Pentax K-3 Mark III - User Manual

Pentax K-3 Mark III (Firmware 1.01) and Android Image Sync App (Ver 2.1.6)
Instructions, Observations, and Use Cases – 5/21/21
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Table of Contents .
Table of Contents .
Table of Contents .
Image Sync Functions and Limitations
First Time Pairing/Connecting
After First Time Pairing/Connecting
Normal
Abnormal
Switching between Bluetooth and WiFi
Power Off and Auto Off (Sleep) Behavior
Unexpected Disconnection
Auto Image Transfer Notes
. .
Image Sync Functions and Limitations .
Image Sync Functions and Limitations .
Image Sync Functions and Limitations .
Requires WiFi to view or download files from camera (i.e.,
using the ‘Cam images’ button)
• Cannot connect Bluetooth and WiFi simultaneously; will
switch back and forth depending on functions/options
selected
• Geotagging works with Bluetooth or WiFi, although WiFi
geotagging requires the phone be awake and Image Sync to
be the active app
• WiFi is required to view scene in control mode live view;
Bluetooth will control camera, but cannot use live view
• When connected with Bluetooth, can turn on WiFi
connection in camera for full control
• For Bluetooth geotagging, Image Sync must me running, but
need not be the active app, if background transmission is
enabled
First Time Pairing/Connecting .
First Time Pairing/Connecting .
First Time Pairing/Connecting .
Caution
• Use the Image Sync app to make the Bluetooth and WiFi
handshakes; this seems to result in better reconnections. If
already paired/connected, just ’unpair’ and/or ‘forget’ the
connections in the phone’s settings. Up to six devices can be
paired to the camera.
On the camera, turn on geotagging:
1. Menu button
2. Setup
3. Communication Settings [4]
4. Smartphone Link
5. Store Location Info.
6. On
7. OK
On the camera, enter pairing mode:
1. Menu button
2. Setup
3. Communication Settings [4]
4. Bluetooth Setting
5. Action Mode
6. On
7. OK
8. Pairing
9. Execute Pairing
On the phone, connect the camera:
1. Start Image Sync
2. Select ‘Cam images’
3. Select ‘PENTAX K-3 Mark III’
4. Select ‘Connect over Bluetooth’
5. Enter ‘XXXXXX’ from the camera info screen
6. Select ‘Next’
7. Wait for popup, enter ‘######’ Authentication code from
the camera info screen
8. Select ‘Pair’, if the phone popup asks to Connect to Device,
select ‘Connect’
9. The camera and phone automatically attempt to connect
via WiFi. No need to enter the WiFi password. The phone
may popup a confirmation message.
On the phone, configure Image Sync:
1. Confirm ‘Automatic Bluetooth connection’ is enabled in
‘Settings’.
2. Turn on geotagging: select ‘Settings’ and enable ‘Store
location information’.
3. Turn on background use: Select ‘Settings', then
‘Background location information transmission’ and enable
it for ‘No time limit'.
You have now paired (Bluetooth) the camera and phone, and
connected the camera and phone via WiFi, which allows
viewing and downloading files. It also allows controlling the
shutter, etc. with live view.
Caution
• Since Image Sync will always require WiFi to reconnect, turn
off ‘Auto reconnect’ in the phone’s settings under
Advanced, when not WiFi connected. For Android 11:
Settings | Connections | WiFi | 3dotmenu | Advanced |
Manage networks | select the WiFi name from the camera
info | unselect Auto reconnect
Memo
• See Power Off and Auto Off (Sleep) Behavior below.
After First Time Pairing/Connecting .
After First Time Pairing/Connecting .
After First Time Pairing/Connecting .
If the camera Bluetooth is on (and camera WiFi is off) you can
connect by using the saved pairing information and the
camera will turn on WiFi and connect with full control, then
disconnect Bluetooth.
Normal:
1. Turn on the camera and ensure Bluetooth is enabled (gray
Bluetooth icon)
2. Start Image Sync
3. Select ‘Cam images’
Bluetooth is connected and WiFi is activated on the camera
and connects to the phone (may get confirmation popup),
then Bluetooth is disconnected. If the camera and phone are
already connected via WiFi, Image Sync will disconnect and
reconnect via WiFi (may get confirmation popup).
Abnormal:
If Image Sync does not automatically find the Camera, it may
ask for the camera model. In which case, after selecting ‘Cam
images’ above:
4. Select ‘PENTAX K-3 Mark III’
5. Select ‘Connect to PENTAX_XXXXXX’ if using Bluetooth
or select ‘Connect over Wi-Fi’ if WiFi is already connected
(white WiFi icon)

