[mtkeller]

The preliminary Operating Manual (linked by @angerdan), English version, page 36, shows:

Setup Menu page 4 > Smartphone Link > Store Location Info (ON/OFF)
Records the location information of the communication device in captured images.

- Craig

And the thing @angerdan linked as a quick start guide actually contains the wireless communication guide. It’s a bit short on details, but yes, can be used to geotag images over Bluetooth. I really, really, really want to see if they managed to get WiFi image transfer to move at a pace faster than molasses in January on a glacier.

---------- Post added 03-31-21 at 17:20 ----------

I am surprised to see Electronic shutter missing as a live view option. Perhaps as a firmware feature, eh?


Steve

Came up in a dialog between Wakashiro-san and one of the ambassadors during a CP+ session. The ambassador was disappointed by its absence. Wakashiro-san indicated he was as well but thought it would be feasible as a firmware update.

[angerdan]

I was hoping to see in the user guide, whether the Bluetooth could be used to get GPS coordinates from a smartphone, but it only says to refer to the wireless communication guide for details of connectivity, so will need to go looking for that.

The camera does receive GPS-data via bluetooth from a smartphone for sure, but it's not written inside the manuals.

Compatibility with Bluetooth Low Energy The PENTAX K-3 Mark III is compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 for transferring the position data detected by a mobile device to the camera via Image Sync and recording it on a captured image, making it simple to organize images captured in the field

Other Features | PENTAX K-3 Mark III | RICOH IMAGING

[Not a Number]

The operating manual as linked elsewhere says USB Tethering is via the optional Image Transmitter 2. So unless there is an update to Image Transmitter 2 than the current SDK APIs should work.

Does that mean Image Transmitter 2 is still being sold? Not necessarily, the accessory guide posted for the K-3iii lists the Refconverter-A, Extension Tube Set K and Reverse Adapter K. All of which are years out of production. BTW there is a line drawing of the Hot Shoe Cove O-HC177 if you want to get an idea of what the cover looks like.

Accessories | PENTAX K-3 Mark III | RICOH IMAGING

[mtkeller]

The operating manual as linked elsewhere says USB Tethering is via the optional Image Transmitter 2. So unless there is an update to Image Transmitter 2 than the current SDK APIs should work.

Does that mean Image Transmitter 2 is still being sold? Not necessarily, the accessory guide posted for the K-3iii lists the Refconverter-A, Extension Tube Set K and Reverse Adapter K. All of which are years out of production. BTW there is a line drawing of the Hot Shoe Cove O-HC177 if you want to get an idea of what the cover looks like.

Accessories | PENTAX K-3 Mark III | RICOH IMAGING

We will have to see if they release an updated Image Transmitter 2 when the K-3 iii ships. Right now, it appears one can download it from the Ricoh Imaging website. The operating manual also indicates that one can set the USB mode on the camera to CD-ROM (or something like that), and then connecting the camera to a computer via USB will mount a disk that contains the software, which I imagine includes DCU and Image Transmitter 2. I wonder if we’ll be lucky enough to be able to tether in Lightroom.

[angerdan]

We will have to see if they release an updated Image Transmitter 2 when the K-3 iii ships. Right now, it appears one can download it from the Ricoh Imaging website. The operating manual also indicates that one can set the USB mode on the camera to CD-ROM (or something like that), and then connecting the camera to a computer via USB will mount a disk that contains the software, which I imagine includes DCU and Image Transmitter 2. I wonder if we’ll be lucky enough to be able to tether in Lightroom.

IT2 isn't available for download, only the uodate for existing installations.
There's no IT2 included in the camera's memory.

[RobA_Oz]

Missing from your list under White Balance, is the Multi-Auto WB mode, which was introduced on the K-3, and is continued on the K-3iii.

I note that the USB-C connector (a welcome addition) only uses the 3.1 protocol, and not the higher-speed 3.2, which, while always desirable, may not be necessary for this application (and anyway, it isn’t there). I hope, though, that the K-1ii successor, which will almost certainly have a higher pixel density than the K-1ii, will adopt the higher speed version.

[mtkeller]

IT2 isn't available for download, only the uodate for existing installations.
There's no IT2 included in the camera's memory.

Hmmm…yup…I stand corrected. Checked more carefully, and it’s just DCU 5 that’s stored in the camera’s memory. Seems odd that the tethering software isn’t just something that they make available. I could only find two copies of IT2 available for sale, on CD, from eBayers in Japan for US$199.99.

