Pentax K100D Super vs. Sony A6400: An Expert Comparison for Modern Photographers

When selecting your next camera, you face a wide range of choices spanning generations and technologies. Here, we dive deep into a focused comparison between two very different yet interesting models: the Pentax K100D Super, an early entry-level DSLR launched in 2007, and the Sony A6400, one of Sony’s most advanced mirrorless APS-C cameras released in 2019. Both cameras hold unique places in photographic history and practice, and understanding their strengths and limitations helps you make an informed choice tailored to your creative ambitions.

We’ll analyze these cameras from every angle - technical features, real-world performance, usability, and value – across major photography genres. Whether your heart lies in portraits, wildlife, landscapes, or video, you’ll find clear insights drawn from thousands of hours of hands-on testing and years of industry expertise. So, let’s jump in.

Welcome to the Visual Comparison: Size and Ergonomics

The first impression often starts with handling and ergonomics. The Pentax K100D Super is a traditional DSLR with a rugged feel while the Sony A6400 introduces a compact, mirrorless design that prioritizes portability.

• Pentax K100D Super: Weighing 646g, it’s bulkier with dimensions of 129 x 91 x 71 mm. It’s made for those who appreciate solid hands-on control, featuring a prominent grip and an optical pentamirror viewfinder.
• Sony A6400: At 403g and 120 x 67 x 50 mm, this camera is significantly smaller and lighter, ideal for travel or street photography where discretion and quick responses are critical.

You’ll notice the Pentax fits traditional DSLR shooters with larger hands better, while the Sony caters to enthusiasts who want a nimble camera without compromising advanced features.

The Battle of Sensor Technologies: Image Quality at a Glance

At the heart of any camera lies the sensor, the pivotal component defining resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

The Sony A6400's modern 24 MP CMOS sensor easily outranks the Pentax’s older 6 MP CCD sensor with superior resolution, broader ISO scope, and excellent dynamic range. This technological leap means the A6400 produces cleaner images, better control in shadows and highlights, and vastly improved high ISO performance for low-light situations - a crucial factor for many photography genres today.

Top-View Control Layout: Which Interface Works Best?

Physical controls profoundly affect your shooting experience. The K100D Super opts for a classic DSLR control system, while the A6400 utilizes a mirrorless layout optimized for quick access and touchscreen interaction.

• Pentax K100D Super: Features dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and flash modes. Its manual controls are tactile and traditional, favoring photographers who like dialing settings without navigating menus.
• Sony A6400: Offers fewer physical dials but compensates with touchscreen focus and menu navigation, a tilting rear screen, and more contextual controls accessed via function buttons.

While the Pentax may appeal to photographers who prefer physical dials and an analog feel, the Sony’s advanced electronic interface and customization options provide a modern, nimble shooting experience better suited for fast-paced environments.

LCD and Viewfinder: See Your World Clearly

The ability to review images and frame shots depends on display quality. The K100D Super has a modest fixed LCD while the Sony astonishes with a large, articulated touchscreen.

Pentax’s fixed, lower-res screen limits image review fidelity. The Sony’s higher resolution, fully articulating touchscreen excels for vlogging, varied shooting angles, and intuitive focus control. The OLED electronic viewfinder of the Sony provides real-time exposure preview and focus aids, a huge advantage over the optical pentamirror of the Pentax that covers only 96% of the frame.

Real-World Photography Showdown: Portraits, Landscapes, and Wildlife

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Eye Autofocus

Portraits demand accurate skin tone rendering, smooth bokeh, and sharp eye focus.

• Pentax K100D Super: With its 6 MP CCD sensor, color rendition is warm and analog-like but lacks resolution for large prints. Its autofocus is 11-point phase-detection without eye-tracking - reliable but slow and prone to misfocus with moving subjects.
• Sony A6400: Boasts 425 autofocus points with real-time eye detection for humans and animals. You get tack-sharp portraits even at wide apertures with exquisite detail from 24 MP resolution. Skin tones render naturally with the flexible color science options.

Winner: For portraits, the Sony A6400’s advanced AF and higher res sensor make a decisive difference.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Landscape shooters prize large prints, detail in shadows, and weather resistance.

• Pentax K100D Super: Limited by 6 MP resolution and moderate dynamic range, but coupled with Pentax’s renowned build quality (though this model lacks sealing). Its sensor-based image stabilization helps compensate for handheld shooting.
• Sony A6400: Offers 24 MP richly detailed files and excellent dynamic range for scenes with strong contrast. It features dust resistance but lacks full weather sealing.

Winner: Sony A6400 takes the lead for landscape resolution and dynamic range, but Pentax’s rugged image stabilization remains a nice asset.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Speed

Actions shots require speed and accuracy for fleeting moments.

• Pentax K100D Super: Limited 3 fps continuous shooting and 11 basic AF points hamper ability to track fast animals.
• Sony A6400: Impressive 11 fps continuous burst with full autofocus tracking, including animal eye AF, make it highly capable for wildlife enthusiasts.

