New K3 III FW 1.50 - Is that it!

**snappyhoffy** · 06-26-2022, 02:57 PM

A whole update for a feature that only works with 2 lenses and is 'seasonal'....really is that it Pentax?

"By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.50), the following functions are added.
1. New Custom Image “KATEN”
● KATEN (summer sky)
This special-edition, season-specific Custom Image mode is designed to emphasize the
rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds.
This mode can be selected only in combination with:
HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited lenses.
Both lenses feature an ultra-wide angle of view and the latest HD (High Definition)
coating, which effectively minimizes the generation of ghost images even with images
captured under harsh summertime sunshine, or when the sun is in the image field. They
have been selected as the best partners for the KATEN mode because they optimize the
intended visual effects of the mode."

What else is hidden away folks?

kypfer · 06-26-2022, 03:04 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by snappyhoffy

What else is hidden away folks?

The old chestnut :-
"Improved stability for general performance"

They never admit to exactly what the problems were that needed correcting

mhoule418 · 06-26-2022, 04:09 PM - **8 Likes**

I am working in IT (software), doing quality control.

I suggest this :
- if you have not noticed any problem, it’s may be because you are not using that functionality that had a problem
- sometimes, it’s functions that are not (that much or not at all) noticeable by the user

As a amateur photographer, I have never noticed any «*problems*» that render my pictures badly.

So, why scaring users from things that has never been noticed?

At work, I totally agree to disclose what can be seen or noticeable by users, but if it’s memory management (better write speed by fraction of second) or any other «*internal*» change, why bother?

Personally, I have no problem with “Improve stability for general performance” message. In fact, it tells me Pentax is proactive at fixing things (that may have not been noticed yet).

My 2 cents.

disconnekt · 06-26-2022, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by mhoule418

Personally, I have no problem with “Improve stability for general performance” message. In fact, it tells me Pentax is proactive at fixing things (that may have not been noticed yet).

My 2 cents.

Yep, the issues they're fixing could be something so small that a 99.9999% of users wont even notice, and they couldve found a *very* minor issue early enough & fixed before it even became an issue.

Sandy Hancock · 06-26-2022, 06:02 PM - **8 Likes**

Originally posted by snappyhoffy

A whole update for a feature that only works with 2 lenses and is 'seasonal'....really is that it Pentax?
....
What else is hidden away folks?

It cost you nothing, and it's not compulsory.

I see no cause for complaint.

Paul the Sunman · 06-26-2022, 08:24 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

It cost you nothing, and it's not compulsory.

I see no cause for complaint.

... especially since updates are cumulative, so you'll get whatever it gives later, when there is an update more to your liking.

Not a Number · 06-26-2022, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by kypfer

The old chestnut :-
"Improved stability for general performance"

They never admit to exactly what the problems were that needed correcting

It's not like Ricoh is the only company doing this.

**RobA_Oz** · 06-26-2022, 08:40 PM - **1 Like**

Well, you never know. It could be that 5G/WiFi virus that people are worried about, but haven't found yet.

**BigMackCam** · 06-26-2022, 08:42 PM

Originally posted by mhoule418

- if you have not noticed any problem, it’s may be because you are not using that functionality that had a problem
- sometimes, it’s functions that are not (that much or not at all) noticeable by the user

^^^ Exactly.

There have only been two firmware updates for Pentax cameras over the years where I immediately noticed the value of them. One was to access larger SD cards (I believe that was for the old *ist DL), and the other added further sharpening adjustments (I think that was for the K-3). I'm sure I must have benefited from other updates too - it's just that I wasn't aware of the specific fixes / improvements...

AfterPentax Mark II · 06-27-2022, 04:31 AM

Originally posted by snappyhoffy

A whole update for a feature that only works with 2 lenses and is 'seasonal'....really is that it Pentax?

"By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.50), the following functions are added.
1. New Custom Image “KATEN”
● KATEN (summer sky)
This special-edition, season-specific Custom Image mode is designed to emphasize the
rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds.
This mode can be selected only in combination with:
HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited lenses.
Both lenses feature an ultra-wide angle of view and the latest HD (High Definition)
coating, which effectively minimizes the generation of ghost images even with images
captured under harsh summertime sunshine, or when the sun is in the image field. They
have been selected as the best partners for the KATEN mode because they optimize the
intended visual effects of the mode."

What else is hidden away folks?

As I always have bad thoughts: This kind of "update" could easily mask a problem that A) can only be corrected by the use of a K-3 III, which seems silly, or B) is a problem of the K-3 III that needs to be solved and which only occurs when using the K-3 III with lenses mentioned. With the D FA21mm Ltd which is specifically designed for FF, one would expect a firmware update of the K-1's if it is to give a better performance of said lens, not an APS-C K-3 III!

