Ricoh issues new firmware for two of its DSLR cameras – the Pentax K-1 and K-1 II
Pentax K-1 Mark II(Image credit: Pentax)
Pentax does things a little differently. In a world where camera manufacturers are discontinuing their DSLR cameras and lenses to focus solely on modern mirrorless options, Pentax is still proudly producing DSLRs, and as of earlier this year, a new film camera.
It's not just the most recent DSLR cameras that are getting attention from the brand either as both the Pentax K-1 and Pentax K-1 II, 6-year-old and 8-year-old cameras respectively, receive new firmware updates.
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* When this update is done, the contents of version 2.42 and earlier will be also updated.
* When this update is done, you will not be able to restore back to version 2.42 or earlier."
This firmware update may sound tame in comparison to the recent firmware updates we see on modern mirrorless cameras, but it is more aligned with updates for DSLRs.
Modern mirrorless technology enables manufacturers to change more with firmware than on DSLR cameras due to having fewer mechanical components and more electronic – we certainly live in a golden age of firmware!
But what this update does do, is fix issues that have been noted by the community and the fact that Ricoh Pentax is still taking these on board for older cameras means it listens and values its customer base. This, in turn, makes purchasing a newer Pentax camera a sounder investment, as you can expect it to be updated for at least the next 8 years!
Pentax is one of the few camera manufacturers making new DSLR cameras, and having recently got my hands on the Pentax K-3 Monochrome, they are extremely impressive and can quite easily compete with today's mirrorless offerings.
Kalum Carter is a photographer, photo editor and writer based in the UK, and for almost a decade he has worked with brands and publications to create, edit, and sequence imagery. Having recently graduated with a Master's Degree in Photography from the University of the West of England (UWE), Kalum joined Digital Camera World as a Staff Writer, covering news, reviews, and his biggest passion – photography books!
Kalum's photography has been published and exhibited around the world, and he continues to photograph on a project-by-project basis. He is currently working on a personal project capturing the people and landscape of Gower, South Wales. Currently untitled, this body of work will be exhibited for the National Trust later this year.