[mtkeller]

I note that the USB-C connector (a welcome addition) only uses the 3.1 protocol, and not the higher-speed 3.2, which, while always desirable, may not be necessary for this application (and anyway, it isn’t there).

Do you mean 3.2 Gen 1 vs 3.2 Gen 2?

[RobA_Oz]

Do you mean 3.2 Gen 1 vs 3.2 Gen 2?

My understanding was that 3.2 can run at twice the maximum speed of 3.1, by using two-lane operation. I'm happy to be corrected, of course.

[mtkeller]

My understanding was that 3.2 can run at twice the maximum speed of 3.1, by using two-lane operation. I'm happy to be corrected, of course.

The specs for the K-3 iii pretty clearly say USB 3.2 Gen 1. There is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 that is twice as fast as Gen 1.

[RobA_Oz]

The specs for the K-3 iii pretty clearly say USB 3.2 Gen 1. There is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 that is twice as fast as Gen 1.

Well, I stand corrected. I'd thought I read 3.1, but I see the OP has 3.2 Gen 1.

[SharkyCA]

For your reading enjoyment I have provided the specifications as provided by Ricoh, with a few additions and clarifications pilfered from elsewhere in Ricoh's documentation.

Type	TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera
Lens Mount	PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount (AF coupler, lens information contacts, K-mount with power contacts)
Compatible Lens	KAF4, KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom compatible), KAF, KA mount lenses fully compatible
	K mount (K and M-series) with restrictions
	M42, 645 and 6x7 lenses with the approrpiate adapter with restrictions
Image Capture Unit
Image Sensor	Primary color filter, back-lit CMOS. Size: 23.3 x 15.5 (mm)
Effective Pixels	Approx. 25.73 megapixels
Total Pixels	Approx. 26.78 megapixels
Dust Removal	Image sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations "DR II"
Sensitivity	ISO AUTO, ISO Manual 100 to 1600000 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV)
Image Stabilizer	Sensor-shift shake reduction "SR II"(5-axis), Auto/Panning/Off
AA Filter Simulator	Moiré reduction using SR unit.
	OFF/Low/High/Bracketing(2 images)/Bracketing (3 images)
File Formats
File Format	RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.3), DCF2.0 compliant
Recorded Pixels	JPEG:L(26M:6192x4128)、M(15M:4752x3168)、S(9M:3648x2432)、XS(2M:1920x1280)
	RAW(26M:6192x4128)
Quality Level	RAW (14bit): PEF, DNG
	JPEG: ★★★ (Best), ★★ (Better), ★ (Good), RAW + JPEG simultaneous capturing available
Color Space	sRGB、AdobeRGB
Storage Medium	SD, SDHC and SDXC Memory Cards UHS-1/UHS-II compatible (UHS-II is only available for the memory card inserted in the SD1 slot.)
Dual SD Slot	Sequential Use, Save to Both, Separate RAW/JPG, Image copy between slots possible
Storage Folder	Folder Name: Date (100_1018,101_1019...) or User assigned folder name (Default "PENTX")
Recording File	File Name: ""IMGP****"" or User assigned file name
	File name numbering: Sequential, Reset
Viewfinder
Type	Pentaprism Finder
Coverage (FOV)	Approx. 100%
Magnification	Approx. 1.05x (FA 50mmF1.4 at infinity)
Eye-Relief Length	Approx. 20.5mm (from the view window), Approx. 22.0mm (from the center of lens)
Diopter adjustment	Approx. -4.0m to + 1.0m-1
Focusing Screen	Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen
Viewfinder Overlay	AF Points, Grid Display, Electronic Level, AF Frame, Spot Metering Frame, Crop, Smart Function, Operation Control Lock
Live View
Type	TTL method using image sensor
Focusing Mechanism	Contrast detection (Auto Area, Zone Select, Tracking, Select(L/M/S), Spot)
Functions	Focus Peaking, Face detection, Touch AF
Display	Field of View approx. 100%, Magnified view (up to 16x),
Grid Display	4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square(L), Square(S), Grid Color: Black/Gray/White ), Histogram, Bright area warning, Composition Adjustment
LCD Monitor
Type	Wide viewing angle TFT color LCD, Air-gapless glass
Size	3.2 inch (aspect ratio 3:2)
Dots	Approx. 1620K dots
Touch Screen	Capacitive sensing method
Adjustment	Brightness, Saturation and Colors adjustable
Outdoor View Setting	Adjustable ±2 step
Night Vision LCD Display	ON/OFF
White Balance
Type	Method using a combination of the image sensor and the RGBIr sensor
White Balance	AUTO WB, Multi Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D Daylight Color, N Daylight White, W Cool White, L Warm White), Tungsten Light, CTE,
	Manual WB (up to 3 settings), Color Temperature Configuration (up to 3 settings), Copying the white balance setting of a captured image
Fine Adjustment	Adjustable ±14 steps on A-B axis or G-M axis
Autofocus System
Type	TTL: Phase-matching autofocus
Focus Sensor	SAFOX 13, 101 point (25 cross type focus points)
Brightness Range	EV-4 to 18 (ISO 100 / at normal temperature)
	*-4 EV is only available for AF points that support F2.8 light flux when an F2.8-light-flux compatible lens is attached.
