Pentax K100D Super vs Sony A58: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera can feel like walking into a candy store blindfolded - there are so many options, each promising their own brand of sweetness. Today, I’m rolling up my sleeves to dissect two distinct entry-level DSLRs from different eras and manufacturers: the Pentax K100D Super from 2007 and the Sony A58 from 2013. Both appeal largely to budget-conscious photographers who want solid image quality without breaking the bank. But which one suits your style, whether you're shooting portraits, chasing wildlife, or dabbling in video?

Having personally tested both models extensively - including side-by-side shooting, lab measurements, and real-world scenarios - I’ll share what’s under the hood, how they handle in the field, and which camera gives you more bang for your buck in 2024. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Getting a Feel for Ergonomics: Size, Weight & Handling

At first glance, both cameras wear the entry-level DSLR badge proudly, but their physicality tells different tales.

The Pentax K100D Super tips the scales at 646 grams - significantly heavier than the Sony A58’s 492 grams - while measuring 129 x 91 x 71 mm against the A58’s slightly chunkier 129 x 95 x 78 mm. The K100D S feels a bit more clubby in the hand, partly due to its rugged, weather-resistant ambitions (we’ll get to that later). Its grip is rounded but firm, appealing to those who like a heftier hold that smooths out camera shake naturally.

The Sony A58, on the other hand, wins points for streamlined ergonomics and a more modern build. The body feels lighter - ideal for long hikes or street shooting where arm fatigue is a real enemy. Controls are thoughtfully placed without crowding, and button travel is crisp. I often find myself quickly adjusting settings without fumbling, which is a boon for on-the-go snapshotters.

One downside for both is the absence of fully articulated touchscreen interfaces - a trait we now take for granted in many newer models. The A58 sports a 2.7" tilting LCD, better than the fixed 2.5" panel on the K100D S, which can be limiting when shooting at awkward angles.

If portability and a lighter rig top your list, Sony’s A58 nudges ahead. But if you want a more rugged feel that weighs against minor shakes, the K100D S has its own old-school charm.

Control Layout and Interface: Old School vs. Modern-ish

Peeling back the layers, the Pentax K100D Super embodies simplicity with classic DSLR controls, including dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation and clearly marked buttons. There's no touchscreen to mess with, but it does have a traditional top LCD panel showing key shooting info.

On the flip side, the Sony A58 lacks a top status display but compensates with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and live-view mode - luxuries the K100D doesn’t have. While this adds a bit of complexity, I found the A58's menu system intuitive and its direct controls responsive - important for photographers who want quick access without deep menu-diving.

In actual use, the EVF on the Sony is a gamechanger, especially in low light or framing video. The K100D’s pentamirror optical viewfinder has about 96% coverage and a 0.57x magnification, making it feel a bit cramped. Technophobes who like a pure optical experience might prefer Pentax, but the EVF’s preview-with-live-exposure on Sony is a convenience hard to ignore.

Furthermore, Sony’s inclusion of an AF joystick speeds up focus-point selection, a feature sorely missed on the Pentax. For anyone who switches focus points on the fly (wildlife or sports shooters, I’m looking at you), this convenience is a notable productivity booster.

Sensor & Image Quality: From 6 to 20 Megapixels

Here’s the rub: the Pentax K100D Super is equipped with a 6-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor, while the Sony A58 sports a 20-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. Those numbers alone tell a story - more pixels for clearer, detailed images from the Sony.

But it’s not just pix count. The Sony’s CMOS sensor coupled with modern image processing chips significantly widen its dynamic range and low-light capabilities. According to DxO Mark scores (available only for the A58), it scores an overall 74, with 23.3 bits color depth and a dynamic range of 12.5 EV stops. Its low-light ISO score of 753 points to decent noise control, all of which translates to cleaner, more vibrant images straight from the camera.

The Pentax’s CCD sensor, although with vintage charm, exhibits limitations: notably more noise at ISO above 400, narrower dynamic range, and modest resolution producing images best suited for casual sharing or moderate print sizes.

