Ricoh Releases SDKs for Pentax DSLRs

Custom apps for Pentax cameras are around the corner

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on May 16, 2018

If you've been longing to write (or use) custom apps to interact with Pentax cameras, the wait may soon be over! Today, Ricoh Imaging released Software Development Kits (SDKs) allowing programmers to write apps to control Pentax cameras, both on computers as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. User-developed apps will thus soon be joining the ranks of existing official software from Ricoh, such as Image Sync, Image Transmitter, and the Lightroom plugin.

The days of unstable reverse-engineering will soon be over for the camera models supported by the SDK, which currently includes all models released in the past 2 years, in addition to the 645Z.

Plan to create an app or have a great idea for one? Let us know in the comments!

If you're a developer, head over to https://api.ricoh/ to grab the SDK.

This announcement follows in the footsteps of the Theta, which has had an SDK for some time now.

Four software development kits to be released, for the remote operation of PENTAX digital SLR cameras via smartphones or personal computers

TOKYO, May 16, 2018 –

Ricoh today announced the release of four software development kits (SDK), designed for the remote operation of PENTAX-brand digital SLR cameras using smartphones and personal computers. Based on these kits,users can develop software or applications that enable them to operate their cameras from a distance,and then output captured Live View images to external monitors. They also allow for the simultaneous control of multiple cameras, making it easier to develop systems using digital cameras for various industrial fields.

SDKs to be released:
・RICOH Camera USB SDK for Microsoft® .NET Framework
・RICOH Camera USB SDK for C++
・RICOH Camera Wireless SDK for iOS
・RICOH Camera Wireless SDK for Android

Compatible camera models:
PENTAX 645Z*
PENTAX K-1 Mark II
PENTAX K-1
PENTAX KP
PENTAX K-70**

Main features:
・Choice of USB or Wireless connection, in combination with compatible PENTAX-brand digital SLR cameras.
・First SDKs designed for use with PENTAX-brand digital SLR cameras.

How to download:
Access the dedicated Web site (https://api.ricoh/; available in English only) to download the SDKs. SKDs can be downloaded free of charge; however, RICOH CO., LTD. will not provide any additional technical support.

* This model is compatible with the RICOH Camera USB SDK for Microsoft® .NET Framework and RICOH Camera USB SDK for C++ only.
** This model is compatible with the RICOH Camera Wireless SDK for iOS and RICOH Camera Wireless SDK for Android only.