Nice! I have only tried the gps astrotracer feature before on another camera. Going camping soon with little to no light pollution. This should be fun to try. thanks as always.
Astrotracer is the ultimate in portability. I took my K-3II (with built-in GPS) to Arizona and used it in several dark locations, including Grand Canyon. Packing only a little travel tripod in addition to my camera bag was nice. In a pinch, you can actually get away with NO tripod if you can prop the camera up on something.
I keep staring at my 600 BEGGING for clouds to dissipate or the weather to not be freezing lol. Soon I'll get out these and try it out. Great video and intro to the new Astrotracer!
You should if it sounds interesting to you! I find it really fun. Star gazing itself is a treat and just amazing to be out in nature and somewhere in the middle of nowhere just checking out the universe we live in :) Then add taking photos on top of it and it makes a good night.
@@snappiness I'll do a little research to see where the light pollution is not so bad & give it a go! I'm thinking a trip to Keswick in the Lake District might be a good one!
@@snappiness Oh, I didn't actually need convincing that the K-3 III would be a meaningful upgrade to my K-3. But you know what often happens: Some cool lens deal crops up somewhere, and you're back to square one with your savings efforts. Lenses I've wanted for years, sometimes many years (e.g. smc DA 21, 55-300 PLM). 😁
Thank you so much for the video! I can’t wait to try the new Astrotracer on my Pentax K3iii. (I have pixel 6 pro too, lol!) To be honest, it’s a lot easier to use my full spectrum converted pentax KP for Astrophotography w/Pentax GPS attachment, but your video makes it sound so easy. 😊🙏
Excellent! I have used Astrotracer Type 3 on my K3-III and Pentax 16--85mm at 16mm: 1. I included a hill in the foreground (approx.10% of the frame), it worked. 2. If you want to avoid the calibration pre-shot, it seems that you can use interval shooting according to the manual.
The Pentax K-3 III more and more looks a great buy, sports, good AF, great low light, great for portraits, rugged and good for Astrophotography. I’d struggle to think of a camera that does all of this. Maybe I will buy one 🤓
Nice video as always! I hope Pentax takes your other suggestions to heart. Too bad Pentax didn’t also update the “traditional” GPS-based Astrotracer to allow user correction of inaccurate detection of North direction, which is the primary cause of not achieving the theoretical tracking times that are based on the range of sensor movement. But they have said they will release an O-GPS2 accessory next year with improved tracking over the O-GPS1.
Yes I heard about that bear gos unit. Will be interesting if that solves the issue or makes it better. This is a compelling feature though. Hoping to get out of the city some more and try some more objects!
Very informative video. I too was skeptical and thought it might be a bit gimmicky and more of a marketing ploy due to them removing the GPS unit to make room for the larger pentaprism. So I'm glad to hear it works so well, and is surprisingly simple and convenient. All your suggested improvements sound great and feasible. I was not aware that it would not work with objects in the foreground. I don't know how the software is working under the hood, but it seems like it would be possible for the camera to go "ah, these objects here are small, numerous, and move in one direction, I'll use those for the tracing algorithm." I'm not sure how much spare processing power the camera has for that, and I suppose that would likely mean an even longer processing time between shots. It would be interesting if the user could select an area for the camera to use for the computation in live view with the touchscreen before beginning, and maybe using a smaller area would reduce computation time, although it would reduce accuracy as well. In any case, it's a super neat feature and I really enjoyed the video! Way to go Pentax for doing a lot with a little as always. :)
Yeah, I'm not sure how hard it'd be to rule out stationary objects without knowing how their algorithm works as-is. I could see it being a little complex to get it to work consistently, but you do think that at least most of the time the difference between a bright small star and a dark stationary object would be fairly easy to detect programmatically. But, what do I know? :D
Nice man! In some ways seems better than the gps version. Was always a pain getting my K1 set up to work properly before. You're making me wanna scout eBay for the gps module for my K70, haha.
From your review one could sense AT3 is half baked at the moment, and might continue to improve and add features in the next updates, nevertheless it is an awesome idea/feature. Since it is a script they could even implement it on the gps bodies like the K-1 and come up with some hybrid astrotracing system with improved times. Great video as always, cheers!
That'd be interesting! I do think the update should be portable to the K-1, unless it does way more processing than I think it does and needed the newer processor of the K-3III. We'll see if they ever give it to any of the older cameras.
They’ve ruled it out for any of the existing bodies because it requires more computing power (and perhaps some underlying OS features added to the K-3 iii).