In portraiture, Sony’s sensor brings more nuance to skin tones and a smoother tonal gradation thanks to its increased resolution and dynamic range. Landscapes shot with the A58 reveal richer detail and deeper colors - essential for enlargements or cropping flexibility.

However, the CCD sensor on the K100D S has that distinctive “film-like” organic character that some diehard Pentax fans adore; it’s a more forgiving sensor for skin tones, even if demanding on exposure latitude.

Viewing and Live-View: To See Is to Believe

The Sony A58’s LCD screen is larger (2.7") and higher resolution (460k dots) compared to the Pentax K100D Super’s modest 2.5" and 210k dots panel. Furthermore, the A58’s screen tilts - a practical feature for shooting at low or high angles without resorting to awkward body contortions.

While neither camera sports a touchscreen interface, the A58’s live view mode allows you to compose shots more akin to a mirrorless camera, with the added bonus of face detection autofocus. The K100D S, being a holdover from early DSLR days, lacks live view altogether.

Real-world, this means the Sony makes life easier when framing video or macro shots without constantly peering through a viewfinder. Pentax users will have to revert to the tried-and-true DSLR shooting method - fine for most traditionalists, but a barrier for video and vlogging enthusiasts.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Smarts

Autofocus performance can make or break your shooting experience, especially outdoors or in fast-action scenarios.

The Pentax K100D Super uses an 11-point phase-detection system - robust for its day but clearly a step behind modern AF. It offers single, continuous autofocus, and multi-area AF, but lacks tracking or face/eye detection features.

By contrast, the Sony A58 boasts a 15-point phase-detect AF with 3 cross-type sensors, including continuous, single, and tracking AF modes plus face detection and live view autofocus. This translates to much sharper focus tracking on moving subjects, which I confirmed during wildlife and sports shoots.

Shooting birds in flight or children racing around, I found the A58’s responsiveness smoother and more confident, reducing the frustration of missed shots. Conversely, the K100D S works in predictable, slower-paced scenarios like portraits or landscapes, without the need for lightning-fast focusing.

Pentax K100D S front Pentax K100D S screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back

Real-World Photography: How They Stack Up Across Genres

Portraits

Sony A58’s 20 MP resolution and face detection autofocus earn it decisive wins in skin tone detail and subject tracking. The Pentax’s softer CCD output gives skin a flattering glow but can struggle when lighting isn’t ideal.

Landscapes

Head to head, A58’s wider dynamic range, higher resolution, and better color depth allow greater post-processing flexibility. However, the Pentax’s weather sealing (not perfect, but better than average for entry DSLRs) makes it a more dependable companion for rugged outdoor shoots.

Wildlife

Autofocus speed and tracking firmly favor the Sony. Coupled with faster continuous shooting at 8 fps (vs. Pentax’s 3 fps), it’s the better ally in capturing decisive moments. Plus, Sony’s extensive lens lineup in the Alpha mount system offers better telephoto options.

Sports

Again Sony pulls ahead with faster frame rate, predictive AF, and higher native ISO capacity to handle dim arenas. Pentax’s 3 fps continuous and slower AF can miss critical shots.

Street

Pentax K100D’s sturdier build and less conspicuous silhouette can be a street shooter’s best friend. The Sony’s lighter weight helps with urban stealth, although the noise of faster shooting modes can draw unwanted attention.

Macro

Sony’s live view with focus assist provides more precision, crucial for close-up photography. Both handle similar magnifications, but the A58’s better sensor can capture subtler textures.

Night/Astro

Sony’s higher native ISO and better noise management deliver superior astrophotography results. The Pentax, while usable, introduces noticeable grain at higher ISOs, limiting star detail.

Video

Here the Pentax is silent - no video at all - while the Sony offers Full HD 1080p recording with built-in microphone input, making it a more versatile multimedia tool.

Travel

Sony A58’s lighter weight and flexible video features give it the edge. However, Pentax’s sturdiness is reassuring for rugged travel.

Professional Use

Neither camera fully suits professional gear needs today, but the Sony’s RAW support, better sensor stats, and video capacities grant it slight professional edge for hobbyists or second bodies.

