Safer firmware updates for Pentax cameras
There is a certain amount of angst around firmware updates and the possibility of "bricking" a camera during the update process... for instance, when the power source - battery or mains power supply - fails under load. We have several members who have ended up with inoperable cameras as a result of this, and whilst it remains relatively uncommon, it is a very real risk.
One possible solution to this would be to offer two firmware banks, A and B. Bank A would contain the original firmware as shipped, and would be non-updateable. Bank B would be for updated firmware. A new camera would, by default, boot from Bank A. When the update process is executed and completed successfully, the camera would boot from Bank B in future. In the event of a failed update, holding down a certain button combination during power-on would force the camera to boot from Bank A, the original firmware. This would ensure that update failures could not result in an inoperable camera as, at the very worst, the user would always have the option of loading the original firmware.
Offering such a facility would be well-received by current and future owners, and should be an attractive feature - especially since no other manufacturer (that I know of) currently offers it.
Thanks for your consideration of the above.
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