9:38 if you don’t have a mode where you could keep the same corrections for multiple shots.. it’s really more of a workaround. In addition, if you cant calibrate with some foreground while the primary use is gonna be for milkyway hence wide angle.. it makes it pretty useless combined with the first issue of recalibrating at each image Interesting tech though and your 30s at 300mm is really astonishing without a tracker. But it will remain a technological toy if they don’t solve the two issues above. To the extent the gps version is more interesting
Good video! Very promising feature that expands on the K3iii capabilities. You said you wanted to stack in camera - Have you used the built-in additive or average modes?
Thanks! I have for other scenarios, but the problem is that those don't do any star aligning or anything. So as the object moves in the frame from shot to shot, those modes would have it across the scene. Good for star trails, waterfalls, and other use cases, but wouldn't work here (unless you wanted telephoto star trails for some reason). The star stacking software on my computer aligns the stars first before performing the stack.
Just for your information, ISO1600 is probably the sweet spot for your camera nonetheless. You really don't have to care too much about ISO in AP, and it's quite counterintuitive sometimes with high ISOs being the "better" choice. Has to do with read noise etc, if you're interested. So I'd just stick to 1600 and in your case of Orion, change exposure by time, so maybe stack some 20s and 40/60s to get proper detail in the core and outer regions. Stacking takes care of burned out sections if you've got them properly exposed in other images.
Are you saying that if I set it to interval shooting, it would only take the preliminary shot on the first one? And all subsequent shots would just be the exposure time that I set?
I have purchased (used) a Pentax 300mm f/4 (the last version): does not work with my K3-III astrotracer type 3 (I get the error message after the pre-shot). Same for a Samyang 135mm f/2 (the manual version), even after entering manually the focal length. Very clear sky in the Pyrenees above 6000ft. Any Ideas?
You can play with all sorts of variables and get good results. I was shooting f4-5.6, and played with several exposure times mentioned. This was with a 300mm lens. I've also tried a 50mm with good results.
Would it be possible to use the K3 III and add the Aux. GPS Module so that you can use one or the other depending on the mitigating factors. That if one system is thrown off base from foreground or star brightness, the other system could be used instead? Thank You for your advice / information. je
Off topic: As a designer, I couldn't help noticing your addiction with the blue color, wall, sunglasses, lens barrel thingy in the back, even your wedding ring. What's up with that? lol
Yes, I love blue :) The ring is actually a funny story, it's just a cheapo walmart rubber ring that came in a four pack. Long story, but I've lost several nicer rings so my wife got me these. Haven't lost a ring since 🤣
I did something horrible today. There was this K3iii with a nice lens on ebay for around 2200€ and I was interested. The I ended up buying this shitty camera instead :( The Canon EOS R6 with a 50mm. I fell ashamed and somehow know that I will never own this beautiful Pentax :( I need help, I have a severe case of GAS
Hi, you made me a little bit disappointed with your last K3 mk3 video... And I decided to try this stuff by myself. To cut a long story short that camera worth every dollar spent. I even don't mention perfect tactile feelings it gives...
As of today, the older Pentax K-1 now supports this feature via firmware update 2.4.0!
I don't think ANYONE saw that coming!
Thank you
2016 camera gets updates in 2024, damn
When you see stuff like that, you know that Pentax are the type of company we need for a sustainable future. They get it.
Can’t get enough of your content man, keep up the good work!
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words :)
Nice! I have only tried the gps astrotracer feature before on another camera. Going camping soon with little to no light pollution. This should be fun to try. thanks as always.
You absolutely should! Good luck! Read through the manual PDF before hand, unlike I did! haha
@@snappiness Thats' amazing imaging. No GPS or module, no sensors... Pentax is inventive!
Astrotracer is the ultimate in portability. I took my K-3II (with built-in GPS) to Arizona and used it in several dark locations, including Grand Canyon. Packing only a little travel tripod in addition to my camera bag was nice. In a pinch, you can actually get away with NO tripod if you can prop the camera up on something.
I keep staring at my 600 BEGGING for clouds to dissipate or the weather to not be freezing lol. Soon I'll get out these and try it out. Great video and intro to the new Astrotracer!
Ooo, that'd be cool with the 600!
👏 very glad for Pentax.
Awesome results especially for your first time using it! I really need to try some Astro with the K3ii. Great info James.
You should if it sounds interesting to you! I find it really fun. Star gazing itself is a treat and just amazing to be out in nature and somewhere in the middle of nowhere just checking out the universe we live in :) Then add taking photos on top of it and it makes a good night.
