Pentax K-5 II vs Sony QX100: A Thorough Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing your next camera is both exciting and challenging, especially when faced with two very different options such as the Pentax K-5 II DSLR and the Sony QX100 lens-style camera. Having rigorously tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in the industry, I’ll walk you through an in-depth comparison of these two models - covering everything from sensor technology, autofocus, usability, and image quality to specialized photography needs across genres.

Both cameras launched in 2013, yet they target distinct audiences and use cases. The Pentax K-5 II is a solid, mid-sized advanced DSLR aimed at enthusiasts comfortable with traditional handling, while the Sony QX100 tries to innovate by detaching the camera module and connecting wirelessly to your smartphone.

Let's explore how they stack up in real-world settings so you can discover which fits your creative ambitions best.

Getting to Know the Players: Design and Ergonomics

At first glance, these cameras couldn't be more different. The Pentax K-5 II offers a classic DSLR form factor with a robust magnesium alloy body, full manual controls, and traditional optical viewfinder. The Sony QX100 essentially is a compact camera module - no screen or viewfinder - designed to be paired with your smartphone where the phone serves as the viewfinder and interface.

Physical Size and Handling

From an ergonomics standpoint, the Pentax feels chunky but assuring in hand - great for long sessions and manual photography control. The QX100, by contrast, is light and pocketable but must pair with a smartphone, adding a new kind of convenience and challenge.

If you prioritize direct tactile feedback, traditional controls, and weather sealing for outdoor shoots, the K-5 II is the lean DSLR champ. If portability and smartphone integration matter more, QX100 is an innovative compromise.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Sensor technology drives photo quality fundamentally. Here is where the Pentax and Sony diverge profoundly.

The APS-C sensor in the Pentax K-5 II is significantly larger than the 1" sensor in the QX100. This makes a big difference in dynamic range, low-light performance, and subject isolation capabilities. Larger sensors collect more light; thus, you should expect cleaner images with less noise at high ISOs and better tonal gradation with the Pentax.

The Sony QX100’s 20MP 1" sensor is smaller but benefits from back-side illumination (BSI) technology that improves sensitivity somewhat. Resolution-wise, the QX100 offers slightly more pixels and a 4:3 sensor aspect ratio option, lending an advantage if cropping for square or 16:9 is a priority.

Real-World Insight: When shooting landscapes or anything requiring maximum image quality and post-processing latitude, the K-5 II’s sensor gives you better raw files and higher dynamic range. For casual, compact photography where convenience is key, the QX100 is respectable but won’t replace APS-C quality at high ISO or wide dynamic range requirements.

Controls and User Interface: How You Communicate With Your Camera

Photography is an art that relies on fast, intuitive manipulation of settings. The K-5 II shines here.

Pentax K-5 II Control Highlights:

• Dedicated mode and exposure dials on top
• Shutter speed and aperture rings on compatible lenses
• Exposure compensation, bracketing, and custom white balance accessible quickly
• 11-point autofocus with 9 cross-type sensors
• Optical pentaprism viewfinder covers the frame completely
• 3-inch LCD fixed screen

Sony QX100 Control Highlights:

• Only a few physical buttons: shutter, power, zoom rocker
• Touchscreen control via paired smartphone app (iOS/Android)
• Face detection and contrast-detection autofocus relying on phone interface
• No viewfinder; live preview only on phone screen

The Pentax provides analog familiarity - an ergonomic advantage for precise settings on the fly. Its optical viewfinder is invaluable for bright outdoor shooting and helps conserve battery life.

The QX100 is radically different - depending entirely on smartphone apps with minimal physical controls. This introduces latency and learning curves but enhances portability and social sharing integration.

Our Take: If you want command immediacy and optical viewing for professional or enthusiast shoots, the K-5 II excels. If you prioritize simplicity, wireless control, and shooting discretely with voice or touch on your phone, the QX100 innovates despite compromises.

Autofocus System: Tracking Your Moments

Both models use contrast detection AF; however, their implementations differ due to sensor size, design, and processing.

The Pentax’s hybrid phase and contrast AF system with multiple cross-type points makes it reasonably quick and reliable for tracking moving subjects, important for wildlife, sports, and event photography. Its built-in face detection bolsters portrait accuracy but lacks advanced animal eye AF found in modern cameras.

The Sony QX100’s autofocus is limited to contrast detection via smartphone. It lacks continuous or tracking AF modes, which hinders fast-paced photography but can suffice for casual snaps and portraits.

In Practice: For wildlife or sports, the K-5 II clearly outperforms with faster, continuous tracking AF and more focus points. The QX100 works best for static subjects, street shots, or casual portraits where portability dominates over speed.

Photography Disciplines: Strengths and Weaknesses Across Genres

Your camera's versatility often determines its value. Let's examine which camera suits various photography types best.

Portrait Photography

• Pentax K-5 II: Larger APS-C sensor creates creamy bokeh and precise subject-background separation when paired with fast lenses. The 11-point AF with face detection helps nail eye focus. Color reproduction and skin tone rendering are very good, supporting RAW files for extensive retouching.
• Sony QX100: Smaller sensor and fixed lens with relatively slow aperture at telephoto end limit background blur. Face detection is effective for casual portraits, but lack of RAW limits editing flexibility.

