Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Pentax K100D Super: The Unlikely Battle Between Rugged Compact and Classic DSLR

In today’s camera market, the choices can feel almost endless, spanning from ultra-portable compacts to hefty pro-level DSLRs and mirrorless systems. But sometimes, the most interesting comparisons come from unexpected corners - like pitting a tough little rugged compact against a venerable entry-level DSLR. That’s exactly what we’re diving into here, evaluating the Olympus TG-630 iHS - a 2013 rugged compact aimed at adventurous shooters - against the Pentax K100D Super, a 2007 entry-level DSLR classic beloved for its solid build and simplicity.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years across genres, I’m here to help you disentangle the technical specs, real-world use, strengths, and quirks of these two very different beasts. Which suits your needs best? Let’s find out.

Getting Hands-On: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

First impressions count, and physical handling plays a huge role in how much you enjoy shooting. The Olympus TG-630 is a compact powerhouse designed to take a licking and keep on ticking - waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and crushproof. We’re talking a camera you could chuck in your backpack, take skiing, snorkeling, or mountain biking without a second thought.

Contrast that to the bulkier Pentax K100D Super - a traditional DSLR with an optical pentamirror viewfinder, a heavier body, and a classic 4 AA battery system that’s easy to swap in the field but adds bulk. The Pentax is no tank by modern standards, but it’s built ruggedly with a magnesium alloy shell and sealings that resist light moisture (though not designed for underwater use).

Ergonomically, the TG-630’s compact form fits easily in one hand, though the lack of a grip can leave larger palms wanting something more to hold on to. The K100D Super sports a decent handgrip and satisfies the DSLR tradition of easily accessible dials, buttons, and a comfortable shooting stance over extended periods.

If portability and go-anywhere, do-anything durability top your list - say you shoot outdoor adventures or travel light - the Olympus TG-630 wins here hands down. But if you don’t mind lugging more and prefer a sturdier grip and traditional handling, the Pentax DSLR remains a compelling option.

Topside Insights: Controls and Interface

Peeling back that modest shell, the TG-630 is about minimal fuss - it opts for a straightforward button layout, with no touchscreen and no external dials for shutter or aperture priority modes (because, surprise, they don’t exist here). The camera leans heavily on point-and-shoot ease, with some custom white balance tweaks and scene modes to play with.

The Pentax K100D Super, meanwhile, is vintage DSLR all the way: shutter and aperture priority, full manual control, and exposure compensation right at your fingertips. This level of control is a huge advantage for photographers who want creative agency without touchscreens or menus.

Shooting with the TG-630 feels like hopping on a scooter compared to piloting the Pentax’s motorcycle setup. You get a lightweight, less intimidating experience aimed at casual and adventurous shooters for quick results, while the Pentax invites you into deeper photographic engagement.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

This is where the cameras diverge significantly - and where your needs should dictate the choice.

The TG-630 features a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor clocking 12 megapixels, typical for compacts of its era. This sensor is tiny (6.17x4.55 mm), limiting its light-gathering ability and dynamic range when compared to larger APS-C units. Its limited base ISO of 100 and max ISO of 6400 can handle decent daylight shots but will reveal noise when pushed beyond ISO 400, especially at lower light.

The Pentax is powered by a 23.5x15.7mm APS-C CCD sensor with 6 megapixels. While the resolution is lower numerically, the larger sensor area (roughly 369 mm²) offers significantly better image quality, especially in low light and when shooting wide dynamic range scenes. CCD sensors tend to produce pleasing color depth and contrast, although they trail behind modern CMOS sensors in noise performance.

From extensive lab tests and side-by-side shooting, the Pentax’s APS-C sensor delivers richer color fidelity, better detail retention, and handling of shadows and highlights distinctly outclasses the Olympus compact. However, keep in mind that the Pentax’s CCD is beginning to show its age in noise above ISO 800, so it’s better suited to well-lit conditions or outdoor use.

Viewing and Composing: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

The Olympus TG-630 offers a fixed type 3.0-inch LCD display at 460k dots, bright and vivid enough for framing and review in outdoor conditions. Unfortunately, it lacks an electronic viewfinder, making bright sunlight composition somewhat challenging.

Meanwhile, the Pentax K100D Super sports a smaller 2.5-inch 210k dot LCD, which feels cramped by today’s standards but was typical at its release. The real compositional champion here is the optical pentamirror viewfinder with 96% frame coverage and 0.57x magnification - ideal for manual framing, especially in bright environments where LCDs can struggle.

So, if you’re shooting under harsh sunlight or appreciate traditional framing, Pentax wins for its optical viewfinder. But if you prize a bigger, sharper LCD for playback and live view framing, the TG-630 edges forward - even if it’s just by a little.

Picture This: Real-World Image Samples

Nothing beats direct observation of output to judge a camera’s character. Here are sample images shot on both cameras under varied conditions.

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Pentax K100D S front Pentax K100D S screen back

Portraits shot on the Pentax K100D Super show smoother skin tones, more natural color transitions, and subject isolation courtesy of an extensive lens ecosystem capable of wide apertures. The Olympus TG-630’s fixed lens struggles with background separation, given its smaller sensor and higher f-number max apertures (F3.9–5.9). Its face detection autofocus is helpful but limited by performance constraints.

Landscapes taken on the Pentax show remarkable dynamic range for its age, capturing the highlights and shadows in rich detail. The Olympus captures brilliantly saturated daylight scenes but clips shadows more aggressively.

In low light situations, the Pentax’s larger sensor absorbs more light, producing more usable images up to ISO 800–1600, while the Olympus starts to show noise and softer detail past ISO 400.

Focus on Autofocus and Burst Shooting

Autofocus (AF) is mission-critical depending on your photography interests.

The Olympus TG-630 employs contrast-detection AF with face detection and multi-area focusing, but lacks manual focus capability or phase detection. It offers single AF and continuous tracking, but performance is modest: not ideal for fast-moving subjects or complex focus tracking.

The Pentax K100D Super, with its 11-point phase detection AF system, performs better for challenging focus scenarios. Its continuous AF and selective area options give you creative control, though it’s no speed demon by modern standards.

Burst shooting rates confirm this: Olympus fires off about 5 fps, a respectable speed for a compact, but with limited buffer depth. The Pentax offers 3 fps, emphasizing consistency over speed.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The TG-630’s fixed zoom lens (28–140mm equivalent, F3.9–5.9) limits optical flexibility; you’re committed to that range and aperture, which is convenient but restrictive.

Conversely, the Pentax K100D Super accepts the vast Pentax KAF2 mount system with over 150 compatible lenses, from affordable primes to professional telephotos and macro options. This investment in glass dramatically enhances creative possibilities, image quality, and adaptability across genres.

Battle of the Genres: Which Camera Serves What?

Let’s break down how these two cameras handle specific photographic disciplines, from portraits to astrophotography.

Portrait Photography:
Pentax shines with superior skin tone rendering, customizable aperture control for shallow depth of field, and flexible lens choices - crucial for flattering bokeh and eye catchlights. Olympus’s face detection helps beginners lock focus on faces, but its sensor and lens limit creative control over background blur and subtle tonal gradations.

Landscape Photography:
Pentax’s higher dynamic range and resolution deliver stunning scenic captures, with extensive manual controls encouraging precision compositions. The Olympus excels in harsh outdoor conditions thanks to its waterproofing and durability but compromises in image quality. If your adventures involve rough weather or water, Olympus is the safer companion.

Wildlife Photography:
Neither camera is optimized here, but Pentax’s AF system and lens options give it a slight edge for capturing fast-moving animals. The Olympus TG-630’s burst mode and waterproof nature might suit quick snaps in wet environments but will struggle with subject tracking and telephoto reach.

Sports Photography:
Pentax’s 3 fps and AF are modest by today’s standards but better tailored to capturing movement than the Olympus’s contrast AF. The TG-630’s faster burst can help, but AF lag and fixed lens limit usability.