Summary

Image Sync Functions and Limitations

First Time Pairing;Connecting

Guides initial Bluetooth and WiFi setup between camera and phone.

After First Time Pairing;Connecting

Details connecting after initial setup, including normal and abnormal scenarios.

Switching Between Bluetooth and WiFi

Explains how to switch between Bluetooth and WiFi connections for different functions.

Power Off and Auto Off (Sleep) Behavior

Describes connection behavior when the camera powers off or sleeps.

Unexpected Disconnection

Addresses issues with unexpected loss of connection between devices.

Auto Image Transfer Notes

Provides information regarding automatic image transfer functionality.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. First Time Pairing/Connecting
4. Image Sync App Configuration
5. Post-Pairing Connection
6. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Switching
7. Power Off and Auto Off (Sleep) Behavior
8. Phone Sleep Behavior
9. Auto Image Transfer
10. Maintenance Features
11. Connection Stability
12. Troubleshooting Disconnections
13. Geotagging Status
14. Battery Management
15. Firmware Compatibility

This document provides a comprehensive guide for using the Pentax K-3 Mark III camera with the Android Image Sync App (Ver 2.1.6), detailing instructions, observations, and use cases for optimal functionality. It focuses on the various aspects of connecting and utilizing the camera and app, particularly concerning image transfer, geotagging, and remote control.

Function Description

The Pentax K-3 Mark III, when paired with the Image Sync App, offers enhanced control and data management capabilities. The primary functions revolve around establishing and maintaining a connection between the camera and a smartphone, enabling features such as remote camera control, live view, image browsing, downloading, and geotagging. The system supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, each with specific advantages and limitations depending on the desired task.

Usage Features

First Time Pairing/Connecting:

To begin, users must initiate a pairing process that involves both the camera and the smartphone. On the camera, geotagging needs to be enabled through the 'Communication Settings' menu, followed by entering 'Pairing' mode in the 'Bluetooth Setting'. Simultaneously, on the phone, the Image Sync app is launched, and the user selects the camera model ('PENTAX K-3 Mark III') and chooses to 'Connect over Bluetooth'. This involves entering a six-digit code from the camera's info screen and an authentication code for pairing. After successful Bluetooth pairing, the camera and phone automatically attempt to establish a Wi-Fi connection, which is crucial for full functionality like live view and image downloads.

Image Sync App Configuration:

Once paired, the Image Sync app requires specific configurations for optimal use. Users should confirm that 'Automatic Bluetooth connection' is enabled in the app's settings. For geotagging, 'Store location information' must be enabled. To allow background operation, 'Background location information transmission' should be enabled with 'No time limit' selected. This setup allows the camera and phone to be paired via Bluetooth and connected via Wi-Fi, facilitating image viewing, downloading, and remote shutter control with live view.

Post-Pairing Connection:

After the initial pairing, subsequent connections are streamlined. If the camera's Bluetooth is active (indicated by a gray Bluetooth icon) and Wi-Fi is off, starting Image Sync and selecting 'Cam images' will prompt the camera to activate Wi-Fi and connect, providing full control. Bluetooth will then disconnect. If the camera and phone are already connected via Wi-Fi, Image Sync will disconnect and reconnect via Wi-Fi, potentially with a confirmation popup. In cases where Image Sync doesn't automatically detect the camera, users may need to manually select the camera model and choose to connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Switching:

The system allows switching between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. For geotagging only, while using the phone's Wi-Fi for internet, users can disable 'Wireless LAN on camera' through the Image Sync settings. This changes the connection from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth. However, switching can sometimes require multiple attempts. It's important to note that when connected via Wi-Fi (full control), manually turning off Wi-Fi on the camera disables geotagging, even if Bluetooth appears active. Re-enabling Wi-Fi and reconnecting via Image Sync restores geotagging and full control.

