Pentax K100D vs Sony HX10V

The following is a in-depth analysis of the Pentax K100D and Sony HX10V, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the K100D (6MP) and HX10V (18MP) and the K100D (APS-C) and HX10V (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The K100D was launched 6 years prior to the HX10V which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony HX10V being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the K100D grades against the HX10V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K100D and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax K100D Gallery and Sony HX10V Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax K100D has external measurements of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs) and the Sony HX10V has proportions of 105mm x 60mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 234 grams (0.52 lbs).

Compare the Pentax K100D and Sony HX10V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the K100D against the HX10V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K100D and HX10V is 64 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The pic here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the K100D and HX10V.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The K100D because of its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX10V will offer more detail utilizing its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged K100D is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.