**PJ1** · 06-27-2022, 04:35 AM

If you haven't noticed a problem it is because that's what they fixed in update 1.4 or 1.3 or whatever.

**Rondec** · 06-27-2022, 05:01 AM

The only thing that Pentax is clear about is the addition of a Katen jpeg option for specific lenses. On the other hand, it is possible that there was some tweaking of auto focus functions or fixing some other bug beneath the surface. If you are happy with your current camera function and don't own the lenses covered then you can certainly wait to update it.

house · 06-27-2022, 05:21 AM - **1 Like**

I understand not listing every minor fix. On the other hand if you've been bitten by said tiny bug it's great to know it has indeed been addressed. I mainly use free software and is used to knowing exactly what's going on. I find it a great and valuable feature.

Pentax is also over using "Improved stability for general performance" in line with their general tight lipped communications.

**Larrymc** · 06-27-2022, 06:25 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by house

I understand not listing every minor fix. On the other hand if you've been bitten by said tiny bug it's great to know it has indeed been addressed. I mainly use free software and is used to knowing exactly what's going on. I find it a great and valuable feature.

Pentax is also over using "Improved stability for general performance" in line with their general tight lipped communications.

If Pentax left that phrase out of the update information, then untold numbers would be complaining about the phrase being left out.

There would probably be a pages long thread about the missing phrase with multiple complaints.

house · 06-27-2022, 06:43 AM

Originally posted by Larrymc

If Pentax left that phrase out of the update information, then untold numbers would be complaining about the phrase being left out.

There would probably be a pages long thread about the missing phrase with multiple complaints.

Ha, yes it's comforting in its familiarity by now.

I did mean that they should be more precise and descriptive. Have they touched af code I need to know.

06-26-2022, 02:57 PM	#1
snappyhoffy Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Buckinghamshire, UK Posts: 185	New K3 III FW 1.50 - Is that it! A whole update for a feature that only works with 2 lenses and is 'seasonal'....really is that it Pentax? "By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.50), the following functions are added. 1. New Custom Image “KATEN” ● KATEN (summer sky) This special-edition, season-specific Custom Image mode is designed to emphasize the rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds. This mode can be selected only in combination with: HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited lenses. Both lenses feature an ultra-wide angle of view and the latest HD (High Definition) coating, which effectively minimizes the generation of ghost images even with images captured under harsh summertime sunshine, or when the sun is in the image field. They have been selected as the best partners for the KATEN mode because they optimize the intended visual effects of the mode." What else is hidden away folks?

06-27-2022, 06:25 AM - 1 Like	#14
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,252	Originally posted by house I understand not listing every minor fix. On the other hand if you've been bitten by said tiny bug it's great to know it has indeed been addressed. I mainly use free software and is used to knowing exactly what's going on. I find it a great and valuable feature. Pentax is also over using "Improved stability for general performance" in line with their general tight lipped communications. If Pentax left that phrase out of the update information, then untold numbers would be complaining about the phrase being left out. There would probably be a pages long thread about the missing phrase with multiple complaints. Last edited by Larrymc; 06-27-2022 at 06:29 AM. Reason: additional thoughts

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New Autofocus Fine Adjustment settings required for FW v1.31 in the K-3 Mark III	c.a.m	Pentax K-3 III	11	03-01-2022 04:26 PM
K3 iii Live view and focus peaking compared to K3	speagles2	Pentax K-3 III	17	09-29-2021 10:21 AM
K3 vs K3 mark III as best deal ?	bygp	Pentax DSLR Discussion	34	05-20-2021 11:56 AM
Comparison K3 III versus Sony A7 III	bwgv001	Pentax DSLR Discussion	51	04-30-2021 01:20 PM
K3-II fw 1.10 DEBUG MODE	Gian	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	10	05-04-2017 07:46 AM

06-26-2022, 03:04 PM - 1 Like	#2
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,596	Originally posted by snappyhoffy What else is hidden away folks? The old chestnut :- "Improved stability for general performance" They never admit to exactly what the problems were that needed correcting

06-26-2022, 04:09 PM - 8 Likes	#3
mhoule418 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Quebec city Posts: 228	I am working in IT (software), doing quality control. I suggest this : - if you have not noticed any problem, it’s may be because you are not using that functionality that had a problem - sometimes, it’s functions that are not (that much or not at all) noticeable by the user As a amateur photographer, I have never noticed any «problems» that render my pictures badly. So, why scaring users from things that has never been noticed? At work, I totally agree to disclose what can be seen or noticeable by users, but if it’s memory management (better write speed by fraction of second) or any other «internal» change, why bother? Personally, I have no problem with “Improve stability for general performance” message. In fact, it tells me Pentax is proactive at fixing things (that may have not been noticed yet). My 2 cents.

