Firmware update 1.4 (?)

**UncleVanya** · 11-10-2016, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I have a K1 so I get the best tech updates for free, but it's too bad that non K1 owners can't benefit of those free updates.

Originally posted by ffking

there's a simple answer to that...

Originally posted by biz-engineer

yes, that's "buy a K1 and you'll get the free updates"

That's flawed. It isn't a free way to get the best tech updates. It's a paid way ; )

I'd pay a fee for additional non-bug fix firmware features for the K-3. Essentially if Ricoh wished to offer a for pay feature set to bring the K-3 up to the K-3II features for KAF4 and Pixel shift etc. I would be happy to consider it depending on the cost. Obviously some features only work due to hardware and could not be offered and some are too simplistic to get much money for if they charged. But the idea of adding some features for a fee on top of the maintaining of function as bugs are found is a viable model from where I sit.

Unregistered User · 11-10-2016, 01:01 PM

I always found that Pentax gave a bunch of updates during the lifetime of the camera. Starting with K10d...

biz-engineer · 11-10-2016, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I'd pay a fee for additional non-bug fix firmware features for the K-3. Essentially if Ricoh wished to offer a for pay feature set to bring the K-3 up to the K-3II features for KAF4 and Pixel shift etc. I would be happy to consider it depending on the cost. Obviously some features only work due to hardware and could not be offered and some are too simplistic to get much money for if they charged. But the idea of adding some features for a fee on top of the maintaining of function as bugs are found is a viable model from where I sit.

Yes, that could well be an viable model. Especially when I see how little is the change of performance between a K30, K50, K500, K70, but the bodies are different I guess there is a lot of waste of product line adaption spending and cost of inventory for each model, while the difference could be the software. They could have only one camera model on each format, and some variants of features via differences in software (only speculation since I'm not a camera maker).

Kunzite · 11-10-2016, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by ffking

It's an interesting tactic - especially if it is indeed on-going - very nice for owners, but with the obvious drawback as far as Ricoh is concerned that all the reviews will have been done prior to these firmware updates - stability updates and bug fixes are one thing - new features are another - but any making a great camera better is fine in my books

Well, it's not like they're holding back the new versions - it's either this, not adding features via firmware updates, or postponing the camera until it's "perfect".
Any experienced software developer can tell you that waiting until software is "perfect" is the same as never releasing it.

**ffking** · 11-10-2016, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Well, it's not like they're holding back the new versions - it's either this, not adding features via firmware updates, or postponing the camera until it's "perfect".

I'm certainly not complaining, but if this is true, then that's (at least) two serious multi-factor upgrades in functionality within the first year - it just strikes me as a new approach - if they become known for it, then it's good marketing, but it means that the manual gets out of date quickly, even if the reviews are updated - so it has features not mentioned in the manual that comes with it, that new purchasers might not know about or be alarmed at (Dear Pentax Forums, my screen has gone red - how do I get this fixed!). Again, no complaints from me, just potential drawbacks for the approach.

**Kerrowdown** · 11-10-2016, 03:06 PM

For me, new or different functions/features for my K1 tool.. bring it on.

If I can use 'em great, if not... someone else out will find them handy I'm sure.

**UncleVanya** · 11-10-2016, 03:08 PM

Do what Panasonic does basic manual is printed, advanced features is on cd and downloadable.

Kunzite · 11-10-2016, 03:13 PM

Perhaps going for multiple feature-adding firmware updates would allow camera manufacturers to slow down the product replacement cycle, which wouldn't be a bad thing.

**lithedreamer** · 11-10-2016, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Do what Panasonic does basic manual is printed, advanced features is on cd and downloadable.

Yuck!

I like having the paper manual in my hands, not having to bust out the external cd drive, being able to take it with me to a shoot if I'm still learning a camera...

Yeah, yeah, I keep the PDF on my iPad too. I wouldn't mind if they updated that one. Or if the Pentax ebooks guy updated his.

