It's best in class on a number of specification fronts, but does this entry-level DSLR deserve its 'Super' moniker?...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

86%

Pentax K100D Super

Overall score:86%
Features:80%
Value:90%
Performance:85%
Image Quality:90%
Design:85%

Pros:

  • Handling, Image Quality, Low noise, Built-in IS, Price

Cons:

  • Burst shooting performance, Too menu dependent, Menu interface, No Raw+JPEG option

Product:

Pentax K100D Super Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£399.00

Features: Page 2

Focussing Points
The K100D Super is well specified for an entry-level model. For example, its SAFOX III focusing module uses 11 focusing points, spread across the frame, to achieve accurate focusing. This is the best in its class. (In contrast, Canon’s EOS 400D has nine and the Nikon D40 and Olympus E410 just three.)

The ISO range extends from 200 up to a true 3200 (also best in class) and you can pre-set the upper limit of the Auto ISO range right up to ISO 3200, which is unusual. There’s the usual range of metering modes (including spot, and 16-zone multi-segment), while the obligatory P,A,S,M semi-automatic exposure modes are supplemented by a dozen fully auto scene modes (four of them accessible on the mode dial itself). And again, Pentax goes one better with an Auto Pict setting, which analyses the situation and chooses the correct scene mode by itself. So it’s an auto mode that chooses which auto mode to use. I suppose this could be useful for forgetful users who might otherwise find themselves taking night shots in ‘Surf and Snow’ mode.

Frame Rate
The K100D Super can shoot at a respectable 2.8 frames per second, though it lacks stamina and runs out of puff after five JPEGs, unlike its fitter rivals that can keep going till the card fills up. You can also shoot Raw files, but disappointingly not at the same time as JPEG, so you have to make a choice.

For direct printing enthusiasts the K100D Super offers various digital post-processing effects that convert selected images to mono or sepia, or applies soft focus and other effects, saving the new image as a separate file.

  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Features: Page 1
  3. 3. Features: Page 2
  4. 4. Design
  5. 5. Performance
  6. 6. Image Quality
  7. 7. Value For Money
  8. 8. Verdict
Page 3 of 8 - Show Full List