@@snappiness I'll do a little research to see where the light pollution is not so bad & give it a go! I'm thinking a trip to Keswick in the Lake District might be a good one!
Now, this was not only highly instructive, but it also makes me want a K-3 III even more (as if I didn't want it before). What a cool feature! 🤩
It's super cool! They are trying to reel you in! :D
@@snappiness Oh, I didn't actually need convincing that the K-3 III would be a meaningful upgrade to my K-3. But you know what often happens: Some cool lens deal crops up somewhere, and you're back to square one with your savings efforts. Lenses I've wanted for years, sometimes many years (e.g. smc DA 21, 55-300 PLM). 😁
Still trying to work out my new mic setup, so sorry about those wearing headphones right now 😬but hey, how 'bout that astrotracer?
Eh, I've heard major news networks doing way worse... :-)
Put it in mono and use an hi-pass or (low cut) filter to remove the bumps on the table.
Thank you so much for the video! I can’t wait to try the new Astrotracer on my Pentax K3iii. (I have pixel 6 pro too, lol!)
To be honest, it’s a lot easier to use my full spectrum converted pentax KP for Astrophotography w/Pentax GPS attachment, but your video makes it sound so easy. 😊🙏
It is pretty easy! But the GPS version works pretty good as well. And with a full spectrum KP... that sounds like an amazing combo!
Excellent! I have used Astrotracer Type 3 on my K3-III and Pentax 16--85mm at 16mm:
1. I included a hill in the foreground (approx.10% of the frame), it worked.
2. If you want to avoid the calibration pre-shot, it seems that you can use interval shooting according to the manual.
I'll have to try that out next time, thanks!
6:58 Absolutely insane quality
Yeah, I was impressed.
The Pentax K-3 III more and more looks a great buy, sports, good AF, great low light, great for portraits, rugged and good for Astrophotography. I’d struggle to think of a camera that does all of this. Maybe I will buy one 🤓
I like it. I also really liked the original K-3, so kind of obvious I would like this one too :)
Okay, you make me want to get the K-3III much more (maybe xmas? :D )
I'll put in a good word for you with Santa ;)
But yes. It's a great camera, great feature, and love that it was just a free firmware update :)
Nice video as always! I hope Pentax takes your other suggestions to heart.
Too bad Pentax didn’t also update the “traditional” GPS-based Astrotracer to allow user correction of inaccurate detection of North direction, which is the primary cause of not achieving the theoretical tracking times that are based on the range of sensor movement. But they have said they will release an O-GPS2 accessory next year with improved tracking over the O-GPS1.
Yes I heard about that bear gos unit. Will be interesting if that solves the issue or makes it better. This is a compelling feature though. Hoping to get out of the city some more and try some more objects!
Nice thanks for the great video
Great shots would be nice if they updated the k70 .
I wish they would!
Very informative video. I too was skeptical and thought it might be a bit gimmicky and more of a marketing ploy due to them removing the GPS unit to make room for the larger pentaprism. So I'm glad to hear it works so well, and is surprisingly simple and convenient. All your suggested improvements sound great and feasible.
I was not aware that it would not work with objects in the foreground. I don't know how the software is working under the hood, but it seems like it would be possible for the camera to go "ah, these objects here are small, numerous, and move in one direction, I'll use those for the tracing algorithm." I'm not sure how much spare processing power the camera has for that, and I suppose that would likely mean an even longer processing time between shots. It would be interesting if the user could select an area for the camera to use for the computation in live view with the touchscreen before beginning, and maybe using a smaller area would reduce computation time, although it would reduce accuracy as well.
In any case, it's a super neat feature and I really enjoyed the video! Way to go Pentax for doing a lot with a little as always. :)
Yeah, I'm not sure how hard it'd be to rule out stationary objects without knowing how their algorithm works as-is. I could see it being a little complex to get it to work consistently, but you do think that at least most of the time the difference between a bright small star and a dark stationary object would be fairly easy to detect programmatically. But, what do I know? :D
Nice man! In some ways seems better than the gps version. Was always a pain getting my K1 set up to work properly before. You're making me wanna scout eBay for the gps module for my K70, haha.
Yeah I think for these deep sky objects it's better than GPS. Easier to setup and then I got longer exposures than I did with the GPS.
From your review one could sense AT3 is half baked at the moment, and might continue to improve and add features in the next updates, nevertheless it is an awesome idea/feature. Since it is a script they could even implement it on the gps bodies like the K-1 and come up with some hybrid astrotracing system with improved times. Great video as always, cheers!
