Pentax K110D vs Sony RX10 IV: A Tale of Two Cameras from Different Worlds

When it comes to choosing a camera, the landscape is vast and varied - much like the cameras themselves. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two very different beasts: the vintage Pentax K110D, a 2006 entry-level DSLR with old-school charm, and the 2017 Sony RX10 IV, a modern large-sensor superzoom bridge camera packed with cutting-edge tech. Why compare these two? Well, I’ve seen enthusiasts and professionals alike sometimes caught between classic DSLRs and advanced all-in-ones, wondering which path to take.

Spoiler alert: these cameras live in very different decades of photography evolution, yet each boasts unique perks that might sway your choice depending on your style, needs, or nostalgia. Let’s unpack their stories.

First Impressions - Size, Handling & Ergonomics

Sometimes size does matter - especially for the long days of shooting on location or when traveling light. The Pentax K110D is a compact DSLR with a straightforward layout, packing a relatively lightweight body due to its absence of bells and whistles. The Sony RX10 IV, on the other hand, is substantially heftier and chunkier, boasting a built-in 24-600mm zoom lens that oozes versatility.

Here you can see the size difference clearly. The K110D measures roughly 129 x 93 x 70 mm and weighs about 585g (with batteries), making it comfortable for enthusiasts stepping into DSLRs for the first time. It’s fairly pocketable with a modest prime lens, too. The RX10 IV's larger dimensions (133 x 94 x 145 mm, 1095g) aren’t just bulk for fashion’s sake - its body houses a sophisticated image stabilization system, a sturdy chassis, and that monster zoom lens, essential for travel or wildlife shooters craving reach at a moment’s notice.

Ergonomically, the Pentax relies on simplicity. The controls are minimalistic - great if you want to learn the basics without distraction. The RX10 IV, by contrast, offers a rich button layout (more on that in a moment), dedicated dials, and a more professional grip suited for longer shoots. I’ve spent hours with both, and while the Pentax fits nicely in smaller hands, the Sony feels like an extension of the arm for serious zoom shooters.

Control Layout and Top-Plate Design - Where Form Meets Function

Speaking of controls, how a camera feels to the fingertip often defines the user experience. The Pentax K110D took an old-school approach: modest top controls, a fixed 2.5-inch LCD, and minimal customization. No live view or touch interfaces to muddle with - just the essentials to get the shot.

The RX10 IV, on the other hand, is the embodiment of 2010s camera ergonomics with a tilting 3-inch touchscreen, a vibrant electronic viewfinder, and a myriad of customizable buttons and dials.

Notice how the RX10 IV embeds an illuminated mode dial, several function buttons, and a third-party accessory hot shoe alongside a robust built-in flash. The Pentax’s more spartan top plate reflects its entry-level, budget-friendly positioning. From hands-on testing, I appreciate how the Sony’s controls allow rapid adjustments - crucial when capturing fleeting moments in wildlife or sports, where seconds count.

To be fair, with the Pentax, the learning curve is gradual, encouraging discovery rather than overwhelm. If you’re the type who relishes tactile feedback and a “pure photography” feel, the old-school charm might sweeten the deal.

Sensor and Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

Comparing the sensors is akin to comparing the beating hearts inside these cameras. The Pentax K110D sports a 6MP APS-C CCD sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, while the Sony RX10 IV features a more modern 20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor sized at 13.2 x 8.8 mm.

Here’s the sparkling bit: While the Pentax’s APS-C sensor is larger and thus theoretically able to capture more light (with better control over depth of field), its modest 6-megapixel resolution limits detail when viewed large or cropped intensively. The older CCD technology further impacts noise performance, keeping ISO useful range modest (200–3200) and raising noise levels at higher settings. In my real-world shooting tests, Pentax produces pleasing colors with a classic digital look, but struggles in low light or fine detail compared to modern gear.

The RX10 IV's 20MP sensor delivers sharper, more detailed images with excellent dynamic range for its size. While smaller than APS-C, the BSI-CMOS design improves light gathering dramatically. This means better high-ISO performance (ISO 125 up to a boosted 25600) that remains impressively clean. Sony’s chip also supports multiple aspect ratios and shoots in RAW, unlocking extensive post-processing potential.

From a landscape photographer’s perspective, the Pentax’s larger sensor holds promise, but the painfully low pixel count and dated tech limit the final image size and versatility.

For wildlife and telephoto shooting, the RX10 IV balances a respectable sensor size with its enormous superzoom lens, yielding remarkable reach and crisp images. In low light, I found the Sony’s sensor (with superior noise control and faster autofocus) a definite winner.

LCD and Interface - How Do You Like Your Feedback?

The viewing experience continuously shapes how photographers interact with their camera. The K110D offers a fixed, modest 2.5-inch LCD screen with just 210k dots and no touchscreen functionality. It’s serviceable but feels archaic by today’s standards, especially when composing without an optical viewfinder.

The Sony RX10 IV boasts a 3-inch, high-resolution (1.44M dots) tilting touchscreen - a huge step up. This screen supports touch AF and menu navigation, empowering more intuitive operation during shoots.

For video shooters or enthusiasts who often shoot from tricky angles, the tilting display pays dividends. Its brightness and clarity outdoors are superior, too. Frankly, after experiencing the RX10 IV’s interface, returning to the K110D’s fixed, low-res screen is like trading a smartphone for a flip phone (with fewer apps).

If you prize tactile controls and optical viewfinder clarity over digital interfacing, the Pentax provides a purist’s experience. But if you’re after versatility and instant feedback, the Sony’s interface is a joy.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

The 11-point phase-detection autofocus system of the Pentax K110D feels a bit like a fossil compared to the RX10 IV’s advanced 315-point hybrid AF with eye and animal eye detection. The Pentax offers basic AF-Single and AF-Continuous modes but lacks tracking or face detection. Its continuous shooting tops out at 3 fps - a snail’s pace by modern standards.

The Sony RX10 IV rips through autofocus challenges like a champ. I’ve personally tested its ability to track fast-moving subjects (birds in flight, tennis matches) and found its autofocus snappy and accurate, bolstered by phase and contrast detection points spread widely over the frame. Burst rates soar to a blistering 24 fps (with autofocus tracking) with minimal blackout.

Put simply, if you want to freeze the split-second action of sports or wildlife, the RX10 IV’s AF and burst speed outperform the Pentax by a country mile.

Lens Ecosystem vs. Superzoom Convenience

One beauty of the Pentax K110D is its compatibility with the vast and time-tested Pentax KAF lens lineup - over 150 lenses, including primes, zooms, macros, and specialty lenses. If you’re a tinkerer or prefer building your kit gradually, this mount offers tremendous flexibility, especially since many older lenses can be found affordably on the used market.

The RX10 IV, as a fixed-lens camera, offers no interchangeable lens options, but its 24-600mm (equivalent) F2.4-4 zoom is one of the most versatile I’ve tested. The focal length range covers everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife without needing to change gear - a boon for travel and wildlife photographers who want speed and convenience.

If you prize optical flexibility or plan to invest in specialized glass (macro, tilt-shift, ultrawide), the Pentax’s K-mount is a major draw. Yet, for a one-body-does-it-all experience with excellent image stabilization and fast autofocus, the RX10 IV’s superzoom lens works wonders out of the box.

Battery Life and Storage - Staying Powered in the Field

The Pentax K110D runs on four AA batteries - great for traveling to distant locations where charging might be tricky. However, these batteries provide a fairly modest operational duration, often lasting fewer shots than modern cameras before needing replacement.

Sony’s RX10 IV uses a rechargeable NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery, delivering approximately 400 shots per charge under mixed use. It’s a more typical setup for recent cameras, with USB charging options adding convenience.

Both cameras accept a single memory card slot using popular SD card formats, with the Sony adding Memory Stick compatibility as well. Neither offers dual card slots, which might be a consideration for professionals seeking backup redundancy.

Weather Sealing and Build Quality - Durability in Real Conditions

Pentax’s K110D, while solid, lacks environmental sealing - dust and moisture resistance are non-existent. The RX10 IV offers some degree of weather sealing, shielding it against dust and light rain. While neither camera is fully waterproof or ruggedized, I’ve felt more comfortable shooting the Sony in sketchier weather or dusty environments.

This difference matters if you regularly shoot outdoors in changing conditions - a subtle but vital edge for the RX10 IV.

Video Capabilities - Still vs. Moving Images

The K110D marks its territory firmly as a still-only camera; it lacks video recording entirely. That may be a dealbreaker for many today given the ubiquity of video in storytelling.

The Sony RX10 IV is far more video-capable, offering UHD 4K recording at 30/25/24p, Full HD at up to 60p, and multiple codecs like XAVC S. It supports external microphones and headphones, providing professional audio monitoring options - a rare find in bridge cameras. Optical image stabilization smooths handheld footage, which, coupled with fast autofocus during filming, makes it an excellent hybrid tool for photographers who also shoot video.

The presence of video on the RX10 IV broadens its appeal for vloggers, documentarians, and content creators.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s zoom out and consider who might gain the most from each camera by photography style.

Portrait Photography

• Pentax K110D: With its larger APS-C sensor and pleasing color rendition, the K110D can deliver nice skin tones and soft bokeh when paired with fast primes. However, the 6MP limit constrains large prints or aggressive cropping, and the autofocus’s lack of face or eye detection handicaps quick focusing on moving subjects.

• Sony RX10 IV: Despite a smaller sensor, its advanced eye and animal eye AF and sharp optics yield crisp portraits. The built-in lens’s max aperture (F2.4 at wide end) enables decent background separation, though not silky bokeh from dedicated fast primes.

Landscape Photography

• Pentax K110D: The APS-C sensor provides a slightly larger dynamic range and better tonal subtleties in RAW files. But the lack of weather sealing may cause anxiety in harsh conditions, and lower resolution limits detail capture compared to newer cameras.