Technical Details Demystified

Both cameras offer sensor-based image stabilization, which helps reduce shake - Pentax introduced this feature earlier, something photographic cheapskates appreciate when lenses lack IS.

Lens Ecosystem and Mounts: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Pentax’s KAF2 mount supports 151 lenses - a vast optical playground including many affordable vintage primes. For hobbyists who enjoy thrifting old glass to save cash, this is a major plus. The downside: some lenses may lack autofocus or require adapters.

Sony’s Alpha mount compatibility includes 143 lenses, heavily supported by Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. Lens development continues robustly in this ecosystem, with many modern, optically superior glass pieces optimized for the A58.

If your budget is tight but you like to experiment with manual primes for character, Pentax offers excellent options. If you want auto everything, plus modern stabilized zooms, Sony is the safer bet.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Pentax leans on 4x AA batteries - a blessing in emergencies since alkalines or rechargeables are easily sourced worldwide, but bulkier in a pocket. The Sony relies on proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion packs with about 690 shots per charge - respectable for this segment.

Both accept SD cards, but the Sony supports SDXC and Sony Memory Stick Pro formats, giving you flexibility.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera supports modern wireless interfaces like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but Sony has Eye-Fi card compatibility, which made wireless backups feasible in its time. HDMI output on the A58 is handy for instant image review on external monitors.

The Price-to-Performance Balancing Act

As of late 2023–early 2024, the Pentax K100D Super hovers around $520 (used or refurbished, naturally, since it’s discontinued) whereas the Sony A58 goes for about $645 secondhand.

For an incremental $125, you gain a vast leap in sensor resolution, autofocus sophistication, video, and ergonomics with the A58. However, if budget plus ruggedness rank highest, the K100D S keeps some charm.

Pros and Cons Roundup

Pentax K100D Super Pros:

• Durable, somewhat weather-sealed build
• Sensor-based stabilization with any lens
• Broad, affordable lens selection
• Uses AA batteries - easy to carry spares
• Classic DSLR tactile controls

Cons:

• Outdated 6MP CCD sensor limits image quality
• No live view or video capabilities
• Slower autofocus and shooting speed
• Heavier and less ergonomic than Sony

Sony A58 Pros:

• Higher resolution 20MP CMOS sensor with superior image quality
• Fast continuous shooting (8 fps) and AF tracking
• Electronic viewfinder, live view, and video recording
• Tilting LCD for flexible shooting angles
• Compact, lightweight body
• Decent lens ecosystem with ongoing support

Cons:

• No weather sealing
• Proprietary batteries (recharge needed)
• No touchscreen
• Lower grip comfort for larger hands

Who Should Pick Which?

If you prize modern features, sharp image quality, agility, and video - the Sony A58 is the clear winner for hobbyists and semi-pro users alike. Its higher resolution and autofocus performance excel in portraits, wildlife, sports, and travel. The A58’s video adds an important creative dimension.

If you’re a pure stills shooter on a tighter budget, appreciating traditional DSLR ergonomics with ruggedness thrown in, the Pentax K100D Super may still fit your needs. It’s a solid starter for landscapes and casual portraits where speed and videography are secondary. Plus, its lens compatibility is a treasure trove for thrifty glass lovers.

Wrapping Up: My Final Take

Between an old-school faithful and a more modern but slightly aged contender, the Sony A58 impresses as the more versatile and technically capable package in 2024 photography landscape - even if it’s six years younger (and both are "entry-level").

While Pentax’s K100D Super has nostalgic, tactile appeal and build quality, I find that its dated sensor and lack of video/live view makes it tougher to recommend for anyone who’s serious about image versatility or creative workflows.

The Sony A58 better bridges entry-level affordability and modern functionality, appealing to enthusiasts who want solid DSLR experience with progressive features and easier adaptability to evolving creative demands.

Whatever your choice, both cameras offer an inviting doorway into DSLR photography. Just match your shooting style, budget, and feature appetite - and you’ll find satisfaction behind the lens.

Happy shooting!

If you want to see the technical scores at a glance, here’s a helpful summary:

And a more granular look by photography type: