New firmware for Pentax Q mirrorless, K-30 DSLR

New firmware today from Pentax Ricoh Imaging improves two of the company's camera models--the Pentax K-30 digital SLR, and the Pentax Q compact system camera.

The Pentax K-30 v1.01 firmware update, says the company, brings improved performance for contrast detection autofocus in live view shooting. It also improves overall stability and performance of the camera, although the company doesn't cite any specific areas for these improvements.

For the tiny Pentax Q mirrorless, meanwhile, the new v1.10 firmware update adds support for a couple of recently-launched products, as well as improving general stability and performance. The Pentax Q is now compatible with the Pentax-06 Telephoto Zoom Lens that was announced recently alongside the Pentax Q10 camera body. Priced at US$300, the 06 Telephoto Zoom has a 15-45mm range equivalent to 83-249mm, and a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range.

The new firmware also adds compatibility with the Adapter Q for K-mount Lenses, which--as the name would suggest--lets you use your Pentax K-mount lenses on Pentax Q-mount bodies. If you want to use image stabilization, you'll need to enter the focal length manually, since there aren't any electronic contacts on the adapter. That's done using the screen shown at left, and a PDF manual supplement describes the process, which involves switching off the camera before mounting the new lens.