06-26-2022, 04:53 PM	#4
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,702	Originally posted by mhoule418 Personally, I have no problem with “Improve stability for general performance” message. In fact, it tells me Pentax is proactive at fixing things (that may have not been noticed yet). My 2 cents. Yep, the issues they're fixing could be something so small that a 99.9999% of users wont even notice, and they couldve found a very minor issue early enough & fixed before it even became an issue.

06-26-2022, 06:02 PM - 8 Likes	#5
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Originally posted by snappyhoffy A whole update for a feature that only works with 2 lenses and is 'seasonal'....really is that it Pentax? .... What else is hidden away folks? It cost you nothing, and it's not compulsory. I see no cause for complaint.

06-26-2022, 08:24 PM - 2 Likes	#6
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock It cost you nothing, and it's not compulsory. I see no cause for complaint. ... especially since updates are cumulative, so you'll get whatever it gives later, when there is an update more to your liking.

06-26-2022, 08:39 PM	#7
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by kypfer The old chestnut :- "Improved stability for general performance" They never admit to exactly what the problems were that needed correcting It's not like Ricoh is the only company doing this.

06-26-2022, 08:40 PM - 1 Like	#8
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Well, you never know. It could be that 5G/WiFi virus that people are worried about, but haven't found yet.

06-26-2022, 08:42 PM	#9
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,695	Originally posted by mhoule418 - if you have not noticed any problem, it’s may be because you are not using that functionality that had a problem - sometimes, it’s functions that are not (that much or not at all) noticeable by the user ^^^ Exactly. There have only been two firmware updates for Pentax cameras over the years where I immediately noticed the value of them. One was to access larger SD cards (I believe that was for the old *ist DL), and the other added further sharpening adjustments (I think that was for the K-3). I'm sure I must have benefited from other updates too - it's just that I wasn't aware of the specific fixes / improvements...

06-27-2022, 04:31 AM	#10
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,467	Originally posted by snappyhoffy A whole update for a feature that only works with 2 lenses and is 'seasonal'....really is that it Pentax? "By upgrading PENTAX K-3 Mark III (ver.1.50), the following functions are added. 1. New Custom Image “KATEN” ● KATEN (summer sky) This special-edition, season-specific Custom Image mode is designed to emphasize the rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds. This mode can be selected only in combination with: HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited lenses. Both lenses feature an ultra-wide angle of view and the latest HD (High Definition) coating, which effectively minimizes the generation of ghost images even with images captured under harsh summertime sunshine, or when the sun is in the image field. They have been selected as the best partners for the KATEN mode because they optimize the intended visual effects of the mode." What else is hidden away folks? As I always have bad thoughts: This kind of "update" could easily mask a problem that A) can only be corrected by the use of a K-3 III, which seems silly, or B) is a problem of the K-3 III that needs to be solved and which only occurs when using the K-3 III with lenses mentioned. With the D FA21mm Ltd which is specifically designed for FF, one would expect a firmware update of the K-1's if it is to give a better performance of said lens, not an APS-C K-3 III!

06-27-2022, 04:35 AM	#11
PJ1 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toowoomba, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,486	If you haven't noticed a problem it is because that's what they fixed in update 1.4 or 1.3 or whatever.

06-27-2022, 05:01 AM	#12
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	The only thing that Pentax is clear about is the addition of a Katen jpeg option for specific lenses. On the other hand, it is possible that there was some tweaking of auto focus functions or fixing some other bug beneath the surface. If you are happy with your current camera function and don't own the lenses covered then you can certainly wait to update it.

06-27-2022, 05:21 AM - 1 Like	#13
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	I understand not listing every minor fix. On the other hand if you've been bitten by said tiny bug it's great to know it has indeed been addressed. I mainly use free software and is used to knowing exactly what's going on. I find it a great and valuable feature. Pentax is also over using "Improved stability for general performance" in line with their general tight lipped communications.

06-27-2022, 06:43 AM	#15
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Originally posted by Larrymc If Pentax left that phrase out of the update information, then untold numbers would be complaining about the phrase being left out. There would probably be a pages long thread about the missing phrase with multiple complaints. Ha, yes it's comforting in its familiarity by now. I did mean that they should be more precise and descriptive. Have they touched af code I need to know.