Is Kx Firmware update neccesary?

Meanfiddler · 04-16-2011, 11:51 PM

Howdy folks! I'm new to the forum and a new K-x owner. It came from B&H with 1.0 firmware and I'm happy with it so far, although I've still a lot to learn. The images seem fine and the battery meter seems to work with both Enloops and lithium batteries. I think SDHC cards are fine for me right now as I'm still learning. Will updating the firmware improve the performance considerably, or should I leave it alone?
A clumsy question perhaps... thanks for your time.

Adam · 04-17-2011, 12:48 AM

There are only two new features (cross-processing options and SDXC support), so unless you need those, the update won't do you much for you. I can't hurt, though- there's no real risk or anything.

KxBlaze · 04-17-2011, 01:35 AM

I know the OP said his battery meter was working fine but the update also fixes/makes the meter more accurate also. Your Kx might start to show faulty battery readings later on, this update will prevent that from happening. But to answer your question you will not notice a performance increase so the update is really up to you. It only takes a few minutes so my suggestion is to do it.

StepOne · 04-17-2011, 01:46 AM

I have the latest firmware on K-x and battery meter is still working like crap.

aurele · 04-17-2011, 01:49 AM

maybe you have set it right ... or your are using crappy batteries :P

Meanfiddler · 04-17-2011, 11:16 PM

Thanks y'all. I'll try the update and let you know how it goes.

StepOne · 04-18-2011, 09:39 AM

Originally posted by aurele

maybe you have set it right ... or your are using crappy batteries :P

I use 2 sets of eneloops...i keep both charged

never did a count on how many photos / set charged, but i don't think is more than 4-500 at best. The battery meter goes to yellow (half) after max. 50 photos. Don't use a lot of flash or review pictures.

JHD · 04-18-2011, 04:54 PM

Ignore the meter and keep 4 back ups on hand. With Eneloops you should be getting around 500 shots per charge - that is assuming you're not using the flash and LV.

DaveHolmes · 04-18-2011, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by JHD

Ignore the meter and keep 4 back ups on hand. With Eneloops you should be getting around 500 shots per charge

I get more like 800 out of my Eneloops... But agree, even with the firmware update (which does improve things) just run til they die and then chuck your spares in...

Eruditass · 04-18-2011, 05:41 PM

It is a bit annoying when shooting events since it gets to red fairly early. I went through a couple sets of backup batteries, not wanting to run out of battery during a critical moment, before reluctantly going back to the original, which ended up lasting in red much longer than expected.

04-16-2011, 11:51 PM	#1
Meanfiddler New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Seattle Posts: 4	Is Kx Firmware update neccesary? Howdy folks! I'm new to the forum and a new K-x owner. It came from B&H with 1.0 firmware and I'm happy with it so far, although I've still a lot to learn. The images seem fine and the battery meter seems to work with both Enloops and lithium batteries. I think SDHC cards are fine for me right now as I'm still learning. Will updating the firmware improve the performance considerably, or should I leave it alone? A clumsy question perhaps... thanks for your time.

04-17-2011, 12:48 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	There are only two new features (cross-processing options and SDXC support), so unless you need those, the update won't do you much for you. I can't hurt, though- there's no real risk or anything. 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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04-17-2011, 01:35 AM	#3
KxBlaze Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,602	I know the OP said his battery meter was working fine but the update also fixes/makes the meter more accurate also. Your Kx might start to show faulty battery readings later on, this update will prevent that from happening. But to answer your question you will not notice a performance increase so the update is really up to you. It only takes a few minutes so my suggestion is to do it.

04-17-2011, 01:46 AM	#4
StepOne Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Botosani Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 285	I have the latest firmware on K-x and battery meter is still working like crap.

04-17-2011, 01:49 AM	#5
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	maybe you have set it right ... or your are using crappy batteries :P

04-17-2011, 11:16 PM	#6
Meanfiddler New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Seattle Posts: 4 Original Poster	Thanks y'all. I'll try the update and let you know how it goes.

04-18-2011, 09:39 AM	#7
StepOne Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Botosani Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 285	Originally posted by aurele maybe you have set it right ... or your are using crappy batteries :P I use 2 sets of eneloops...i keep both charged never did a count on how many photos / set charged, but i don't think is more than 4-500 at best. The battery meter goes to yellow (half) after max. 50 photos. Don't use a lot of flash or review pictures.

04-18-2011, 04:54 PM	#8
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Ignore the meter and keep 4 back ups on hand. With Eneloops you should be getting around 500 shots per charge - that is assuming you're not using the flash and LV.

04-18-2011, 05:32 PM	#9
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Originally posted by JHD Ignore the meter and keep 4 back ups on hand. With Eneloops you should be getting around 500 shots per charge I get more like 800 out of my Eneloops... But agree, even with the firmware update (which does improve things) just run til they die and then chuck your spares in...

04-18-2011, 05:41 PM	#10
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	It is a bit annoying when shooting events since it gets to red fairly early. I went through a couple sets of backup batteries, not wanting to run out of battery during a critical moment, before reluctantly going back to the original, which ended up lasting in red much longer than expected.

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