you:

• Are a photography beginner eager to learn DSLR fundamentals
• Are on a tight budget or want to experiment without big spend
• Prefer classic optical viewfinder experience
• Want to explore a large legacy lens ecosystem affordably
• Don’t need video, high ISO performance, or wireless transfer
• Are okay working with slower AF and modest resolution

Final Verdict: Modern Excellence vs. Nostalgic Fundamentals

The Nikon Z5 is a mature, full-featured mirrorless camera that meets the demands of today’s photography world - with solid image quality, flexibility, and innovation. It’s a serious tool for enthusiasts and pros who want to grow or upgrade without breaking the bank.

The Pentax K100D Super, while antiquated in many respects, offers a charming, accessible entry into DSLR photography - and can still produce satisfying images for those who don't mind its limitations. It holds value for those who appreciate optical simplicity and a hands-on approach, or collectors and film-style shooters.

If I were picking a primary camera for most contemporary photography and hybrid use, I'd lean heavily on the Z5 - it simply makes fewer compromises and opens more creative doors. But for the aficionado on a budget or those teaching photography basics, the K100D Super remains a respectable legacy machine with a unique character all its own.

I hope this detailed comparison equips you to choose the camera that best suits your vision, style, and budget - because at the end of the day, the best camera is the one that inspires you to keep creating.

Happy shooting!