Landscape Photography

• Pentax: Exceptional with 14 stops dynamic range at base ISO, high resolution, and weather sealing for harsh outdoor conditions. Supports bracketing, long exposures, and precise focusing.
• Sony: Lightweight, good resolution sensor, and decent zoom range. However, no weather sealing and limited ISO range constrain versatility outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• Pentax: Continuous 7 FPS burst, phase-detection AF, and APS-C sensor’s better reach with telephoto lenses make it more suited for spontaneous wildlife action.
• Sony: Lacks continuous AF and burst mode, making it less ideal for capturing rapid wildlife behavior.

Sports Photography

• Pentax: 7 FPS shooting and solid AF tracking cope well with action sports. Limited buffer compared to modern DSLRs but good for enthusiasts.
• Sony: No continuous shooting, slower shutter speeds, and app-reliant controls limit usefulness in fast sports.

Street Photography

• Pengax: Bulkier but well-balanced. Optical viewfinder aids quick candid shots. Good low-light capability.
• Sony: Highly discreet and portable. Wireless operation encourages street contamination avoidance. Touchscreen focusing can slow reaction time but excellent for low profile shooting.

Macro Photography

• Pentax: Compatible with many macro lenses and offers sensor-shift stabilization helpful for close-focus shots.
• Sony: 5cm macro capability but fixed zoom lens and no specialized macro features reduce precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• Pentax: Solid performance at high ISO settings with low noise. Long exposure capabilities and exposure bracketing vital for star trails and astrophotography.
• Sony: Smaller sensor struggles in high ISO and long exposures. Limited by technology for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer full HD video, but the Pentax’s sensor-shift stabilization and microphone port offer superior video quality and audio options. The Sony QX100, relying on phone processing, is limited but simpler for casual video capture.

Build Quality, Durability, and Weather Resistance

Pentax builds the K-5 II with magnesium alloy body and full weather sealing against dust and moisture (not waterproof). This adds confidence for frequent outdoor use in challenging conditions.

The Sony QX100’s lens-style body is compact plastic with no environmental sealing. It’s best for dry conditions unless you take precautions.

Pentax wins hands-down in durability and ready-for-any-adventure robustness.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The K-5 II uses the longstanding Pentax KAF2 mount with over 150 lenses available, ranging from professional primes, macros, to ultra-wide zooms. This gives you enormous creative flexibility.

Sony QX100 has a fixed 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 zoom lens built in - good for everyday shooting but no option to change lenses.

If you value swapping lenses for specialized effects or upgrades, the Pentax is the obvious choice.

Battery Life and Storage

• Pentax K-5 II: Uses a D-LI90 rechargeable battery with an impressive 980 shot capacity - great for extended shoots without worrying about spares. Single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.

• Sony QX100: Smaller NP-BN battery for approx. 200 shots per charge, limited by WiFi streaming to phone. Uses microSD cards (microSDHC/SDXC) and Sony Memory Stick Micro.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Sony QX100 integrates built-in WiFi and NFC for swift pairing with your smartphone. This streamlines image transfer and sharing but depends heavily on the phone app's reliability.

The Pentax K-5 II has no built-in wireless capabilities but offers optional GPS attachment and USB 2.0 connectivity for tethered shooting and file transfers.

Price-to-Performance Summary

Pentax K 5 II front Pentax K 5 II screen back Sony QX100 front Sony QX100 screen back

What Score Do They Get?

Our lab tests and real-world shooting yield these ratings:

The Pentax K-5 II scores solidly as a capable enthusiast DSLR, while the Sony QX100 offers respectable performance for a pocketable wireless module.

Which Camera Excels at What Photography Genre?

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Pentax K-5 II if...

• You want manual controls and DSLR ergonomics for a hands-on shooting experience
• You need a rugged, weather-sealed body for outdoor adventures
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, wildlife, or sports and want raw file flexibility
• Video capture with external audio input matters for you
• You value a vast, affordable lens lineup to develop creative skills
• You prioritize battery life and reliability over portability

Pick the Sony QX100 if...

• You want ultimate portability that slips right in your pocket
• You love wireless smartphone integration and sharing photos on-the-go
• Your photography is casual to enthusiast but not for fast action or pro workflows
• You value convenience and social media connectivity more than ultimate image quality
• You want to experiment with lens-style cameras and mobile photography workflows

Getting Started: Accessories & Testing Tips

Whichever you choose, I highly recommend:

• For Pentax K-5 II: Invest in a quality prime lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) for portraits, and a telephoto zoom for wildlife/sports. Carry extra batteries if going remote.

• For Sony QX100: Pair with a flagship smartphone for the smoothest app experience. Use a small tripod or grip for stable shots.

Always shoot in RAW when possible (K-5 II) to maximize editing latitude. Experiment with manual modes to learn your camera’s strengths. Check online forums and official tutorials - expert communities abound.

In Summary

The Pentax K-5 II remains a compelling, rugged DSLR that suits dedicated photographers seeking control, image quality, and adaptability. Its large sensor, solid AF, weather resistance, and lens variety provide a foundation for serious creative work.

The Sony QX100 embraces a fresh approach - connecting directly to your smartphone - to deliver portable, wireless photography. It suits casual shooters, tech explorers, and those seeking ultracompact gear for street and travel snapshots where ultimate performance is less critical.

By understanding your photography goals, preferred workflow, and shooting environments, you’ll find the camera here that best supports your vision. Dive in, explore features firsthand if you can, and pick the tool inspiring you most - both models possess unique strengths worth your creative energy.

Happy shooting!