Pentax K100D vs Pentax P80

Following is a extended assessment of the Pentax K100D and Pentax P80, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the K100D (6MP) and P80 (12MP) and the K100D (APS-C) and P80 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The K100D was brought out 3 years before the P80 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the K100D matches up against the P80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K100D & Pentax Optio P80. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K100D Gallery & Pentax P80 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax K100D has external dimensions of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs) while the Pentax P80 has specifications of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax K100D and Pentax P80 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the K100D against the P80.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K100D and P80 is 64 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by checking a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the K100D and P80.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The K100D because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Pentax P80 will resolve extra detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged K100D is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.