Diving Deep: Comparing the Panasonic Lumix TS10 and Pentax K100D Super – Which Camera Serves You Best?

Choosing a camera often feels like either picking sides in a friendly rivalry or hunting for a Swiss Army knife in a crowded toolbox. Today, we’re putting two very different offerings side by side: Panasonic’s rugged Lumix TS10 and Pentax’s steadfast K100D Super DSLR. They target distinct user needs, from splash-prone adventures to classic DSLR craftsmanship. Having extensively tested both over the years in a variety of settings, I want to guide you through their nuances, strengths, and compromises. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which of these cameras suits your photography rhythm, whether you’re a casual snapper or a gear-savvy enthusiast.

Let’s start by putting the cameras under the loupe - their size, build, sensor tech, and how those translate into the photos and videos you’ll produce.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Pocket-Sized Durability vs. DSLR Handling

When you’re out in the wild or just strolling the city streets, the feel of your camera can make or break your shooting experience.

The Panasonic TS10 is a compact powerhouse designed with ruggedness in mind - splash, freeze, dust, and shock resistance (minus crushproof). Weighing only 188 grams and with dimensions of 99x63x24 mm, it slips easily into a jacket pocket or small bag. The textured grip, while minimalistic due to its compactness, is sufficient for quick handheld snappers. It’s got a fixed lens and a tough polycarbonate body with environmental sealing that’s genuinely reassuring if your adventures include rain or dusty trails.

In contrast, the Pentax K100D Super is a traditional DSLR, tipping the scale at 646 grams and measuring 129x91x71 mm - significantly bulkier and heavier. But therein lies its appeal: a solid ergonomic grip, deeper body contours, and more real estate for tactile control are welcome for serious shooters spending hours crafting images. It fits neatly with Pentax’s K-mount lenses, providing versatility but at a cost: it’s not a camera you just shove into a pocket, and it lacks the environmental sealing of the TS10.

The TS10’s portability and hardy design make it ideal for rough-and-tumble or travel photographers who prioritize durability and convenience. Meanwhile, the K100D Super suits those who prefer traditional DSLR ergonomics with manual control and lens flexibility.

Control Layout and Interface: Simplicity vs. Depth

How a camera behaves under your fingertips can determine the joy - or frustration - of shooting.

The TS10 adopts straightforward controls with no manual focus or full exposure modes. Its top lacks a control dial, which means you’re mostly at the mercy of its preset automatic modes. For casual users or those who want point-and-shoot simplicity, this is a plus. But if you want creative control - aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual exposure - the camera won’t indulge you. Its 2.7-inch fixed LCD, while not high-res by today’s standards, lets you review shots, though no touchscreen or live histograms are present.

On the other hand, the K100D Super offers traditional DSLR controls: manual focus, shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes, essential tools for photographers intent on mastering exposure and depth of field. It has a hill-and-dale dial, dedicated buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 96% coverage and 0.57x magnification, allowing precise composition. The 2.5-inch rear LCD is lower-res but pairs well with the optical viewfinder, accommodating photographers who prefer eye-level shooting.

While the TS10 simplifies to reduce barriers for casual use, the K100D S’s controls appeal to users who want to learn or fine-tune their craft.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Compact Sensor vs. Classic APS-C Power

At the heart of photographic quality lies the sensor. Which solution produces better images tailored to your style?

The Panasonic TS10 sports a 1/2.3" CMOS CCD sensor (6.08x4.56 mm) with 14 megapixels. Its sensor area (~27.7 mm²) is typical for waterproof compacts - small, but packed relatively high resolution. The fixed 35-140 mm (35mm equivalent) lens with f/3.5-5.6 aperture range offers useful reach but limited low-light performance due to small sensor size and modest aperture. Optical image stabilization helps mitigate handshake, especially important for longer zoom shots.

In contrast, the Pentax K100D Super features a much larger APS-C CCD sensor measuring 23.5x15.7 mm, about thirteen times larger in area (~369 mm²), with 6 megapixels. The lower pixel count suggest larger individual pixels, better for noise control and dynamic range, important when shooting in challenging light. The DSLR design allows interchangeable lenses, including fast primes and zooms with wide apertures. Its sensor-based stabilization is another layer of flexibility, especially great for macro or handheld telephoto shots.

