This Function Expand Firmware has been designed to further enhance the performance and operability of your PENTAX K-3 Mark III, by adding the latest functions and new settings to the camera.
Firmware Update
Function Expand Information (Version 2.12)Download
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.2.12), the following function is added
A lens added as compatible with the Focus Range Limiter function
The HD PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited lens has been added to the choice of lenses compatible with the camera-controlled Focus Range Limiter function, which allows users to choose the preferred autofocus range — short range, long range or OFF — from the camera’s on-screen menu. By limiting the tracking range with this function, users are assured of swift, delay-free autofocus operation.
Lens added：
HD PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited
Another compatible lens：
HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8ED AW
Update History
Function Expand Information (Version 2.10)
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.2.10), the following function is added
1. Gold: A new Custom Image mode
This firmware adds the new Gold Custom Image mode to your camera. With scenes accentuated by light, this mode is designed to create gold-tinted images by applying yellow-toned finishes to brighter areas while expressing darker, shadow areas with bluish tones. Yellow tones become more intense in highlighted areas.
2. Fx button While Pressed option
The Fx button allows you to assign a desired camera function to each control button. It has now been enhanced with the While Pressed option, which lets you activate a specific function when the Fx button is kept depressed.
Functions that can be assigned to the While Pressed option:
- User AF
- AE Lock
- Preset Sv
- Preset Tv
- Preset Av
- AE Metering
- Flash Mode
- HDR Capture
- AA Filter Simulator
- Shooting Info Display
Control buttons that can be used with the While-Pressed option:
- Shake Reduction button
- RAW bytton
- Operation lock button
- AE Metering button
- Playback button
- AE Lock button
- Drive Mode button
- Outdoor View Setting button
- White Balance button
- Custom Image button
Function Expand Information (Version 2.00)
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.2.00), the following function is added
1. AF. C Setting（during viewfinder shooting）
・AF point tracking in AF.C
Type 3 setting added to existing AF Point Tracking options
（Existing settings）
Type1
Uses both the AF and AE sensor information to track with AF points.
Type2
Uses only the AF sensor information to track with AF points.
（New setting）
Type3
Uses only the AF sensor information to track with the selected AF points intensively.
Type 3 tracks the subject by prioritizing the selected AF points while taking other AF points into account, so the user can keep the subject in focus without moving away from the selected AF points.
・Focus sensitivity setting in AF.C
Focus sensitivity in AF.C mode (autofocus status on the subject moving in the direction of depth) can be selected from five settings.
When capturing the subject moving in the direction of depth, the user can choose one of five tracking levels: from Emphasize Trackability, designed to make minute adjustment of the lens position in relation to the shift in focus position, to Emphasize Stability, designed to drive the lens only when a considerable shift is detected in focus position.
５：Emphasize Trackability
AF Tracking mechanism activated when the subject makes even a slight motion in the direction of depth
４
３：Standard
Conventional AF tracking mechanism, set as default
２
１：Emphasize Stability
AF Tracking mechanism activated when the subject makes a large motion in the direction of depth
2. Box setting data export/import functions added
Boxes let the user save up to 10 sets of frequently used settings. The settings saved in each box can be assigned to one of five User Mode positions. The latest function expansion provides a pair of new box functions: reading out (or saving) export the settings data stored on a box to an SD card; and uploading import the settings stored on an SD card to the K-3 Mark III camera body. In addition to settings saved in boxes, the user can also read out export the current camera settings to an SD card.
Note: Saved data cannot be shared between the K-3 Mark III and K-3 Mark III Monochrome.
Other Enhanced Feature
An increase in the number of images that can be captured during continuous shooting in Crop mode
Function Expand Information (Version 1.80)
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.80), the following function is added
HARUBENI (spring rouge): a new special-edition Custom Image mode
In a new approach to SLR photography, PENTAX will release a series of new special-edition Custom Images, designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. As a lens is mounted, the camera automatically detects compatibility with the firmware. Once compatibility is confirmed, the user can then select special-edition Custom Images.
The new special-edition Custom Images cover the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Custom Image mode specially designed for each season will be available in combination with specific Limited-series lenses. PENTAX will release four season-specific Custom Image modes over the year.
HARUBENI (spring rouge) is the fourth special-edition Custom Image mode. This mode is designed to emphasize the pinkish colors of cherry blossoms — the hint of spring’s arrival — and the subdued blue colors of hazy spring skies. When partnered with a lens that renders a soft, delicate image description, it sets the contrast a high level to deliver an image highlighted with pink and red shades — the symbolic colors of Japan’s spring.
Compatible lenses:
HD PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mm F2.8 ED Limited DC WR
■ Menu screen
When a lens is mounted, the camera automatically checks for compatibility, then displays the HARUBENI specific menu screen.
Function Expand Information (Version 1.70)
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.70), the following function is added
FUYUNO (winter field): a new special-edition Custom Image mode
In a new approach to SLR photography, PENTAX will release a series of new special-edition Custom Images, designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. As a lens is mounted, the camera automatically detects compatibility with the firmware. Once compatibility is confirmed, the user can then select special-edition Custom Images.
The new special-edition Custom Images cover the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Custom Image mode specially designed for each season will be available in combination with specific Limited-series lenses. PENTAX will release four season-specific Custom Image modes over the year.
The third season-specific Custom Image mode is FUYUNO (winter field). This mode is designed to emphasize colors depicting the chilly air of winter, and to deliver sharp, high-key, images.
Compatible lenses:
HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
■ Menu screen
When a lens is mounted, the camera automatically checks for compatibility, then displays the FUYUNO specific menu screen.
Other Enhanced Features
Adding focus limiter function
You may select focus limiter function from the body menu screen. You may chose from , “Near side” “Far side” “Off”.