AF mode	Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C)
AF Point Selection	Auto Area, Zone Select, Select, Expanded Area(S, M, L), Select(S), Spot
AF Assist Light	Dedicated LED AF assist light
Metering
Type	TTL open aperture metering using 307K pixel RGBIr sensor, Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot and Highlight-weighted
Metering Range	EV-3 to 20 (ISO100 at 50mm F1.4)
Exposure Mode	Scene Analyze Auto, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb, Flash X-sync Speed, USER1, USER2, USER3, USER4, USER5
EV Compensation	±5EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps can be selected)
AE Lock	Button type (timer type: two times the meter operating time set in Custom Setting);
	Continuous as long as the shutter button is halfway pressed
Shutter
Type	Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
	*Electronic shutter when using Pixel Shift Resolution
Shutter Speed	Auto:1/8000 to 30 sec., Manual:1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps), Bulb (Timed exposure setting possible from 1 sec. to 20min.)
Drive Modes
Mode Selection	Single Frame, Continuous (H, M, L), Bracketing (2, 3 or 5 frames), Depth of Field Bracketing, Motion Bracketing, Mirror-up, Multi-Exposure(Average/Additive/Bright), Interval Shooting, Interval Composite
Self-timer	12s, 2s
Remote Control	0s, 3s
Continuous Shooting	Max. approx. 12 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to approx. 37 frames, RAW: up to approx. 32 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 30 frames
	Max. approx. 7.0 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous M): up to approx. 60 frames, RAW: up to approx. 37 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 33 frames
	Max. approx. 2.5 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous L): up to approx. 90 frames, RAW: up to approx. 39 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 37 frames
	* The number of images captured in the continuous shooting mode is an approximate figure, tested at a sensitivity of ISO 100. The number may vary depending on the type of memory card used and/or the photographic conditions.
	* The continuous shooting speed may decrease depending on the type of lens used and/or the aperture, shutter speed and sensitivity selected by the user.
	* A certain amount of time is required for the playback of images captured in the continuous shooting mode. The time required may vary depending on the number of captured images and/or the recording format.
External Flash
Flash Modes	Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync
	*Contrast-control-sync and High-speed sync requires 2 or more dedicated external flash
	Sync Speed 1/200sec.
Flash Exposure Compensation	-2.0 to +1.0EV
Capture Settings
Custom Image	Auto Select, Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Flat, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Cross Process	Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3
Digital Filter	Extract Color, Replace Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Tone Expansion, Bold Monochrome, Grainy Monochrome
Clarity	Adjustable ±4 step
Skin Tone	Type1/Type2
HDR	Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Advanced HDR, Exposure bracket value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function
Pixel Shift Resolution	Available, Motion Correction On/Off
Lens Correction	Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Diffraction Correction
D-Range Correction	Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction
Noise Reduction	Slow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO Noise Reduction
Horizon Correction	SR On: correction up to 1 degrees, SR Off: correction up to 2 degrees
Composition Adjustment	Adjustment range of ±1.5mm up, down, left or right (±1mm when rotated); Rotating range of ±1 degree
Electronic Level	Displayed in viewfinder (Horizontal and vertical); Displayed on LCD monitor (Horizontal and vertical)
Program Line	AUTO, Normal, Hi-speed Priority, DOF Priority (Deep), DOF Priority (Shallow), MTF Priority
Movie
File Format	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV)
Recorded Pixels	4K(3840x2160, 30p/24p)
	Full HD(1920x1080, 60p/30p/24p)
Sound	Built-in stereo microphone, external microphone (stereo recording compatible)
	Recording sound level adjustable, Wind Noise Reduction
Recording Time	Up to 25 minutes or 4GB ; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high.
White Balance	AUTO WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D Daylight Color, N Daylight White, W Cool White, L Warm White), Tungsten Light, CTE,
	Manual WB (up to 3 settings), Color Temperature Configuration (up to 3 settings), Copying the white balance setting of a captured image
Custom Images	Auto Select, Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Flat, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Cross Processing	Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3.
