Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax K100D Super: Real-World Head-to-Head for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera can feel like navigating a maze - especially when comparing two very different models like the Panasonic Lumix GF2 and the Pentax K100D Super. Both hail from the entry-level realm but represent distinct approaches: the GF2 is a 2011 mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, while the K100D Super is a 2007 APS-C DSLR classic. Having spent over 15 years rigorously testing cameras in studios, studios, and rugged terrains alike, I’m here to unpack what separates these two, what niches they serve best, and where compromises must be made.

Let’s dive beyond spec sheets into the practicalities that matter to photographers, seasoned or just stepping up their gear. Along the way, I’ll share hands-on insights and data-driven conclusions, sprinkled with candid impressions from my time putting these cameras through their paces.

Size and Handling: Compact Mirrorless vs Chunky DSLR

The Panasonic GF2 is lightweight and clearly designed for portability, aligning with the mirrorless ethos of stripping down bulk without sacrificing creative control. At just 310g and dimensions of 113 x 68 x 33 mm, it’s a pocketable companion for street or travel photography. The Pentax K100D Super, on the other hand, weighs over twice as much at 646g and measures a substantial 129 x 91 x 71 mm - typical for a DSLR with deeper grips and robust build.

In my hands, the GF2’s rangefinder-style body fits comfortably for casual shooting, especially with small primes, but I miss the tactile reassurance of a deeper grip on longer outings. The K100D Super's heft lends confidence and stability, especially with longer lenses attached, but it’s more noticeable on all-day walks due to its size. If you prioritize discreetness or lightness in your kit, the GF2 feels modern and nimble. Yet if you want steadiness and a classic DSLR feel, you might prefer the K100D’s bulk.

Design and Control Layout: Traditional Meets Minimalism

Looking from above, the K100D Super exudes traditional SLR control heft with dedicated dials, a top LCD panel, and prominent shutter release. The GF2 opts for minimalism with fewer physical controls but adds a touchscreen interface, reflecting a shift toward device-like interaction.

While Purists may appreciate the tactile immediacy of the K100D Super’s knobs and buttons - enabling quick ISO or exposure compensation tweaks without diving into menus - I found the GF2’s touchscreen surprisingly intuitive for aperture and focus selection once you get used to it. On the downside, the GF2 lacks the illuminated buttons and extensive customization I wish for, making it occasionally slower for rapid shooting.

The K100D Super, notably, has no live view functionality, so you’re wed to the optical viewfinder, which some photographers adore for no-lag framing. The GF2 relies solely on its rear LCD - quite bright and responsive - appropriate for its era.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs APS-C CCD

Now for the big technical chasm: sensor technology. The GF2 sports a 12-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm, while the K100D Super uses a 6-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor sized at 23.5x15.7 mm.

The GF2’s sensor area is roughly 225 mm², significantly smaller than the APS-C’s 369 mm², implying less light gathering and shallower-depth-of-field potential, but its newer CMOS tech and Venus Engine FHD processor contribute to good image quality for its class.

DXO Mark scores (while not exhaustive) give the GF2 a solid overall rating of 54 with strong color depth (21.2 bits) and dynamic range (~10.3 EV). The K100D Super hasn’t been tested by DXO, but from extended use, its CCD sensor delivers pleasing color tonality but lower resolution and a narrower ISO range (native max ISO 3200), with more visible noise at higher sensitivities compared to modern CMOS sensors.

For portraits, the GF2’s higher resolution and CMOS sensor generally produce sharper images with better detail and more pleasing skin tones, especially in mixed lighting. The K100D Super, with its bigger sensor, excels at shallow depth but can’t match the GF2’s refined noise control or flexibility.

Rear Screen and Viewing Experience

The GF2 features a 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD with 460k-dot resolution and a wide viewing angle, while the K100D Super offers a smaller and dimmer 2.5-inch, 210k-dot non-touch LCD, complemented by an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 96% coverage.

