New K10D V1.10 Firmware

Pete,
You won't find any info on any official Pentax site... the firmware appears to have been uploaded to a public sharing site, and from the thread it came from one of the Pentax reps/dealers.

When it's released properly it will probably appear on the Japanese site first - www.pentax.co.jp (there's an English version too)

As soon as it's on the web, someone here will post a link
Matt

Unofficial version:

http://www.4shared.com/dir/1796154/f4cc7649/sharing.html

G

thanks guys

sounds a bit dodgy, ill wait for the official version

Pete

I don't think it is dodgy (the pixel-peepers' apocalyptic prognostications can safely be ignored) but there is a slight chance that the final version could be slightly different, so to be sure you have the latest, you would have to upgrade twice.

If the final version wasn't due for a month or two, I would upgrade now, but for the sake of a few days there is little point.

G

There's some very interesting stuff buried in that there firmware file
Matt

thanks guys

the reason i mentioned dodgy (perhaps not suitable would have been a better word) is because i have read in the forum someone has upgraded and instead of displaying pentax on the start up it says Sony A100

????

Another issue ?? How can we be so sure this new update will be available in a few days. Who is telling us this ? is it a 100% reliable source and as i said there is no mention on pentax website

Pete

really? do tell

I'm not saying it all...

Lots of mention of ISO ranges in the code - some from 50 to 3200. Now, I know they did actually try to get ISO3200 but withdrew it from production because of the noise issues.
But, what's fascinating is there appears to be a lot of code for what appear to be "recipes" - I reckon they built a rather nice software framework to refine the CCD algorithms. Maybe the ones in the firmware are the final ones... but it looks like it's relatively easy for them to modify it without resorting to a complete rewrite. So, that looks promising

Additionally, I found that both the *ist-D and K10D have some small embedded scripting language. It's missing from the *ist-DS. It seems to have very limited commands...

There's also quite a lot of test code and the like.

Finally, it's clear from the FW update procedure that the file is validated in some way as the currently running firmware can tell if the file has been corrupted - it'll show a message and let you know

Why 23rd January? It's written in the documentation that goes along with the .bin file.

"Sony A100" - impossible. This is 100% Pentax code. They must have not put on their glasses and picked up the wrong camera
Matt

Thanks Matt

Are you serious? That stuff about Sony was a joke! It was aimed at the nitwits who thought the whole thing was a conspiracy.

Did you also believe the one about the camera rushing round the house shouting: "Give me film"? That was a joke, too.

The documentation that comes with the firmware says release date is 23 Jan 2007. Of course, it could always change, but it's all we can go on at present.

DPReview is run by a chap with a perfectionist streak, who believes in detail, detail, detail. He can never see the wood for the trees. As a result, the site attracts all sorts of weirdos with similar hang-ups, people who worry about every tiny detail. Most of them can't cross the road unaided.

There are a few sensible posters, but most are so stupid they just depress me. You should always take whatever you read on DPReview with a pinch of salt. That goes for the official stuff as well as the forums.

If you want down-to-earth, common-sense, advice, written in comprehensible English, this forum is a good resource. John Riley is especially good on general photographic knowledge, whilst Matt is superb on digital imaging.

There are many other people here with valuable experience to offer. All you have to do is ask. Just don't blame the camera when you produce a bad picture.

DPReview will fry your brains. Just read a few posts there if you need confirmation.

G

I've just been looking throgh the file and apparently it also corrects the following

1. In rare case, vertical stripe at long time exposure.
2. Released “B exposure” and show battery empty sign when using B mode.

At 2Mb its a serious update but think I will wait for the proper version on 23rd

thanks George,

I agree with your thoughts over the sony A100 comment i was thinking on the same lines.

Here is a copy ogf the guys thread

Ok, now I am mad. I did the upgrade, everything went fine until I turned the camera on. Now the Pentax name is gone from the camera and the LCD screens says "Thanks for upgrading to the Sony Alpha, the camera you should have bought in the first place. Sony rules, Pentax Drools." What the hell. If I wanted a pathetic Sony I would have bought one.

(=^)

John

So George havnt got a clue whats gone on here (bulls..t) springs to mind

Pete

Now I think of it, I should've said there was an option:

That would've been a good joke

Or that they've added "Canonish" as a new language in the options

George - definitely agree with you about DPRevile vs PentaxUser (Isn't it getting busy around here lately?!)

Matt

P**s-take is the word.

G

Good news indeed, but . . . there'll be a few unhappy bunnies who have shelled out for a second 360 or 540 to make wireless flash work.

I'm just wondering if they'll retro-fit any of the K10D software refinements into the rest of the range, the *istD especially. They did it with the DS when the DS2 was released. Then again, Pentax will want joe public to be replacing D's with K10D's.