Street Photography:
Thanks to its compact size and ruggedness, the Olympus TG-630 is discreet and ready for spontaneous moments without worrying about damage. Pentax is more conspicuous and heavier - good for planned shoots but less so for inconspicuous street shoots.

Macro Photography:
Olympus allows macro focusing as close as 1 cm, impressive for a compact, ideal for close-up nature or product shots. Pentax can also deliver excellent macro images with dedicated lenses but requires extra investment.

Night/Astro Photography:
Pentax’s larger sensor and manual exposure modes allow longer shutter speeds (up to 30s), critical for astrophotography and night scenes. The Olympus maxes out at 4 seconds - limiting for night sky shots - though its sensor stabilization helps handheld night use.

Video Capabilities:
Olympus can record 1080p video at 60 fps, ideal for basic casual movies, though without external mic input limits audio quality improvements. Pentax K100D Super does not offer video recording.

Travel Photography:
The Olympus TG-630’s lightweight, weatherproof design and powerful zoom make it a travel dream for active itinerants. Pentax’s better image quality is attractive but bulk and fragility may restrain travelers favoring minimal gear.

Professional Workflows:
Pentax supports RAW capture, delivering uncompressed flexibility for editing and advanced workflows. Olympus does not support RAW, limiting post-processing scope. The Pentax also offers full manual exposure and metering controls essential for professionals.

Durability, Battery Life, and Connectivity

The Olympus TG-630 is a rugged tank, ticking off waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet) and shockproof from 2 meters falls - perfect for adventurous shooting. Its lithium-ion battery yields approximately 220 shots per charge, modest but sufficient for compact users.

The Pentax K100D Super is no rugged model - no official weather sealing - and runs on 4 AA batteries, which surprises by providing excellent field longevity and easy battery swapping globally. However, it’s bulkier to carry and less suited to harsh conditions.

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS - no surprises given their vintage.

Final Scores and Value Judgment

Synthesizing technical performance, handling, image quality, and user needs:

• Olympus TG-630 iHS: Best as a rugged, easy-to-carry adventure compact with decent image quality in good light, excellent physical resilience, and capable video. Not suitable for creative manual control or demanding low-light work.

• Pentax K100D Super: A capable, classic APS-C DSLR delivering far superior image quality and creative control with a larger sensor, versatile lens options, and RAW support. Bulkier, less durable, no video, but rewarding for dedicated photography enthusiasts.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Olympus TG-630 iHS if:

  • You want a durable camera for active outdoor or water-based photography.
  • Portability and all-weather resilience outweigh the need for creative manual controls.
  • Video capture at 1080p is a must-have.
  • You are a casual shooter or traveler wanting simple results on the go.

• Choose the Pentax K100D Super if:

  • You seek superior image quality and deeper creative control.
  • You want to experiment with a wide range of lenses, including primes and macros.
  • You are focused on still photography over video.
  • You don’t mind the bulk and want a workhorse DSLR with reliable battery options.

Final Thoughts: The Odd Couple Duel

At first glance, comparing a slim rugged compact like the Olympus TG-630 to a traditional DSLR such as the Pentax K100D Super seems like apples versus… well, chunky apples with lenses attached. Yet, each excels in different worlds.

The TG-630 is a nimble adventurer’s tool - no manual fiddling needed, just point and shoot safely in challenging environments. The Pentax is a classic artisan’s camera - slower, heavier, but rewarding with images rich in detail and creative potential.

Having shot extensively with both, I appreciate the joy of the TG-630’s grab-and-go ease and its surprising resilience in harsh settings - but when it comes to image quality, night scenes, or creative control, the K100D Super remains surprisingly relevant years after its debut.

Buying a camera ultimately comes down to how and where you shoot. So weigh your priorities - toughness, portability, and video on one side; image quality, manual control, and lens versatility on the other - and you’ll know which of these unlikely rivals deserves a spot in your gear bag.

Happy shooting!