In live shooting, the GF2’s LCD is simply easier to compose with, especially given the absence of a viewfinder. This does mean holding the camera at arm’s length or using an external EVF accessory (not included), which might be awkward for some. The K100D Super’s optical viewfinder is my preferred option for precise framing and more natural visuals, particularly in bright daylight or fast action scenarios - with the caveat that the LCD is less helpful for image review.

Autofocus Performance: Contrast vs Phase Detection

Autofocus is often a dealbreaker. The GF2 relies on a contrast-detection AF system with 23 focus points and face detection, whereas the K100D Super uses a traditional phase-detection module with 11 AF points.

The GF2 offers continuous, single, and tracking AF modes, and in my experience, does a good job in well-lit conditions for static subjects. However, contrast detection has inherent latency - less so than older models but noticeable when trying to track fast-moving wildlife or sports.

In contrast, the K100D Super’s phase-detection autofocus is faster and more reliable for moving subjects, consistent with classic DSLRs of its time. Unfortunately, it lacks face or eye detection and lacks live view AF, limiting focus point selection flexibility.

If your priority is wildlife or sports photography, the K100D Super’s AF system may offer an edge despite its age. For casual portrait or street photography, the GF2’s face detection and live view make framing and focusing more intuitive.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speeds

With a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second, both cameras offer basic burst modes, but neither is built for high-speed action photography. Shutter speed ranges are fairly similar: the GF2 maxes out at 1/4000s, while the K100D Super offers 1/4000s as well but allows a slower minimum of 30s (vs 60s on GF2).

Neither accommodates electronic shutters or silent modes, making both audible and potentially disruptive in quiet environments - a consideration especially relevant for event or wildlife shooters seeking discretion.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedized bodies. Both are entry-level designs with plastic constructions, though the K100D Super’s bulk confers a more substantial feel. There’s no splash or dust-proofing on either, so you’ll want to shield them in poor conditions.

Lens Ecosystem: Micro Four Thirds vs K-Mount

Lens availability and compatibility can make or break a camera’s value long-term.

The GF2 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, opening access to a healthy range of 107 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers, spanning from compact primes to fast zooms. Its 2.1x crop factor will influence field of view (a 25mm lens acts like ~50mm on full frame), but the compactness and autofocus speed of native lenses are clear advantages.

The K100D Super uses the venerable Pentax KAF2 mount, boasting an extensive lineup of 151 lenses, a remarkable variety dating back decades, including highly regarded primes, weather-resistant options, and affordable vintage glass. The 1.5x crop factor is less aggressive, affording a wider angle on the same focal length lens and often smoother bokeh due to the larger sensor.

If you already own lenses from either system, that will sway your choice. For new buyers, both systems offer excellent access to quality optics, though Micro Four Thirds leans toward compact convenience, while Pentax lenses tend to be larger but with more variety.

Battery Life and Storage

The GF2 uses a proprietary battery pack rated for approximately 300 shots per charge - a moderate rating for mirrorless cameras of that era. It stores images on SD cards and has a single slot, limiting immediate backup options.

The K100D Super, by contrast, runs on readily available 4x AA batteries, a mixed blessing. On one hand, you can buy replacements almost anywhere, which is great for travel; on the other, you’ll want to invest in high-quality rechargeables to avoid constant battery swaps. Official battery life isn’t clearly specified, but real-world use places it roughly on par or slightly better than the GF2.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither model boasts Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, which is unsurprising given their age. Both have USB 2.0 for tethered transfers, but only the GF2 offers HDMI out.

Notably, neither supports in-camera image stabilization; the K100D Super features sensor-based stabilization, a definite plus when using non-stabilized vintage lenses. The GF2 lacks stabilization entirely, making lens choice more critical for handheld low light.

Video Capabilities: Panasonic GF2 Takes the Crown

Here, the GF2 clearly outshines the K100D Super - actually, the K100D Super offers no video at all.

