Pentax has rolled out a new firmware update for its K-1 and K-1 Mark II cameras, introducing a paid astrophotography assistant feature designed to enhance the experience for night sky photographers. This update, known as Astrotracer Type 3, offers a range of improvements aimed at capturing clearer and more detailed images of celestial bodies.

One of the key enhancements is the simplified equatorial function, which allows users to track stars more efficiently without relying on GPS. This function takes an initial image to determine the movement of stars, thus bypassing the need for GPS positioning and reducing the influence of magnetic field interference. This change is particularly useful for photographers in areas where GPS signals are weak or inconsistent.

The firmware update also includes improvements in the camera’s ability to capture both stars and landscapes simultaneously. By shifting the image sensor at half the speed of traditional Astrotracer functions, the new feature balances the exposure of both celestial objects and terrestrial landscapes, resulting in more harmonious images. This is particularly beneficial for astrophotographers looking to include foreground elements in their night sky compositions.

Moreover, the update supports extended exposure times, allowing for longer captures that can reveal more detail in faint celestial objects. This feature is compatible with select Pentax lenses, although it is recommended to avoid using fisheye lenses for optimal performance.

Astronomical Image Processing allows photographers to adjust photos of astronomical objects in-camera, including features such as shading correction, fog correction, background darkness, star brightness, celestial clarity, and fringe corrections. This applies to RAW and JPEG photos.

Here’s an example of what you can expect from this feature:

Pentax’s introduction of this paid feature highlights the company’s dedication to providing specialized tools for astrophotography, addressing the unique challenges faced by photographers capturing the night sky. This update is part of Pentax’s ongoing efforts to innovate and cater to the needs of its user base, ensuring high-quality results for both amateur and professional astrophotographers.

This premium function is accessible as a firmware upgrade that requires an activation key purchased from Ricoh Pentax for 11,000 yen, or $70.