Ricoh GR Firmware v4.00 Released

Minor enhancements and firmware features

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Jun 3, 2014

Firmware version 4.00 has just been released for the Ricoh GR.  This updates adds a few minor features to the camera's menu, as described below.

Download the firmware update from the official Ricoh web site.

1. New High-Speed AF Mode

This new setting in the setup menu allows you to select a high-speed mode for single AF.  While focusing in this mode, the live view screen will freeze.  Therefore, this setting is only recommended when capturing the moment is more important than perfecting the composition.

The AF mode will always revert to "Normal" while using continuous or subject tracking AF.

2. Plackback animation setting

When set to "Off", this setting disables the scrolling animation shown when you cycle through photos in playback mode.  It defaults to "on".

New Firmware Adds Support for Pentax Teleconverter

Pentax K-3, K-50, K-500, K-30, K-01, K-5 II/IIs, K-5, K-r, & K-7 Updates

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Mar 6, 2014

Pentax has just released a host of new firmware updates in order to add support for the Pentax 1.4x Teleconverter in 10 of its most recent cameras.  All K-mount bodies launched in 2010 or later will fully support the teleconverter, in addition to the Pentax K-7 from 2009.  Older DSLRs will still be compatible with the new teleconverter, though they will not support some of the enhanced features that the Pentax teleconverter offers over third-party offerings.

Apart from the teleconverter support, these firmware updates do not add any other new features, though the usual "stability improvements" are of course included.  Therefore, we always recommend updating to the latest version for the best overall performance.  Please note that Pentax firmware updates are cumulative and include the contents of all prior updates, so you only need to update your firmware once even if you've never updated before.

Below is a complete list of cameras with new firmware versions, as well as links to the official firmware download for each camera.

Read on for easy-to-follow firmware installation instructions and a tutorial video.

Pentax K-3 Firmware v1.02 Released

Numerous stability improvements and one new feature

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Feb 5, 2014

Pentax has just officially released its second firmware update for the Pentax K-3 flagship: version 1.02. The update is available for download here, and like all other updates, it is cumulative meaning that previous updates are included in the latest download.

This update adds one new feature to the K-3:

• Added AA-filter simulator bracketing support

The update also includes three stability fixes:

• Improved the reliability of the battery meter when using the battery grip
• Improved the continuous shooting performance of AF.C autofocus
• Improved general stability / fixed minor bugs

Check out the k-3 v1.02 firmware thread on the forum to see what others are saying so far about this update, or read on for installation instructions.

Ricoh GR Firmware v3.00 Released

A feature-enhancing firmware update

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Jan 23, 2014

A new feature-enhancing firmware update was released today for the Ricoh GR.  The update bumps the firmware version number all the way up to 3.00 and includes the following changes/additions:

1. New "Slight" custom image effect
   
   • "Muted" might be a better term for this JPEG preset, which makes colors appear more faint than in other modes.  This preset supports further customization of vividness, sharpness, contrast, and vignetting.
2. AF mode customization for the AFL/AEL button
   • Previously, this button could only be user for spot AF when the switch was set to AFL.  With the latest firmware update, options for mutli AF and pinpoint AF have been added, though spot AF continues to be the default setting.
3. "Ambient Brightness" film GR imitation
   
   • When the new Ambient Brightness setting is set to Original, the camera tries to mimic the lighting of photos from film GR cameras.  The default setting of Normal leaves the lighting unchanged.  RAW files taken in Original mode can be developed with Normal lighting in-camera, but the opposite does not apply.
4. Folder naming by date
   
   • You can now choose to name folders based on date (xxx_MMDD) or image sequence number, the old behavior which continues to be the default.
5. ISO Auto-High settings bugfix
   • On the ISO Auto-High Settings page, the Change Shutter Speed option will now be shown in 1/3EV increments whenever the camera's ISO (sensitivity) step is set to 1/3EV increments.
6. New aspect ratio RAW development option
   • When developing 3:2 RAW files in playback mode, you can now select the aspect ratio (3:2, 4:3 or 1:1).

As always, the latest GR firmware update is cumulative: it also includes all the previous updates, so you do not need to install any prior updates if you're still running the original firmware.

If you're ready to upgrade your GR's firmware, download the update file straight from the Pentax web site and read on for installation instructions.

Pentax K-3 Firmware v1.01 Released

The first firmware update for the K-3

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Dec 19, 2013

Pentax has just released its first firmware update (v1.01) for the K-3. It is available for download here.

According to Pentax this is what you get:

• Shorter processing time for HDR Capture
• Improved performance of continuous shooting when using phase-detect autofocus
• Extended display time for enlarged live view
• Improved stability for general performance

In other words, this firmware addresses a number of minor bugs in the camera rather than introducing new features.  Check out the Pentax K-3 forum to see who will be the first user to report experience with the update!

Read on for instructions on installing the firmware update.