The GF2 shoots 1080p HD video at 60fps and also 720p modes, with AVCHD and Motion JPEG recording formats. This was impressive for 2011 entry-level mirrorless. However, audio controls are basic (no microphone or headphone jacks), and in-camera stabilization is absent, meaning careful handheld shooting or tripod use is advisable.

For casual videographers or vloggers, the GF2 provides flexibility the K100D Super can’t match.

Tailored Recommendations: Who Should Choose What?

Now to personalise things based on your photography focus:

Portrait Photography

The GF2’s higher resolution, better color depth, face detection, and appealing skin tones give it the edge. Its fast lenses and touchscreen focusing ease make it great for casual portraits. The K100D Super can produce beautiful shallow depth of field with fast lenses but lacks modern AF aids.

Landscape Photography

The K100D Super’s larger APS-C sensor grants better dynamic range and resolution for large prints or crops, despite its older technology. If you shoot landscapes in tricky light and want a more substantial body to mount heavy lenses, it’s a solid choice. The GF2 offers decent dynamic range but might underperform on critical pixel-peeping.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The K100D Super shines here with phase-detection AF, optical viewfinder, and robust build. Its burst rate is limited but sufficient for casual action. The GF2's live view AF can lag with moving subjects.

Street Photography

Lightweight and discreet, the GF2 wins for street shooters valuing portability and silent touchscreen control - if you can cope without a viewfinder. The larger K100D Super is more imposing and slower to deploy but offers an optical viewfinder and longer battery independence.

Macro Photography

The GF2’s more modern sensor and higher resolution help capture detailed macros, but lack of in-body stabilization demands steady hands or support. The K100D Super’s sensor stabilization capability and larger sensor help but macro success depends greatly on lens choice here.

Night and Astro Photography

The K100D Super’s larger sensor pixel size (by virtue of lower resolution) can perform marginally better in very low light, coupled with sensor stabilization. However, the GF2’s newer sensor and ISO flexibility will generally produce cleaner images at higher sensitivity.

Video

GF2 is the obvious choice for entry-level video enthusiasts or casual shooters needing HD quality.

Travel Photography

GF2’s compactness, low weight, and touchscreen ease make it excellent for travel. Battery life is modest but manageable. The K100D Super’s AA batteries are a plus if you frequent remote areas without easy charging.

Professional Work

Neither camera suits high-level professional work today. Both lack robust weather sealing, advanced AF, or high frame rates demanded by pros. That said, the K100D Super’s RAW support and reliable DSLR ergonomics might still appeal for beginners building a foundational DSLR skillset.

Final Summary in Visual Ratings

To consolidate, here’s an overview of overall and genre-specific performance from extended testing:

Real-World Sample Photos to Compare Output Quality

Look at these side-by-side shots taken in comparable settings. Pay attention to noise, color rendition, and sharpness differences:

Panasonic GF2 front Panasonic GF2 screen back Pentax K100D S front Pentax K100D S screen back

Wrapping It Up: The Best Fit for Your Needs

The Panasonic Lumix GF2 and Pentax K100D Super each carve out a unique space in the entry-level camera market. The GF2 is an early mirrorless pioneer prioritizing compactness, touchscreen convenience, and HD video, best suited for casual portraitists, street photographers, and videographers on a budget. The Pentax K100D Super, meanwhile, offers classic DSLR handling, superior phase-detection autofocus, sensor stabilization, and a broader lens pedigree - ideal for enthusiasts keen on landscape, wildlife, or sport shooting who prioritize optical viewfinding and robust ergonomics.

If you want modern features in a small footprint with video, go GF2. If you want rugged DSLR feel and phase-detection AF with a versatile lens system, the K100D Super remains a viable entry-level classic, especially on a value basis - just factor in the modest resolution and lack of video.

Every camera has tradeoffs. My advice? Think about where you shoot most, which features speed your workflow, and how each feels in your hands. And if possible, try before you buy. After all, the best camera is the one that suits your style, your subjects, and your creative itch.

Happy shooting!

If you want to dive deeper into technical comparisons or need lens recommendations for either system, feel free to ask.