K-x firmware upgrade - when?

yusuf · 07-02-2010, 11:41 PM

Any news on K-x firmware upgrade. It's a long time since the last release and being a new camera I would have expected an upgrade by now.

Zav · 07-02-2010, 11:55 PM

Is anything working wrong with the K-x? Firmware upgrades are mainly bug fixes, not new features...

future_retro · 07-03-2010, 01:24 AM

Would it be possible to add 30fps or higher res video with a firmware update? (maybe the K7's odd 1024, I think full HD is too much to ask from a firmware update)

I can't think of anything that the Kx really needs updating, maybe the way some of the user settings are saved after turning off the camera or allowing the AF-AE-L to lock focus, but with the release of the T2i some more video capability would help it size up to the competition even though it's already an amazing little camera for the price.

nosnoop · 07-03-2010, 01:32 AM

Originally posted by future_retro

Would it be possible to add 30fps or higher res video with a firmware update?

They will not update it even if it is possible. K-x is close to the end of its production life; any new or improved features would be reserved for upcoming models.

future_retro · 07-03-2010, 01:43 AM

Darn, I hope that I won't be left with two obsolete cameras, but the grass is always greener.

Originally posted by nosnoop

They will not update it even if it is possible. K-x is close to the end of its production life; any new or improved features would be reserved for upcoming models.

yusuf · 07-03-2010, 01:47 AM

Originally posted by nosnoop

K-x is close to the end of its production life; any new or improved features would be reserved for upcoming models.

End of production? I would say that for k-7 but not for k-x.

Originally posted by zav

Is anything working wrong with the K-x? Firmware upgrades are mainly bug fixes, not new features...

I am sure there are many reason to release an upgrade now - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/79015-k-x-firmware-wishlist.html

Yusuf

nosnoop · 07-03-2010, 02:20 AM

Originally posted by yusuf

End of production? I would say that for k-7 but not for k-x.

K-x replaced K-m in Sep 2009, which is exactly one year after the launch of K-m. So if Pentax follows this production cycle, K-x replacement or updated version could appear in Photokina this year, and that's only 2 months away.

Mike.P® · 07-04-2010, 12:21 AM

Originally posted by future_retro

Darn, I hope that I won't be left with two obsolete cameras, but the grass is always greener.

Lets petition Pentax not to make any more cameras, that way we will always have the current model

yusuf · 07-04-2010, 03:29 AM

Originally posted by nosnoop

K-x replaced K-m in Sep 2009, which is exactly one year after the launch of K-m. So if Pentax follows this production cycle, K-x replacement or updated version could appear in Photokina this year, and that's only 2 months away.

Pentax needed something to replace k-m which sells - and here is k-x which is really is a big success for Pentax. Hence, IMO this comparison does not hold true and probably it will be a long before k-x replacement arrives. I would not expect k-x replacement in Photokina this year, there is no business reason for Pentax to do so.

However, same is not true for k-7. With k-x success overshadowing k-7, the replacement for k-7 likely to be very soon.

Yusuf

nosnoop · 07-05-2010, 11:17 PM

Originally posted by yusuf

...and here is k-x which is really is a big success for Pentax. Hence, IMO this comparison does not hold true and probably it will be a long before k-x replacement arrives. I would not expect k-x replacement in Photokina this year, there is no business reason for Pentax to do so.

No business reason? Think again.
K-x did sell well, but as with most DSLR, the sales can drop rapidly within months, especially with anticipated onslaught of new cameras to be announced before Photokina.

K-x was in the top 10 chart in Japan just a month or two ago. As of last week, the top selling K-x is at #22 at Japanese sales chart. They need a new camera just to maintain its market share, and more importantly, profit margin. As the price of K-x continues to drop, the profit margin would be paper thin.

rawr · 07-06-2010, 09:23 AM

The latest K-x firmware version I am aware of is: v1.01.00.10.
Pentax appear to have slipped a few 'silent' minor updates in since 1.01 was released, so it is always worth getting the latest.

Download the firmware from here:
Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

yusuf · 07-07-2010, 03:27 AM

Originally posted by rawr

The latest K-x firmware version I am aware of is: v1.01.00.10.
Pentax appear to have slipped a few 'silent' minor updates in since 1.01 was released, so it is always worth getting the latest.

Download the firmware from here:
Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

Wow! so new version is out. What are the changes? I can see the same old date on download page so wondering, not even revision history. If it is indeed a new version than it's very disappointing job on Pentax part to keep mum on new updates

Can someone share the info on new version?

dlacouture · 07-07-2010, 05:43 AM

This version is quite old, actually, you must have missed it... Two or three months old...
Look here...

JHD · 07-07-2010, 06:55 AM

Silent firmware updates... what's up with that? I'd be very hesitant to update a camera with some mysterious firmware that nobody seems knows what it does.

dlacouture · 07-07-2010, 07:45 AM

Originally posted by JHD

Silent firmware updates... what's up with that? I'd be very hesitant to update a camera with some mysterious firmware that nobody seems knows what it does.

Well, as always, if the manufacturer felt it important and safe enough to deploy it worldwide, and at the same time shameful enough to not mention it, then I want it!!!
Don't forget that they are made available on the Pentax corporate site, not on an obscure 3rd party firmwares site.

Previous silent firmwares, for example, addressed the green line problem seen on the K7...
Another one must have addressed the striped effect of the K20, as it vanished from one day to the next...
The last (official, this one!) K10 firmware allegedly changed the focus behavior (not it's speed, mind).

Even "official" firmwares have silent updates in them.

07-02-2010, 11:41 PM	#1
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	K-x firmware upgrade - when? Any news on K-x firmware upgrade. It's a long time since the last release and being a new camera I would have expected an upgrade by now.