That'd be interesting! I do think the update should be portable to the K-1, unless it does way more processing than I think it does and needed the newer processor of the K-3III. We'll see if they ever give it to any of the older cameras.
They’ve ruled it out for any of the existing bodies because it requires more computing power (and perhaps some underlying OS features added to the K-3 iii).
@@mitchkeller makes sense, I guess.
Excellent overview! Amazing images!
Thanks!
Thanks for the video, great information 👌🏻
Thanks for stopping by to check it out 😊
9:38 if you don’t have a mode where you could keep the same corrections for multiple shots.. it’s really more of a workaround. In addition, if you cant calibrate with some foreground while the primary use is gonna be for milkyway hence wide angle.. it makes it pretty useless combined with the first issue of recalibrating at each image
Interesting tech though and your 30s at 300mm is really astonishing without a tracker. But it will remain a technological toy if they don’t solve the two issues above. To the extent the gps version is more interesting
Good video! Very promising feature that expands on the K3iii capabilities. You said you wanted to stack in camera - Have you used the built-in additive or average modes?
Thanks! I have for other scenarios, but the problem is that those don't do any star aligning or anything. So as the object moves in the frame from shot to shot, those modes would have it across the scene. Good for star trails, waterfalls, and other use cases, but wouldn't work here (unless you wanted telephoto star trails for some reason). The star stacking software on my computer aligns the stars first before performing the stack.
Just for your information, ISO1600 is probably the sweet spot for your camera nonetheless. You really don't have to care too much about ISO in AP, and it's quite counterintuitive sometimes with high ISOs being the "better" choice. Has to do with read noise etc, if you're interested. So I'd just stick to 1600 and in your case of Orion, change exposure by time, so maybe stack some 20s and 40/60s to get proper detail in the core and outer regions. Stacking takes care of burned out sections if you've got them properly exposed in other images.
That makes sense to me! I'll be playing more with it next time and try some stacking. :)
By using interval shooting together, it is possible to perform the main exposure multiple times for each test shooting
Are you saying that if I set it to interval shooting, it would only take the preliminary shot on the first one? And all subsequent shots would just be the exposure time that I set?
@@snappiness According to the manual, yes. Have not had possibility to test it yet.
@@tjompen1968 okay, I read that too but interpreted it differently. I will definitely test next time I am out!
I have purchased (used) a Pentax 300mm f/4 (the last version): does not work with my K3-III astrotracer type 3 (I get the error message after the pre-shot). Same for a Samyang 135mm f/2 (the manual version), even after entering manually the focal length. Very clear sky in the Pyrenees above 6000ft. Any Ideas?
So, any updates? More Astrotracer type III images?
Recommended focal length, f stop and exposure times?
You can play with all sorts of variables and get good results. I was shooting f4-5.6, and played with several exposure times mentioned. This was with a 300mm lens. I've also tried a 50mm with good results.
does the gps 02 on top of a camera do the same thing?
It will enable astrotracer with GPS, but the astrotracer type 3 that I described in this video is only available in this camera.
Would it be possible to use the K3 III and add the Aux. GPS Module so that you can use one or the other depending on the mitigating factors. That if one system is thrown off base from foreground or star brightness, the other system could be used instead? Thank You for your advice / information. je
Yeah, that would be possible!
@@snappiness thanks so much! You videos are so informative!!!!!
What if you are using Astrotracer on a GoTo mount? Does the dual movements conflict and mess up the images?
I'm not sure how much it would mess it up, but I can imagine it would. What do you think the advantage to using it on a mount would be?
@@snappiness Pentax support said, No, camera must be still for Astrotracer to work.
Off topic: As a designer, I couldn't help noticing your addiction with the blue color, wall, sunglasses, lens barrel thingy in the back, even your wedding ring. What's up with that? lol
Yes, I love blue :) The ring is actually a funny story, it's just a cheapo walmart rubber ring that came in a four pack. Long story, but I've lost several nicer rings so my wife got me these. Haven't lost a ring since 🤣
I did something horrible today.
There was this K3iii with a nice lens on ebay for around 2200€ and I was interested. The I ended up buying this shitty camera instead :( The Canon EOS R6 with a 50mm.
I fell ashamed and somehow know that I will never own this beautiful Pentax :( I need help, I have a severe case of GAS
LOL, well I'm sure you'll enjoy that R6 ;) I don't know much about it but it seems really nice.
Hi, you made me a little bit disappointed with your last K3 mk3 video... And I decided to try this stuff by myself. To cut a long story short that camera worth every dollar spent. I even don't mention perfect tactile feelings it gives...
Great! Enjoy it! I'm enjoying mine :)