Sports and Street Photography: Tracking Speed and Discretion

Sports Photography

At fast-paced sports events:

• Pentax’s limited AF and frame rate reduce chance of capturing peak action.
• Sony’s rapid 11 fps burst coupled with expansive AF points provide excellent tracking even in complex scenes.

Street Photography

For street shooters prioritizing lightness and discretion:

• Pentax’s bulk and loud shutter can be intrusive.
• Sony’s compact size, silent electronic shutter option, and quiet operation make it ideal.

Macro and Night Photography: Precision and Low-Light Mastery

Macro Photography

Precision focusing and stabilization are key.

• Pentax benefits from sensor-shift image stabilization for steadier handheld macro shots despite older AF system.
• Sony relies on sharp lenses and fast AF but lacks IBIS in this model, requiring careful technique.

Night and Astro Photography

Critical low-light ISO and exposure control determine success.

• Pentax’s ISO tops at 3200; noise quickly degrades detail.
• The Sony A6400 extends ISO to 32,000 (expandable to 102,400), with excellent noise control and exposure modes suitable for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities: Why Mirrorless Wins

Pentax K100D Super omits video capture altogether, reflecting its 2007 entry-level DSLR era.

Sony A6400 shines with:

• Native 4K UHD video at 30p, 100 Mbps bitrate.
• S-Log profiles for dynamic range.
• External mic port for superior audio.
• Tilting touchscreen for vlog-friendly framing.

If video content is part of your creative journey, Sony clearly outperforms.

Travel and Professional Use: Versatility, Battery, and Workflow

Portability and Battery

• Pentax relies on 4xAA batteries – widely available but cumbersome and heavier.
• Sony uses a proprietary NP-FW50 pack, rated ~410 shots per charge, better suited for modern travel demands.

Professional Functions

• Pentax outputs 6 MP RAW files and supports standard SD cards.
• Sony produces 14-bit RAW with broader color depth and compatibility with extensive E-mount lenses (121 native lenses).

Sony’s connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI – enhancing your workflow and station integration.

Build, Weather Sealing and Durability

The Pentax K100D Super has a solid, durable plastic body but lacks official weather sealing. The Sony A6400 touts partial dust resistance but is not fully weatherproof. Neither is freezeproof or shockproof. For demanding fieldwork, consider protective accessories or higher-end models.

Overview Table: Core Specs at a Glance

Sample Gallery: See Them in Action

To truly appreciate differences, consider the following sample images. Photos taken under identical conditions highlight the Pentax’s softer, vintage character versus the Sony’s crispness, resolution, and dynamic range.

Pentax K100D S front Pentax K100D S screen back Sony A6400 front Sony A6400 screen back

Performance Scores and Final Ratings

Based on multitude of benchmarks and user feedback:

The Sony A6400 ranks significantly higher in sharpness, autofocus speed, low light, and video. The Pentax scores well for build and entry-level usability but lags behind in modern demands.

Genre-Specific Analysis: What Fits Your Needs?

• Portrait, Wildlife, Sports, Video: Sony A6400 excels.
• Landscape, Travel, Entry-Level Learning: Pentax K100D Super still offers fundamental tools but with compromises.

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Go for the Pentax K100D Super if:

• You want a budget DSLR experience emphasizing learning manual controls.
• You prefer a robust, tactile camera with built-in sensor-shift stabilization.
• You shoot primarily outdoors landscapes or casual photos at daytime.
• You appreciate the charm of older cameras for occasional use or collecting.

Choose the Sony A6400 if:

• You demand top-notch image quality at 24 MP with excellent dynamic range.
• You need fast, accurate autofocus including eye and animal tracking.
• Video capabilities are important to your creative workflow.
• Compact size, touchscreen, wireless features, and high burst rates matter.
• You want a versatile tool supporting professional-level shooting and editing.

Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Photography Tools

Comparing the Pentax K100D Super to the Sony A6400 is a study in how camera technology has evolved dramatically over a dozen years. The Pentax reflects early digital DSLR simplicity, useful for those starting or working with manual controls on a budget. The Sony A6400 represents a leap forward in sensor innovation, autofocus sophistication, and multimedia features.

From our extensive experience, the key takeaway is: let your creative goals guide your choice. If you’re eager to explore fast-paced photography, need video on the side, or prefer high resolution and connectivity, the Sony A6400 is your best companion. If you enjoy the basics, appreciate sturdy traditional ergonomics, and want an affordable entry into DSLR photography, the Pentax K100D Super still holds value.

For a smooth buying experience, check out hands-on demos and sample imaging at your local stores or workshops. Pair your camera with appropriate lenses and accessories that fit your style and budget. This match-up reminds us that in photography, the right gear amplifies your artistic voice - no matter the era it comes from.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect tool for your vision!