MJKoski · 11-10-2016, 05:45 PM

Just thinking that all these nice features could have been available when the K-1 shipped. It would have received wildly different reviews among picky pricks such as myself. Bulb-timer. ES option, nightvision and white-dot-free product can directly take on A7R2 and win thanks to pixel shift (when usable). Now the only question remains where to get shiny new lenses for it. But anyway, after these features I am happy enough to continue hunting for used Zeiss 15mm .ZF2 and 21mm .ZF lenses to convert with Leitax instead of switching back to Nikon or Sony.

Mr. Kenspo could you please bash it to their thick skull that night-vision should be available via custom button shortcut to be usable enough?

**UncleVanya** · 11-10-2016, 06:42 PM

Originally posted by lithedreamer

Yuck!

I like having the paper manual in my hands, not having to bust out the external cd drive, being able to take it with me to a shoot if I'm still learning a camera...

Yeah, yeah, I keep the PDF on my iPad too. I wouldn't mind if they updated that one. Or if the Pentax ebooks guy updated his.

The reality is that the latest manuals from Pentax don't hold a candle to what they used to be.

surfar · 11-10-2016, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by ffking

(at least) two serious multi-factor upgrades in functionality within the first year - it just strikes me as a new approach - if they become known for it, then it's good marketing

Good marketing, to make up for "lack" of marketing!...Ricoh are simply following what some of the other manufacturers are doing.2017, they may catch up on the prime lens front?

---------- Post added 11-11-16 at 12:58 PM ----------

Originally posted by MJKoski

Just thinking that all these nice features could have been available when the K-1 shipped

Probably not, they weren't developed.....if they had of waited they would have missed revenue for 6 months which I imagine has made them really happy! The primes aren't ready yet,what revenue have they missed there?

asahi man · 11-10-2016, 07:01 PM

Originally posted by Tjompen1968

I want to get in there... Just to listen...

You understand Japanese?
That's very cool

Because,the development department is in Tokyo.

Adam · 11-10-2016, 07:46 PM

The K-1 is probably selling so well that all this is worth the effort

ogl · 11-10-2016, 09:45 PM

I remember the famous firmware for K10D - 1.10

Latest K10D Firmware Update : Software Downloads | RICOH IMAGING

11-10-2016, 05:45 PM	#40
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	Just thinking that all these nice features could have been available when the K-1 shipped. It would have received wildly different reviews among picky pricks such as myself. Bulb-timer. ES option, nightvision and white-dot-free product can directly take on A7R2 and win thanks to pixel shift (when usable). Now the only question remains where to get shiny new lenses for it. But anyway, after these features I am happy enough to continue hunting for used Zeiss 15mm .ZF2 and 21mm .ZF lenses to convert with Leitax instead of switching back to Nikon or Sony. Mr. Kenspo could you please bash it to their thick skull that night-vision should be available via custom button shortcut to be usable enough? Last edited by MJKoski; 11-10-2016 at 05:53 PM.

11-10-2016, 07:46 PM	#44
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	The K-1 is probably selling so well that all this is worth the effort Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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11-10-2016, 12:59 PM	#31
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,452	Originally posted by biz-engineer I have a K1 so I get the best tech updates for free, but it's too bad that non K1 owners can't benefit of those free updates. Originally posted by ffking there's a simple answer to that... Originally posted by biz-engineer yes, that's "buy a K1 and you'll get the free updates" That's flawed. It isn't a free way to get the best tech updates. It's a paid way ; ) I'd pay a fee for additional non-bug fix firmware features for the K-3. Essentially if Ricoh wished to offer a for pay feature set to bring the K-3 up to the K-3II features for KAF4 and Pixel shift etc. I would be happy to consider it depending on the cost. Obviously some features only work due to hardware and could not be offered and some are too simplistic to get much money for if they charged. But the idea of adding some features for a fee on top of the maintaining of function as bugs are found is a viable model from where I sit.

11-10-2016, 01:01 PM	#32
Unregistered User Guest	I always found that Pentax gave a bunch of updates during the lifetime of the camera. Starting with K10d...

