Go Your Own Way?

As you probably know, the reason I now have a Pentax again (a K10D) is that I collect 10MP cameras (see my sig). A couple of days ago, I decided to start updating the firmware in them, one or two had the original v1.0!

Now, for most of the procedure, it’s simple. Download the upgrade, expand it, put the .bin file on a formatted SD card, insert it in the camera and…

That’s where it gets interesting.

On my Nikons, when you load a memory card with the update on, an extra option (to update) appears under the Menu/Display Version option.

I’ve not got around to doing my Canon yet, but it apparently uses the same procedure as the Nikons.

On my Lumix L10, the Update Firmware option comes up when you press the Display images button.

And, as you all know, for the Pentax K10D, you turn it on while holding the Menu button down. This either tells you the version number or asks if you want to update it.

An weird exception is is the Olympus e-510. You have to download an app and connect the camera to the PC (or Mac) via a USB cable. But then Olympus are weird - I have a very old (which is probably an excuse) Olympus compact that has to be turned off before you can access the option to format the card.

There are no updates for my Sony and Sigma cameras.

This may sound heretical, but it strikes me that the Nikon/Canon method is the most sensible. Apart from the knee-jerk “it’s wrong ‘cause it’s Canikon” reply, can anyone think of a good reason for Pentax’s (and Lumix’s) weird alternatives? Apart from, possibly, they forgot to put it in the Menu system and didn't realise until it was too late?

IMO none of them seem 'most sensible ' or 'weird' -- just different. It's not like it's something you'd do regularly.

Considering that each person that does flash the firmware of their camera has different IT skills, and if it does go wrong, it becomes very expensive very quickly. You would think that the process would be made to be as simple as possible. To be honest, instead of copying a bin file to the root of your sd card, if memory serves me right. I would rather connect my camera to my laptop via a cable, and update the firmware like every other piece of electronic equipment I update. A small simple piece of software from Pentax that sits on your desktop. Simple and easy.

Makes you wonder what percentage of people never update the firmware because of being slightly confused about the process.

Gary

In some cases, updating the firmware is necessary to enable use of new lenses, so we have to be brave! It did seem very complicated the first time though.

I would have thought it could be a menu option on newer WiFi enabled cameras.

Connect to WiFi and check if there is a new version available. If it is then download this over WiFi and ask if you want to install it.

Honestly I think DSLR devices are unusually behind the times in terms of modern user interface design. It’s not just a Pentax thing either.

I still find it complicated, and probably no matter which method!

What's wrong with you guys. Can't you read simple instructions? I was a Machine Tool Mechanical Engineer and sometimes wrote User Manuals for machines. The idea was to "KISS" "Keep it simple stupid". As I used to say. READ THE BLOODY MANUAL.
simples.
CHEERS Vic.

That's right, but what do you do when your computer isn't set up as the manual says?

That makes sense. For the user anyway.

For the manufacturer, it probably makes more sense if the borked update renders the camera useless and you have to pay to have it fixed...

Cynical? Moi?

By following the clear step-by-step instructions on the Pentax/Ricoh web site, I found that updating the camera firmware was really quite simple, and not nearly as scary as the first time I cleaned the sensor! (I'm happy to report that both procedures have worked perfectly.)

Philip

Mr. B. Philip. You got it in one. That's just what I said.
CHEERS Vic.

I wish camera manufacturers would make usb charging, firmware, and date and time sync functions as simple as plugging the camera into the computer (or logging into your wifi network) and clicking "Update" in the camera menu or on the pc .

@johnha

Well, having agreed that what you say makes sense and Pentax were probably right about their update procedure, I've just updated the firmware in my recently acquired Q10 and 02 Standard Zoom lens.

They get firmware updates by the menu/firmware-version screen option I mentioned.

Ricoh/Pentax being inconsistent? Oh, say it ain't so!