Practically, the K100D Super delivers better image quality with lower noise at higher ISOs (up to 3200 native ISO), richer detail rendering, wider dynamic range, and a more cinematic 3:2 aspect ratio. The TS10’s sensor struggles in dimmer conditions and offers limited creative control but shines in consistent daylight and wet environments.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Burst Capability

Nothing kills a shot faster than slow or inaccurate autofocus, especially for fast-moving subjects.

The Panasonic TS10 uses 9 autofocus points relying on contrast-detection AF, with no face detection or eye autofocus. AF is single-shot only, with no tracking or continuous AF modes. It can deliver about 2 fps burst mode, modest but sufficient for casual use. Low-light autofocus is sluggish, a common limitation in small sensor compacts, so you’ll want to ensure decent lighting.

The Pentax K100D Super steps up with an 11-point AF system utilizing phase detection, which is significantly faster and more reliable in tracking moving subjects. Continuous AF and 3 fps burst mode empower sports and wildlife photographers - although these frame rates feel slow compared to modern cameras, they were competitive at the time. Its manual focus option and optical viewfinder aid precise focusing, especially useful in macro or portrait work.

If you prioritize photographing fast action, the K100D Super’s AF system and burst speed give it a tangible edge, whereas the TS10 is better suited for static or slow-moving scenes.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

A quality viewfinder or display helps you frame and evaluate shots accurately.

The TS10’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD exposes 230k pixels - decent but unspectacular. Lack of an optical or electronic viewfinder implies relying solely on the LCD in bright conditions, which can be tricky outdoors, particularly with glossy surfaces. There’s no touchscreen, so navigation feels a bit dated.

Conversely, the K100D Super sports a 2.5-inch LCD with 210k pixels - not a huge difference visually, but its sacrificial role alongside a bright optical pentamirror viewfinder makes it more versatile. Photographers can compose through the finder, beneficial in low light or bright sun, while the LCD covers shot review and menu navigation.

For street photography or shooting in bright daylight, the K100D Super offers better options to chase the perfect angle.

Lens Systems and Compatibility

Lens choice fundamentally determines shooting flexibility.

The Panasonic TS10’s lens is fixed with a 35–140 mm equivalent focal range at f/3.5–5.6. While a 4x zoom gives versatility for landscapes and portraits, it can’t be removed or swapped - a limitation for advanced creative control or low-light needs.

In contrast, the Pentax K100D Super leverages the extensive Pentax KAF2 lens mount, compatible with over 150 lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to super-telephotos and macro glass. This broad ecosystem unlocks vast creative potential with manual aperture control, specialized optics, and ancient legacy lenses - should you seek them.

If you love tinkering with lenses or plan to specialize (portraits, landscapes, macro), the K100D Super provides the canvas and tools, while the TS10 aims for all-around utility in a single compact.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Long shooting sessions require reliable power and ample storage.

The Panasonic TS10 uses an unspecified proprietary battery (not detailed), typical of compacts, which tends to offer moderate shot counts between charges. It stores images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and has internal storage - useful if you run out of card space.

The Pentax K100D Super runs on 4 AA batteries - an old-school choice that can be both a blessing and curse. A blessing if you find yourself far from chargers (you can swap in fresh AAs anytime), a curse because you’ll need to carry spares. It also uses SD/SDHC cards but no internal storage.

For travel photographers, the AA solution's versatility may appeal, although modern rechargeable packs usually deliver longer life per charge and lighter load.

Video Capabilities: Basic vs. None

While the Lumix TS10 provides basic video - 720p HD at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format - this is a surprise bonus from a tough compact, mainly serving vacation snippets or casual movie recording. Limitations include no external microphone input, no 4K or even Full HD, and modest stabilization.

The Pentax K100D Super lacks video recording entirely, being a DSLR designed expressly with stills in mind during the pre-video era.

So, if adding simple video to your photographic workflow matters, Panasonic's TS10 is the clear choice.

Specialty Photography Formats and Features

Neither camera supports RAW shooting with the TS10 firmly in JPEG only territory, while the K100D Super supports RAW - critical for enthusiasts and professionals who want extensive post-processing latitude.

The Pentax supports exposure bracketing (AE bracketing), beneficial for HDR workflows. The TS10 does not offer bracketing modes. The lack of manual exposure modes and ISO flexibility (TS10 max ISO 6400 but not much usable) further restrict creative potential.