07-03-2010, 01:24 AM	#3
future_retro Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Western Washington Posts: 572	Would it be possible to add 30fps or higher res video with a firmware update? (maybe the K7's odd 1024, I think full HD is too much to ask from a firmware update) I can't think of anything that the Kx really needs updating, maybe the way some of the user settings are saved after turning off the camera or allowing the AF-AE-L to lock focus, but with the release of the T2i some more video capability would help it size up to the competition even though it's already an amazing little camera for the price. Last edited by future_retro; 07-03-2010 at 01:26 AM. Reason: typo

07-03-2010, 01:47 AM	#6
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497 Original Poster	Originally posted by nosnoop K-x is close to the end of its production life; any new or improved features would be reserved for upcoming models. End of production? I would say that for k-7 but not for k-x. Originally posted by zav Is anything working wrong with the K-x? Firmware upgrades are mainly bug fixes, not new features... I am sure there are many reason to release an upgrade now - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/79015-k-x-firmware-wishlist.html Yusuf Last edited by yusuf; 07-03-2010 at 02:05 AM.

07-04-2010, 03:29 AM	#9
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497 Original Poster	Originally posted by nosnoop K-x replaced K-m in Sep 2009, which is exactly one year after the launch of K-m. So if Pentax follows this production cycle, K-x replacement or updated version could appear in Photokina this year, and that's only 2 months away. Pentax needed something to replace k-m which sells - and here is k-x which is really is a big success for Pentax. Hence, IMO this comparison does not hold true and probably it will be a long before k-x replacement arrives. I would not expect k-x replacement in Photokina this year, there is no business reason for Pentax to do so. However, same is not true for k-7. With k-x success overshadowing k-7, the replacement for k-7 likely to be very soon. Yusuf Last edited by yusuf; 07-04-2010 at 07:19 AM.

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07-02-2010, 11:55 PM	#2
Zav Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,371	Is anything working wrong with the K-x? Firmware upgrades are mainly bug fixes, not new features...

07-03-2010, 01:32 AM	#4
nosnoop Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,299	Originally posted by future_retro Would it be possible to add 30fps or higher res video with a firmware update? They will not update it even if it is possible. K-x is close to the end of its production life; any new or improved features would be reserved for upcoming models.

07-03-2010, 01:43 AM	#5
future_retro Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Western Washington Posts: 572	Darn, I hope that I won't be left with two obsolete cameras, but the grass is always greener. Originally posted by nosnoop They will not update it even if it is possible. K-x is close to the end of its production life; any new or improved features would be reserved for upcoming models.

07-03-2010, 02:20 AM	#7
nosnoop Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,299	Originally posted by yusuf End of production? I would say that for k-7 but not for k-x. K-x replaced K-m in Sep 2009, which is exactly one year after the launch of K-m. So if Pentax follows this production cycle, K-x replacement or updated version could appear in Photokina this year, and that's only 2 months away.

07-04-2010, 12:21 AM	#8
Mike.P® Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Milton, Hampshire, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,154	Originally posted by future_retro Darn, I hope that I won't be left with two obsolete cameras, but the grass is always greener. Lets petition Pentax not to make any more cameras, that way we will always have the current model

07-05-2010, 11:17 PM	#10
nosnoop Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,299	Originally posted by yusuf ...and here is k-x which is really is a big success for Pentax. Hence, IMO this comparison does not hold true and probably it will be a long before k-x replacement arrives. I would not expect k-x replacement in Photokina this year, there is no business reason for Pentax to do so. No business reason? Think again. K-x did sell well, but as with most DSLR, the sales can drop rapidly within months, especially with anticipated onslaught of new cameras to be announced before Photokina. K-x was in the top 10 chart in Japan just a month or two ago. As of last week, the top selling K-x is at #22 at Japanese sales chart. They need a new camera just to maintain its market share, and more importantly, profit margin. As the price of K-x continues to drop, the profit margin would be paper thin.

07-06-2010, 09:23 AM	#11
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	The latest K-x firmware version I am aware of is: v1.01.00.10. Pentax appear to have slipped a few 'silent' minor updates in since 1.01 was released, so it is always worth getting the latest. Download the firmware from here: Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

07-07-2010, 03:27 AM	#12
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497 Original Poster	Originally posted by rawr The latest K-x firmware version I am aware of is: v1.01.00.10. Pentax appear to have slipped a few 'silent' minor updates in since 1.01 was released, so it is always worth getting the latest. Download the firmware from here: Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX Wow! so new version is out. What are the changes? I can see the same old date on download page so wondering, not even revision history. If it is indeed a new version than it's very disappointing job on Pentax part to keep mum on new updates Can someone share the info on new version?

07-07-2010, 05:43 AM	#13
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	This version is quite old, actually, you must have missed it... Two or three months old... Look here...

07-07-2010, 06:55 AM	#14
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Silent firmware updates... what's up with that? I'd be very hesitant to update a camera with some mysterious firmware that nobody seems knows what it does.

07-07-2010, 07:45 AM	#15
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	Originally posted by JHD Silent firmware updates... what's up with that? I'd be very hesitant to update a camera with some mysterious firmware that nobody seems knows what it does. Well, as always, if the manufacturer felt it important and safe enough to deploy it worldwide, and at the same time shameful enough to not mention it, then I want it!!! Don't forget that they are made available on the Pentax corporate site, not on an obscure 3rd party firmwares site. Previous silent firmwares, for example, addressed the green line problem seen on the K7... Another one must have addressed the striped effect of the K20, as it vanished from one day to the next... The last (official, this one!) K10 firmware allegedly changed the focus behavior (not it's speed, mind). Even "official" firmwares have silent updates in them.