Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850
65 Imaging
45 Features
38 Overall
42


54 Imaging
67 Features
60 Overall
64
Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 6MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 646g - 129 x 91 x 71mm
- Launched June 2007
- Earlier Model is Pentax K100D
- Replacement is Pentax K200D
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Push to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 895g - 156 x 117 x 82mm
- Announced April 2010

Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850 Overview
Here, we are reviewing the Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Pentax and Sony. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the K100D S (6MP) and A850 (25MP) and the K100D S (APS-C) and A850 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor sizing.

The K100D S was brought out 3 years earlier than the A850 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.
Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the K100D S grades vs the A850 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K100D Super & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K100D S Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K100D S over the Sony A850
K100D S | A850 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony A850 over the Pentax K100D S
A850 | K100D S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | April 2010 | ![]() | June 2007 | Newer by 34 months |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 210k | Sharper display (+712k dot) |
Common features in the Pentax K100D S and Sony A850
K100D S | A850 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very accurate focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Lack of Touch display |
Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K100D S enjoys external dimensions of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) and the Sony A850 has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).
Check out the Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the K100D S and the A850.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K100D S and A850 is 65 and 54 respectively.

Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by seeing specifications. The pic here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the K100D S and A850.
Plainly, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The K100D S due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony A850 will provide extra detail having its extra 19MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged K100D S will be behind in sensor tech.

Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K100D S vs Sony A850 Specifications
Pentax K100D Super | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax K100D Super | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Launched | 2007-06-28 | 2010-04-15 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor surface area | 369.0mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 6 megapixels | 25 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 3008 x 2008 | 6048 x 4032 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Highest boosted ISO | - | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 200 | 200 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Amount of lenses | 151 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 2.5 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 210 thousand dot | 922 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT Xtra Fine color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 96% | 98% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.57x | 0.74x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | - | no built-in flash |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/180 secs | 1/250 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Highest video resolution | None | None |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 646 grams (1.42 pounds) | 895 grams (1.97 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 129 x 91 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") | 156 x 117 x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | 79 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.2 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 1415 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 880 images |
Style of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | 4 x AA | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo |
Storage slots | 1 | Two |
Cost at launch | $520 | $0 |