Practical Real-World Use Cases: Where Each Camera Shines

Portrait Photography

Pentax K100D Super takes the cake here. Thanks to its APS-C sensor, interchangeable lenses, and manual controls, you can craft portraits with shallow depth of field, smooth bokeh, and skin tones captured with fidelity. Eye autofocus is lacking, but manual focus and phase-detection AF deliver precise results with good lighting.

The Panasonic TS10, with fixed lens and smaller sensor, produces portraits with more deep depth of field and less subject separation. Good in bright daylight but soft and noisy when light fades.

Landscape Photography

If extreme weather is anticipated, the TS10’s waterproof and freezeproof build is unmatched. Capture landscapes near rivers, beaches, or snowy hikes confidently. The wide-angle equivalent of 35mm provides versatility, though details aren’t as sharp as a larger sensor.

The K100D Super offers superior resolution and dynamic range for fine landscape details, plus a broad lens selection including sharp wide-angle optics. However, it is vulnerable to elements without additional sealing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Action photographers gravitate toward the K100D Super for its faster autofocus, phase detection, continuous AF, and interchangeable telephoto lenses. Frame rate (3 fps) is modest but usable for moderate speed subjects.

The TS10’s slow AF and 2 fps burst are limiting here. Its zoom is short for serious wildlife. Yet, if you need a rugged camera for casual animal encounters on a kayak, TS10 is still a reliable partner.

Street Photography

TS10’s compactness and durability offer discretion and quick deployment - you aren’t lugging bulky gear, and rugged sealing lets you keep shooting through weather challenges.

The K100D Super, though larger and louder, allows creative control in exposure and lens choice. Yet, its weight and bulk may slow your pace in fast situations.

Macro Photography

Pentax wins again. Larger sensor, interchangeable macro lenses, and stabilized sensor make detailed close-ups sharp and vivid. Manual focus assists precise composition.

TS10 macro focus range of 10 cm is decent but constrained by fixed lens optics and limited focusing precision.

Night and Astro Photography

K100D Super has clear advantage. Larger sensor, ISO up to 3200, manual exposure modes, and stable tripod operation allow deep night exposures.

TS10 struggles with noise beyond ISO 400 and lacks long exposure options beyond 1 second. Freeze-proofing helps outdoor shooting, but image quality suffers.

Video

If you need to record HD video casually, TS10’s 720p option is a clear advantage over K100D Super’s absence of video.

Overall Performance and Ratings

I synthesized my extensive testing into a comparative set of scores.

As expected, the K100D Super excels in image quality, control, and performance modes, while the TS10 shines in environmental durability and simple versatility.

Performance by Photography Style

Portraits, landscape, sports, macro - Pentax leads. For adventure and travel photography needing rugged reliability, Panasonic takes the lead.

Real-Life Image Samples

You can see from the gallery below how differences in image quality, color rendition, and sharpness emerge between these two.

Panasonic TS10 front Panasonic TS10 screen back Pentax K100D S front Pentax K100D S screen back

Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix TS10 if:

  • You want an affordable, pocket-sized, rugged camera that can handle rain, dust, freezing temps and rough handling
  • You prioritize convenience over manual control
  • Casual shooting, travel, hiking, and video snippet capture is your focus
  • You don’t need interchangeable lenses or RAW processing

• Choose the Pentax K100D Super if:

  • You seek creative control, manual exposure modes, and RAW shooting
  • Image quality, particularly in low light, portrait bokeh, or landscapes, is paramount
  • You want to build a lens collection and use a traditional DSLR experience
  • Weight and bulk are secondary to versatility and professional workflow integration

Final Personal Thoughts

In my hands-on experience, the Panasonic TS10 offers fantastic peace of mind when venturing into the elements, a camera you almost forget is even there until you want to take a quick snap - sturdy, simple, and dependable. However, for anyone captivated by the artistry of photography, needing tailored control and image quality, the Pentax K100D Super remains a charming and capable classic, embracing the DSLR’s tactile delight while introducing you to a world of lenses and manual mastery.

It's the quintessential crossroads of rugged convenience versus photographic control - a choice shaped by your shooting priorities. Whichever side you lean towards, you’re investing in a camera with its own unique legacy, perfect for specific niches in the photography spectrum.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore either camera more visually, see the video overview linked at the top of this review and detailed lens tests on my tech channel. For now, I hope this deep dive helps you make an informed decision tailored to your photography style and needs.