Pentax K100D vs Sony A290

Here, we are contrasting the Pentax K100D versus Sony A290, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the K100D (6MP) and A290 (14MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (APS-C).

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The K100D was manufactured 4 years before the A290 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact SLR).

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the K100D matches up vs the A290 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K100D & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are available at Pentax K100D Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and size. The Pentax K100D features exterior measurements of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs) while the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K100D versus Sony A290 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the K100D against the A290.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K100D and A290 is 64 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specs. The graphic below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the K100D and A290.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras come with the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You can expect to see the Sony A290 to offer you greater detail due to its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older K100D is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.