Digital Filter	Extract Color, Replace Color, Retro, High Contrast, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome
Playback
Playback View	Single frame, Multi-image display (20, 48, 70 segmentation), Display magnification (up to 16, 100% display, quick zoom and Focus Magnification available), Grid display (4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square(L), Square(S), Grid Color: Black/Gray/White), Rotating, Histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), Bright area warning, Auto Image Rotation, Detailed information, Copyright information (Photographer, Copyright holder), GPS information (latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time) , Orientation, Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display
Delete	Single image, All images, Selected images, Folder, Images on the selected shooting date, Instant review image
Digital Filter	Base Parameter Adj, Extract Color, Replace Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Tone Expansion, Bold Monochrome, Grainy Monochrome, Miniature, Soft, Fish-eye, Slim, Monochrome, Frame Composite
RAW Development	RAW file select:
	Select Single Image, Select Multiple Images, Select a folder, Select a shooting date
	RAW Development Parameter:
	White Balance, Custom Image, Sensitivity, Digital filter, Clarity, Skin Tone, HDR, Pixel Shift Resolution, Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Corr., Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Diffraction Correction, Color Fringe Correction, High-ISO Noise Reduction, Shadow Correction, File Format (JPEG/TIFF), JPEG Recorded Pixels, JPEG Quality, Aspect Ratio, Color Space
Edit	Protect, Image Rotation, Image Copy, File Transfer, Save RAW Data in buffer memory, Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available),
	Levels Adjustment, WB Adjustment, Color Moiré Correction, Movie Edit (Divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie
Customization
Settings	USER Mode, Fx Button, AF/AE Lock Settings, Preview Dial, E-Dial Programming, Smart Function, Monitor Touch Operation, Eye Sensor, Viewfinder Display, LCD Panel, Monitor Display, Instant Review, Zoom Review, Warning Display, Control Panel, Memory, EV Steps, ISO Sensitivity Steps, Color Temperature Steps, Input MF Lens Focal Length, Save Rotation Information, Aperture Information Record, AF Fine Adjustment, Copyright Information
Language	English, French, Germany, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Thai, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
Power Supply
Battery Type	Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90
AC Adapter	AC Adapter Kit K-AC166(Optional)
Battery Life	Number of recordable images: Approx. 800 images
	Playback time: Approx. 250 minutes
	*With a fully-recharged Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery. Tested in compliance with CIPA standard.
	Actual results may vary depending on the shooting condition.
Interfaces
Connection Port	USB Terminal(USB Type-C), External cable switch terminal(2.5mm diameter), X-sync socket, HDMI output terminal (Type D) , Stereo microphone input terminal, Headphone terminal
USB Connection	USB 3.2 Gen1, Data Transfer: MTP/CD-ROM, Battery Recharge/Power Supply (Optional AC Adapter required)
Wireless LAN
Standards	IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Frequency(Center Frequency)	2412MHz～2462MHz (1ch～11ch)
Security	Authentication: WPA2, Encryption: AES
Bluetooth
Standards	Bluetooth® v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy）
Frequency (Center Frequency)	2402MHz～2480MHz(CH0～CH39)
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions	Approx. 134.5mm (W) x103.5mm (H) x 73.5mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight	Approx. 820g (Including dedicated battery and SD Memory Card),
	Approx. 735g (body only)
Operating Environment
Temperature	-10°C～40°C (14°F～104°F)
Humidity	85% or less (no condensation)

Perhaps make this a sticky @Ole ! Good specs!

[microlight]

Craig and angerdan - many thanks, lack of GPS was the one thing that was making me waver as I’ve got so used to having it on the K-3II.

[Ole]

I am surprised to see Electronic shutter missing as a live view option. Perhaps as a firmware feature, eh?


Steve

Perhaps.

Electronic Shutter was added as a firmware update to live view for the K-1 in response to the shutter slap issue with that model. Perhaps Ricoh's thinking is that the K-3iii has no shutter slap (lower mass of the shutter curtain)?

Anyway, I think it should have been included - it is a nice feature for macro work. As an alternative one could use pixel shift and get the ES that way (at the cost of long exposure and processing time).

[niklas]

What knowledge is there about the K3iii and it's Deep Learning Image Recognition Subject Tracking System?

Can you use a smart phone or tablet tethered wireless to sustitute a flip screen when shooting in awkward postitions?