could ISO 80 be possible on the k3 with a future firmware update?

Rice · 05-19-2014, 05:08 PM

I am just wondering if anyone knows whether it may be possible with future firmware updates on the k3 to have an ISO of 80 like the k5 had. Is this something that could become available with a firmware update, or is this camera's sensors sensitivity "set in stone"? I am just curious because ISO 80 has interesting implications for astrophotography, and the k3 is apparently already quite useful for these types of photographs. Thank you for any insight.

Adam · 05-19-2014, 05:14 PM

I don't think any firmware update has expanded the ISO range in the past, so the answer is most likely "no". For star photos I'd probably stick with the K-5 since it exhibits lower noise.

rawr · 05-19-2014, 09:21 PM

Interestingly, of all Sony sensor 24MP APS-C's, only two (the Sony A77 and A77II) seem to offer 'extended' ISO's, down to ISO 50. The rest of the Sony 24MP sensor cameras (eg A6000, NEX-7, A65) bottom out at ISO 100, just like the K-3. The (Sony/Toshiba? sensor) Nikon 24MP D7100 also only runs down to ISO 100.

So I suspect if Pentax wanted to, they could 'extend' the ISO of the K-3 down to 80 or even 50 if they felt like doing so, just like Sony does with the A77's. But the 'natural' ISO floor of the Sony 24MP chips looks like ISO 100.

05-19-2014, 05:08 PM	#1
Rice New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 19	could ISO 80 be possible on the k3 with a future firmware update? I am just wondering if anyone knows whether it may be possible with future firmware updates on the k3 to have an ISO of 80 like the k5 had. Is this something that could become available with a firmware update, or is this camera's sensors sensitivity "set in stone"? I am just curious because ISO 80 has interesting implications for astrophotography, and the k3 is apparently already quite useful for these types of photographs. Thank you for any insight.

05-19-2014, 05:14 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	I don't think any firmware update has expanded the ISO range in the past, so the answer is most likely "no". For star photos I'd probably stick with the K-5 since it exhibits lower noise. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-19-2014, 09:21 PM	#3
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Interestingly, of all Sony sensor 24MP APS-C's, only two (the Sony A77 and A77II) seem to offer 'extended' ISO's, down to ISO 50. The rest of the Sony 24MP sensor cameras (eg A6000, NEX-7, A65) bottom out at ISO 100, just like the K-3. The (Sony/Toshiba? sensor) Nikon 24MP D7100 also only runs down to ISO 100. So I suspect if Pentax wanted to, they could 'extend' the ISO of the K-3 down to 80 or even 50 if they felt like doing so, just like Sony does with the A77's. But the 'natural' ISO floor of the Sony 24MP chips looks like ISO 100.