K-1 firmware update 1.4

I bet not! And how large would the user base be? A fortune spent on next to nobody. It wasn't long ago someone was wanting to revert their camera to version 1.0 to undo SDM support that was added in an update.
Look at it from the manufacturers' point of view. Would they sell a new camera model if everything they'd R&D'd for it was also added to previous versions? Surely that would make new models largely redundant and the firm would rapidly go broke, unable to R&D any further! Not many would upgrade to a newer camera if it didn't add to performance and features to their existing camera because all the new features would already be available to them thanks to generous updates. They would effectively be shooting themselves in the foot! So even if they could do it, they wouldn't for obvious reasons. And if it isn't obvious I'll spell it out - no new sales = firm goes bust. End of.
I think you'll find something new comes along in each new model that couldn't be easily replicated in earlier versions due to a wholly new processor. If a new instruction set wasn't included on the old camera's processor it would need that new CPU to work the old camera. What a mess it would end up in, all sorts of problems to resolve and how much to upgrade the old body to make it compatible, and then require even more different firmwares for the older camera to fix new bugs found. You're asking for a complete camera rebuild (which is effectively what the new camera model is but you have to pay for it.) It would cause a nightmare scenario and demise of the brand. It's not worth even considering.
So how would one contemplate doing an update to make a K3ii a K-1? Or a K-5 a K-3 ? They're totally different beasts, albeit with a menu interface that makes the cameras similar to use. Your challenge if you are prepared to accept it! Then what make you think it would be any easier for the camera designers who are getting on with a newer model? A total waste of man hours.
To sum up, it isn't as easy as you believe.

Others are doing it though, and are still in business, and it's working as a strength for the company.

Personally I'd be in favour of software developments being pushed out for previous versions, where the CPU family/architecture was the same, where the older hardware supported the feature.

Basically when Ricoh came in the CPU changed, so the K-5 and earlier would be out and anything K-01/K-30 would be candidates.

Whilst being a Pentax owner, I'm not blind to the developments happening across the camera industry. I'm not having my posts deleted for mentioning other brands, but Pentax has quite an old fashioned approach in this area, and to video, and towards tracking AF. They are all areas that could be improved upon, without leading to doom and gloom for the company.

Any specific examples?


Pentax aren't a massive outfit. Would you prefer them spending their time doing minor updates for old cameras or introducing the features you desire in new ones?
You have to bear in mind doing updates for older cameras can introduce new firmware bugs requiring further fixes ... and time!
It is were my company, I reckon I know the preferred direction I would take. It wouldn't be fixing something that isn't broken in old models! But if it was something broken, I'd fix it for users with those cameras to keep their loyalty. I think that's Pentax's philosophy too.

See comments about having previous posts deleted for mentioning other brands.

The Camera Store did a whole YouTube video on it a while back.

Examples are everywhere

Well just don't mention brands then!

That was for 3 cameras in June 2015, mostly fixes and additions for things that should have worked or been available at release, they talk about shipping cameras with unfinished FW, do you think Pentax do that?

Here's a question, If Pentax intimated that they could create new FW for older models that added value but would require additional resources, would you be prepared to pay for them?

For example ?

Can't see them adding built in flash to the K-3ii or a GPS to the K-3. Any changes would need a new motherboard, even between those similar models to add anything significant. It's a non starter. How much would a new replacement motherboard cost, let alone a totally different one? Then how much to fit it. Think i'd rather have the new model thank you very much!
I'd think twice before spending £100 to get a broken K-5 fixed. But if it isn't broken I don't think i'd risk anyone fiddling with it inside just for the sake of it.
Who do you think would prepare these new firmwares for old models? Surely they'd have to add something really significant to make it worth while, how would that be done?
I know some are prepared to install unofficial hacked firmwares but the gains are very marginal at the risk of bricking the camera. but I suspect that is the only way you'll get a new firmware for an old model.
As I said previously, official manufacturer development costs would not make it worthwhile.
New firmwares for existing cameras are a different matter, especially to fix bugs, also new ideas can be tested before implementing them in a newer model. Makes the R&D costs worthwhile.
If new updates for old cameras were viable, don't you think they'd already be available through official channels?

It's an example. Manufacturers continue to release firmware upgrades for older models, I just didn't look for a newer video to support this, but google is your friend. I know of one who delivered so many changes in a free firmware upgrade that they released a new version of the product manual to support it.


Depends on what they offered. One manufacturer does this to unlock significantly improved video features for example, so it is a model that can be used. Another has an option to run separate apps on their device, so you can buy additional software that interests you.

If Pentax offered me a firmware upgrade to purchase, at a sensible price, that gave back the real SR during video (that they took away after the K-5 series), higher bit rate video and kept the focus peaking working during video recording, then yeah I'd definitely be in.


For other manufacturers yes. From Pentax, no.

Are you talking DSLRs?
Even with the MX-1, Pentax are still on the original firmware whereas other makes of the same basic camera have required bug fixes. Get it right first time and updates aren't necessary.

Did the sensor stabilization in video cause overheating issues? I don't know, just wondering? If it does it might well be a reason for excluding it now. But as we've said before, video hasn't been the primary concern of Pentax in its DSLRs. Whether they are in the process of taking that on board in future by introducing the KAF4 mount we'll have to see. If I want a video camera, I'd buy one (in fact I have several, even super 8 film ones!) But please don't compromise a DSLR still camera for it, not worth it,. My opinion, I appreciate not yours. I've only tried the video function once on each of my DSLRs, to see it it works (surprisingly I've found it does, your comments were making me think it didn't!) So from my point of view they could ditch that feature completely!

That's an outdated take on what firmware updates can provide.


That's an outdated take on what a modern camera device can do.

I'm out.

The idea is they spend money on new features and facilities for new models that occasionally they find they can fit into older models too without too much extra work, maybe not as full as the new model camera but if some new features can be fit into older cameras then why not?

We'll have to agree to disagree.

I'd rather Pentax didn't fuss around like that and get sold on as unprofitable.

Or Pentax dying a death because they didn't look after their customers!

I don't know why Pentax is being singled out, I have looked at the popular models of one of the major brands of DSLRs and can't find any firmware enhancements apart from distortion correction for lenses. Maybe there some I don't know, but I'm happy with the firmware updates provided, if extra features are provided so much the better, every one loves a freebie.

It makes commercial sense to give enhancements to their latest model to make more attractive against the competition.

Has this thread caused this upset, with people seeing enhancements for the K-1 and not not liking that their cameras are not getting enhancements? Well maybe Pentax will read this thread not not release v1.4 then you will all be happy.

You have to remember that Pentax is a business as other camera manufacturers like other consumer product manufacturers. You don't buy a flat screen TV and expect it to be later enhanced with new features.

Jeff