• Sony RX10 IV: Despite a smaller sensor, high resolution and high-quality Zeiss zoom lens deliver crisp images. Weather sealing boosts reliability on treks. The extensive zoom may be less necessary for landscapes but proves handy to isolate distant features.

Wildlife Photography

• Pentax K110D: The limited AF points and 3 fps continuous shooting make catching fast animals challenging, although one could pair with long telephoto lenses for still subjects.

• Sony RX10 IV: Its 24 fps burst, sophisticated AF tracking, and 600mm reach make it a top contender here, especially for casual wildlife shooters unwilling to invest heavily in multiple telephoto lenses.

Sports Photography

• Pentax K110D: 3 fps burst and basic AF are insufficient for fast-action sports shooting. You’ll miss moments or get soft images among blur.

• Sony RX10 IV: Fast burst, reliable AF tracking, and great low-light ISO sensitivity make it a surprisingly capable sports camera in its class.

Street Photography

• Pentax K110D: Small size and minimal controls suit discreet shooting. Optical viewfinder helps in bright environments, but slow AF and no live view lower responsiveness.

• Sony RX10 IV: Larger size is less inconspicuous, but fast AF and silent electronic shutter modes enable street shooting with less disturbance. The tilting screen allows creative angles.

Macro Photography

• Pentax K110D: No dedicated macro system but compatible with true macro lenses in K-mount. Lack of stabilization could be limiting.

• Sony RX10 IV: Close focusing to 3 cm, optical stabilization, and sharp zoom lens make it great for casual macro shots without additional glass.

Night & Astro Photography

• Pentax K110D: ISO ceiling at 3200 and older sensor tech constrain low light usability, increasing noise dramatically.

• Sony RX10 IV: High ISO up to 12800 (boosted 25600) performs significantly better. Silent shutter and high shutter speeds also aid astrophotographers.

Video

• Pentax K110D: No video.

• Sony RX10 IV: Comprehensive 4K video with advanced audio support - clearly designed for hybrid shooters.

Travel Photography

• Pentax K110D: Compact DSLRs with interchangeable lenses provide flexibility but require carrying extra gear.

• Sony RX10 IV: All-in-one zoom with weather sealing is perfect for travelers wanting light packs and diverse shooting options.

Professional Work

• Pentax K110D: Limited by resolution, AF, and no video. Good as a backup or for teaching fundamentals.

• Sony RX10 IV: Strong performer with solid files, 4K video, connectivity features, and ruggedness. Not a pro-level interchangeable system but a formidable hybrid.

Connectivity and Extras

The Pentax K110D is barebones - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, or HDMI. The Sony RX10 IV, in contrast, includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with NFC, HDMI output, and external mic/headphone jacks. For modern workflows requiring remote control, image transfer, or video monitoring, Sony wins hands down.

Price and Value Consideration

The Pentax K110D, although listed around $1,000, is mostly found second-hand at bargain prices today. It offers surprisingly good value for learning DSLR basics if you find it cheap.

The Sony RX10 IV launched at about $1,700 and still commands a premium price in used markets, justified by its advanced feature set, lens versatility, and video prowess.

The practical question: are you investing in a kit for the next decade, or do you want to dive into creative photography on a budget? Both cameras tell different financial stories.

Summary Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Putting all factors together for a snapshot comparison:

And breaking it down by photography genre:

As you can see, the Sony RX10 IV dominates in speed, versatility, and modern features, while the Pentax holds value in image quality for stills and simplicity for beginners.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

If I had to make a call based on extensive hands-on testing, here’s how I’d position these two for different users:

• Choose the Pentax K110D if:

  • You want a budget-friendly DSLR to learn manual controls
  • You’re nostalgic or value optical viewfinder experience
  • You intend to shoot mostly stills in good light with manual lenses
  • You plan on building a legacy Pentax lens collection over time

• Choose the Sony RX10 IV if:

  • You want an all-in-one camera with huge zoom range and excellent autofocus
  • You shoot mixed stills and high-quality 4K video
  • You need weather sealing and portability for travel or outdoor work
  • You’re a wildlife or sports enthusiast who values speed and reach without lens changes
  • Modern connectivity and touchscreen control matter to you

A Gallery of Shots to See Their Character

I couldn’t resist sharing sample images from both. Notice the difference in detail, color depth, and bokeh characteristics, reflecting the unique sensor and optics signature of each camera.

Pentax K110D screen back Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back

Wrapping Up

The Pentax K110D and Sony RX10 IV belong to different photography eras and philosophies. The Pentax invites you to slow down, learn, and appreciate the craft with minimal distraction. The Sony equips you with a tech-packed package that handles many shooting roles with impressive agility.

Neither is “better” in a universal sense - only in the context of your needs, preferences, and budget. As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras, I find value in understanding what each tool offers and how it fits into your photographic journey.

Happy shooting, whichever path you choose!

If you want detailed specs at a glance or a side-by-side comparison for quick reference, check the annotated charts above - the technical heart behind these two distinctive cameras.