11-10-2016, 01:38 PM	#33
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,245	Originally posted by UncleVanya I'd pay a fee for additional non-bug fix firmware features for the K-3. Essentially if Ricoh wished to offer a for pay feature set to bring the K-3 up to the K-3II features for KAF4 and Pixel shift etc. I would be happy to consider it depending on the cost. Obviously some features only work due to hardware and could not be offered and some are too simplistic to get much money for if they charged. But the idea of adding some features for a fee on top of the maintaining of function as bugs are found is a viable model from where I sit. Yes, that could well be an viable model. Especially when I see how little is the change of performance between a K30, K50, K500, K70, but the bodies are different I guess there is a lot of waste of product line adaption spending and cost of inventory for each model, while the difference could be the software. They could have only one camera model on each format, and some variants of features via differences in software (only speculation since I'm not a camera maker).

11-10-2016, 01:57 PM	#34
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by ffking It's an interesting tactic - especially if it is indeed on-going - very nice for owners, but with the obvious drawback as far as Ricoh is concerned that all the reviews will have been done prior to these firmware updates - stability updates and bug fixes are one thing - new features are another - but any making a great camera better is fine in my books Well, it's not like they're holding back the new versions - it's either this, not adding features via firmware updates, or postponing the camera until it's "perfect". Any experienced software developer can tell you that waiting until software is "perfect" is the same as never releasing it.

11-10-2016, 02:26 PM	#35
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	Originally posted by Kunzite Well, it's not like they're holding back the new versions - it's either this, not adding features via firmware updates, or postponing the camera until it's "perfect". I'm certainly not complaining, but if this is true, then that's (at least) two serious multi-factor upgrades in functionality within the first year - it just strikes me as a new approach - if they become known for it, then it's good marketing, but it means that the manual gets out of date quickly, even if the reviews are updated - so it has features not mentioned in the manual that comes with it, that new purchasers might not know about or be alarmed at (Dear Pentax Forums, my screen has gone red - how do I get this fixed!). Again, no complaints from me, just potential drawbacks for the approach.

11-10-2016, 03:06 PM	#36
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,860	For me, new or different functions/features for my K1 tool.. bring it on. If I can use 'em great, if not... someone else out will find them handy I'm sure.

11-10-2016, 03:08 PM	#37
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,452	Do what Panasonic does basic manual is printed, advanced features is on cd and downloadable.

11-10-2016, 03:13 PM	#38
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Perhaps going for multiple feature-adding firmware updates would allow camera manufacturers to slow down the product replacement cycle, which wouldn't be a bad thing.

11-10-2016, 05:21 PM	#39
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by UncleVanya Do what Panasonic does basic manual is printed, advanced features is on cd and downloadable. Yuck! I like having the paper manual in my hands, not having to bust out the external cd drive, being able to take it with me to a shoot if I'm still learning a camera... Yeah, yeah, I keep the PDF on my iPad too. I wouldn't mind if they updated that one. Or if the Pentax ebooks guy updated his.

11-10-2016, 06:42 PM	#41
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,452	Originally posted by lithedreamer Yuck! I like having the paper manual in my hands, not having to bust out the external cd drive, being able to take it with me to a shoot if I'm still learning a camera... Yeah, yeah, I keep the PDF on my iPad too. I wouldn't mind if they updated that one. Or if the Pentax ebooks guy updated his. The reality is that the latest manuals from Pentax don't hold a candle to what they used to be.

11-10-2016, 06:52 PM	#42
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,142	Originally posted by ffking (at least) two serious multi-factor upgrades in functionality within the first year - it just strikes me as a new approach - if they become known for it, then it's good marketing Good marketing, to make up for "lack" of marketing!...Ricoh are simply following what some of the other manufacturers are doing.2017, they may catch up on the prime lens front? ---------- Post added 11-11-16 at 12:58 PM ---------- Originally posted by MJKoski Just thinking that all these nice features could have been available when the K-1 shipped Probably not, they weren't developed.....if they had of waited they would have missed revenue for 6 months which I imagine has made them really happy! The primes aren't ready yet,what revenue have they missed there?

11-10-2016, 07:01 PM	#43
asahi man Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 324	Originally posted by Tjompen1968 I want to get in there... Just to listen... You understand Japanese? That's very cool Because,the development department is in Tokyo.

11-10-2016, 09:45 PM	#45
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	I remember the famous firmware for K10D - 1.10 Latest K10D Firmware Update : Software Downloads \| RICOH IMAGING