The new Pentax K-3 Mark III firmware (v1.31) brought the usual stability improvements, but also expanded the functionality of their Custom Image functions, noticeably with the addition of a tone curve display and a new yet nostalgic means of expression; SATOBI. A complete tonal shift from the other Custom Image profiles.
Let’s unwrap this delightful and unexpected Christmas present to see what it can do…
THE SATOBI PALETTE
The background of the new Custom Image profile SATOBI is characterised by evoking an emotional feel, that of universal nostalgia, paying reverence to 1960s/1970’s Kodachrome through rendering:
- Blues having a cyan tone
- Reddish skin tone
- Greenish and smokey yellows (almost a faint sepia tone effect)
- Faded reds
- Desaturated colours
Let’s see how it compares to a FLAT profile:
Did you notice the subtle shift in mood?
SATOBI is described as being the antonym of the VIBRANT/MIYABI Custom Image rendering. It is meant to not only appeal to overseas Pentaxians but to also convey a sense of nostalgia, a dry desolation and melancholy. It feels only right to now compare the two polar opposites together, SATOBI vs. MIYABI.
Here’s a more colourful comparison of the two profiles:
Fortunately, I found a willing model in need of employment to sit for me during my walks, here’s the FLAT image for reference:
And a look again, comparing SATOBI and MIYABI:
Do you think SATOBI adds to the desolate, nostalgic or melancholy feeling as intended? I don’t think I could have asked for a better subject, each profile with their own unique colour finishing eliciting a different mood to an otherwise pedestrian shot.
ADDITIONAL SATOBI | MIYABI COMPARISONS
As we can see, the finishing tone of the SATOBI profile and its predominant effect on greens relieves a sometimes distracting tone from the image output, focusing more on contrast and textural elements.
Pentax suggests that the SATOBI custom image is suitable for:
- Sunrise or sunset scenes
- Urban buildings with blue-sky scenes
- Kids and babies in nostalgic scenes
- Rustic or unsophisticated scenes
MR BLUE SKY
As noted from the description, the SATOBI profile renders blues to a desaturated cyan, not unlike the shift in the modern/ Hollywood teal and orange grading:
I also came to discover the Infrared setting in the Monochrome Custom Image profile. For those who have seen me shoot on my everyday carry Ricoh GR III, I have a tendency to default to the Hard Monotone Image Control setting, which renders blues (especially skies) into a dark rich tone. This can be similarly achieved on the Pentax K-3 Mk III much to my delight:
FINAL MUSINGS
Overall, I find myself very satisfied with the new Custom Image profile. Previously I have left this function on AUTO or Natural with a preference to grade images myself in post-production.
SATOBI is unique in the way the colours and tones shift, more so than the more utilitarian profiles such as LANDSCAPE and PORTRAIT which can be found across most other camera brands. Whilst I am too young to have experienced Kodachrome, SATOBI does remind me of the muted colours from slide films such as FujiFilm ASTIA or even the desaturation and warm toning of Lomography Metropolis when metered at ISO 100.
Unlike the Digital Filters on the Pentax K-3 Markk III, Custom Image profiles are easily accessible from their own dedicated button on the rear of the camera and do not reset when the camera is powered off, allowing for consistent output across a series. However, you can still process images to the desired profile, using the RAW DEVELOPMENT function in the playback menu.
For a look at more Custom Image profile comparisons, you can visit the official Pentax page here.
TESTING NOTES
The images used in this comparison post for the new SATOBI profile were shot with a manual white balance of 5000K. The retro rendering has been further complemented using was the Lensbaby Burnside 35 in Pentax K mount. RAWS were processed in-camera and outputted as TIFF files.