By regulating the AF detection range either to short-distance or long-distance shooting, the user can shorten the time required for focusing
Compatible lenses：HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8ED AW
Adding “1.7x” to crop.
Adding AF point setting for horizontal and vertical composition
The reference position and movement position of the focus point can be maintained for each of the vertical and horizontal composition with viefinder shooting and live view shooting.
Adding “Select (XS)” to the AF area
“Select (XS)” is added to the AF area for viewfinder AF shooting. More effective in pinpointing the AF area than the existing "Select (S)" mode.
Function Expand Information (Version 1.60)
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.60), the following function is added
KYUSHU (nine autumns): a new special-edition Custom Image mode
In a new approach to SLR photography, PENTAX will release a series of new special-edition Custom Images, designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. As a lens is mounted, the camera automatically detects compatibility with the firmware. Once compatibility is confirmed, the user can then select special-edition Custom Images.
The new special-edition Custom Images cover the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Custom Image mode specially designed for each season will be available in combination with specific Limited-series lenses. PENTAX will release four season-specific Custom Image modes over the year.
The second season-specific Custom Image mode is KYUSHU (nine autumns). This mode is designed to partner with Limited-series lenses that can capture the diverse scenes and subjects of autumn beautifully and effortlessly. It provides distinctive color renditions, with images that express the passing of autumn and the fleeting feeling of the season.
Compatible lenses:
HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 40mmF2.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 70mmF2.4 Limited
■ Menu screen
When a lens is mounted, the camera automatically checks for compatibility, then displays the KYUSHU specific menu screen.
Function Expand Information (Version 1.50)
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.50), the following function is added
KATEN (summer sky): a new special-edition Custom Image mode
In a new approach to SLR photography, PENTAX will release a series of new special-edition Custom Images, designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. As a lens is mounted, the camera automatically detects compatibility with the firmware. Once compatibility is confirmed, the user can then select special-edition Custom Images.
The new special-edition Custom Images cover the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Custom Image mode specially designed for each season will be available in combination with specific Limited-series lenses. PENTAX will release four season-specific Custom Image modes over the year.
The first season-specific Custom Image mode is KATEN (summer sky). This mode is designed to emphasize the rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds.
Compatible lenses:
HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited
Enlarge
HD DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited Aperture: F5.0, Shutter speed: 1/1600sec, Focal length: 15mm, White Balance: Auto, Sensitivity: ISO 100, Shooting mode: Aperture Priority
Enlarge
HD DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited Aperture: F5.0, Shutter speed: 1/1600sec, Focal length: 15mm, White Balance: Auto, Sensitivity: ISO 100, Shooting mode: Aperture Priority
■ Menu screen
When a lens is mounted, the camera automatically checks for compatibility, then displays the KATEN-specific menu screen.
Standard menu screen
KATEN-specific menu screen
Function Expand Information (Version 1.41)
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.41), the following function is added
ASTROTRACER Type 3
Equipped with ASTROTRACER Type 3, a new, simplified equatorial function that enables to track and capture celestial bodies without using GPS unit O-GPS1. Before actual shooting, a preliminary shot is captured automatically, enabling celestial body tracking from star movements.
This new feature eliminates GPS positioning wait time, which is essential when shooting with the conventional ASTROTRACER, as well as precision calibration tasks required when changing lenses. Furthermore, shooting is possible even in locations subject to previously troublesome magnetic fields.
When used with interval shooting, it is possible to perform multiple main exposures with a single preliminary shot.
D FA 150-450mmF4.5-5.6F8, 60sec, 450mm, ISO1600,
In-body RAW data development,
Level Adjusted, not trimmed
[Precautions]
- Time exposure of the mode dial B (Bulb Exposure) is available (Normal bulb exposure is not possible).
- Not compatible with fisheye lenses.
- Only use the zoom lens at the wide or telephoto end. However, the following lenses can be used at any zoom position.
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE
HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW
HD PENTAX-DA★16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW - Note that preliminary shooting may fail and correct tracking may not be available when photographing starry skies with other scenery or if something other than stars (clouds, etc.) enter the frame.
When photographing starry skies with other scenery or if something other than stars (clouds, etc.) enters the frame, or when using a fisheye lens, it is best to shoot with a conventional ASTROTRACER (Type 1, 2) using a GPS unit.
Conventional ASTROTRACER (Type 1, 2)
ASTROTRACER is a revolutionary feature that makes it easy to track and capture celestial bodies by attaching a GPS unit to a compatible model such as the K-3 Mark III, so that it can work with the camera's built-in image stabilization SR (Shake Reduction) system. Celestial body movement is calculated using the latitude obtained from GPS information, and the camera's position (horizontal or vertical tilt and orientation) obtained from the built-in magnetic and acceleration sensors move the image sensor in synchronization with celestial bodies to capture points of light rather than star trails even during long exposures.
Function Expand Information (Version 1.31)
By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.31), the following functions are added.
1. New Custom Image “SATOBI”
The Custom Image “SATOBI” has been newly added to the camera.
This Custom Image provides a finishing tone similar to color photos from the 60 and 70s with colors such as cyan blue, dull yellow, and faded red. The unique red expression is suitable for such as portrait photography.
Click here for more information
Distinctive color expression
2. Tone curve display at each Custom Image parameter setting screen
A tone curve display has been added at the Custom Image parameter setting screen.
Changing the value for the parameters “High/Low Key Adjustment”, “Contrast”, “Contrast (Highlight)”, and “Contrast (Shadow)” in detailed settings updates the tone curve based on the value set, which enables you to more intuitively adjust the parameters used to finish images.
Click here for an explanation of detailed Custom Image settings