Power Off and Auto Off (Sleep) Behavior:

The camera's behavior upon power off or sleep varies depending on the active connection type. If the camera is turned off or sleeps with Bluetooth active, and then turned back on or awoken:

• With Image Sync open, Bluetooth reconnects (white icon) with geotagging enabled.
• With Image Sync closed, Bluetooth reconnects (white icon) but geotagging is disabled. Geotagging is re-enabled when Image Sync is restarted.
• Frequent reconnection issues may occur, sometimes resolved by waiting or cycling Bluetooth on the phone. If the camera is turned off with Wi-Fi active, then turned back on:
• With Image Sync open, Bluetooth reconnects (white icon) with geotagging enabled; Wi-Fi is off.
• With Image Sync closed, Bluetooth reconnects (white icon) and geotagging is disabled. Geotagging is re-enabled when Image Sync is restarted. If Image Sync is not active with Wi-Fi active, then:
• With Image Sync open, Wi-Fi indicates connected (white icon) but geotagging is disabled. Selecting 'Connect over Wi-Fi' enables geotagging.
• With Image Sync closed, Wi-Fi indicates connected (white icon) but geotagging is disabled. Geotagging is re-enabled when Image Sync is restarted and 'Connect over Wi-Fi' is selected.

Phone Sleep Behavior:

If the phone sleeps with Bluetooth active:

• With the camera awake, geotagging remains enabled if 'Background location information transmission' is enabled.
• With the camera asleep, geotagging is disabled. Geotagging is re-enabled when both are awoken. If 'Background location information transmission' is not enabled, Image Sync needs to be the active app. If the phone sleeps with Wi-Fi active:
• Wi-Fi indicates connected (white icon) but geotagging is disabled. Geotagging remains disabled when the phone is awoken. Selecting 'Connect over Wi-Fi' in Image Sync restores geotagging and full control.

Auto Image Transfer:

For auto image transfer, a Wi-Fi connection must be established. This feature only works for non-resized (full size) images. If 'Auto Resize' is set to 'On', only a few images will be copied before disconnection. If the camera sleeps (auto off), the Wi-Fi connection must be reestablished for auto image transfer to function again.

Maintenance Features

Connection Stability:

Achieving a stable Bluetooth link can sometimes be challenging, often requiring multiple attempts or cycling the phone's Bluetooth, the camera's Bluetooth, or re-pairing. The camera's Wi-Fi will remain on until manually turned off, the camera is turned off, or the connection switches to Bluetooth.

Troubleshooting Disconnections:

Unexpected disconnections may occur, especially when switching screens within Image Sync. The app might prompt users to reconnect, requiring them to select the camera type and choose between the saved Bluetooth or Wi-Fi option. This issue might be more prevalent in Wi-Fi mode.

Geotagging Status:

The geotag status icon takes approximately two minutes to refresh. If the Wi-Fi connection is successful and active, the camera will not enter sleep mode (auto off), and the top LCD will remain active, even if Image Sync is not active or closed.

Battery Management:

Using a "Keep-Awake" app can help reestablish connections when the camera awakes, but this may compromise phone battery life. Alternatively, setting the camera's auto-off feature to 'Off' can maintain an active connection, which appears to be more reliable, but may drain the camera battery faster.

Firmware Compatibility:

The document notes that limited testing was conducted with Firmware 1.00 for some features, implying that behavior might vary with newer firmware versions. Users should be aware of potential differences if their camera's firmware is updated.

Pentax K-3 Mark III Specifications