Yes, there is. Firmware updates to lenses are recalls -- as in "your equipment doesn't work as well as it could, so you need to bring(send) it in to us to get it fixed." That is a recall, which by any other name still doesn't smell so sweet.

Same for me. I have an EM-5, but most of my lenses are panasonic -- so I'm particularly interested in the GX-8, with its extra resolution. Eager to hear about your experiences and see some shots.

Firmware updates can be done at home with nothing more than a computer and a thumb drive or SD card. When you have to box up your equipment and ship it somewhere -- that's a recall, whatever the manufacturer chooses to call it. "Firmware update" is just a safer, gentler term that doesn't risk spooking the faithful.

"My engine bursts into flame when I turn the key in the ignition -- what should I do?" -- "Take it to the dealership for a 'firmware update'".

Just a couple of suggestions. Number one -- shoot in RAW and then customize a noise reduction profile for use in post production. JPEGs are just too noisy, especially at high ISO (>800).

Number two -- in bright light, drop exposure compensation a third of a stop. Otherwise you'll be clipping a lot of highlights.

Otherwise, very, very solid camera -- and compact, especially for its time, with very good ergonomics, IMO.

For under $500 you could get a brand new Pentax K-50 with TWO new weather resistant zoom lenses (18- 55mm and 50-200 mm). Compared to the d3300, you would get: focus peaking, bigger pixels, in-camera image stabilization, more cross-type AF points, faster shutter speeds, higher ISO, and an anti-aliasing filter to cut down on moire. Plus compatibility with decades of Pentax k-mount lenses of top-flight quality.

Just saying.

Apparently, this limited recall applies only to cameras with serial numbers falling between 6310198 and 6311127. If you have such a camera, you can call 1-239-245-6360 in the US and arrange for the camera to be inspected and repaired if necessary. The company says that this inspection service will be offered through the end of March 2018.

The problem seems to be "light leakage" -- "unwanted light" (overexposure?) under extremely bright conditions. Here's Sony's advisory:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/news-item.pl?news_id=499&mdl=DSCRX1RM2

As a long time Pentaxian, I'd be surprised if Pentax was seriously targeting CanNikon users. A full-frame Pentax has been a mirage for many years -- a long-standing promise to a fan base thirsting for a reason to stay with their brand for just a little while longer. In the meantime, Ricoh's been upgrading their crop sensor models sensibly -- with both IQ and value for money uppermost in their priorities.

But I think it's been tough to hold the line against the mirrorless invasion -- especially the full-frame mirrorless. The FF Pentax is necessity to keep loyalists from jumping ship to the Sonys.

He also championed Polaroid photography. Here's one of many he shot with his SX-70 in 1979.

If you can get a brand new original EM5 from a reputable dealer at under $400, jump on that deal!

If you like to put your camera on a tripod and take lots of pictures of still life or stationary subjects and then make prints >20 inches wide, then the Mark II is good value for money. Otherwise, the original plus a good portrait/macro lens would cost the same and give you a lot more pleasure.

Just my opinion.

With respect, that may be a nice sound bite and a cry from the heart, but it isn't really true. Consider this website: just sample the posts from the most active threads on UHH and tag them either "cares about the technology" or "doesn't care about the technology". The "cares" will outnumber the "don't cares" about 10 to 1.

Well, the one I use most often is my walk-around -- Pentax DA 18-135mm. If I need something faster, out comes my Pentax 31mm F/1.8 FA Limited and I start using my feet.

In the film world, I happily used a Minolta xd-11. When it came time to go digital, I quickly lost patience with Sony's fumbling efforts to come up with something decent that would take my Minolta lenses; so I researched all the dslr brands then available (Nikon, Canon, Olympus, etc.) and decided on the Pentax (100d) for these reasons: price, in-body stablization, lens compatibility, good 3rd party lens choice, and price (did I mention price?)

Since then, I've progressed up the line from K100d, to K10d (actually Samsung Gx-10 -- totally wonderful camera, BTW, which I still have), K-30, K-5iis. The only dud was the K-30, which had persistent aperture control problems. By the time I ran out of warranty (and patience), it was easier (and cheaper) to jump to the K-5 iis.

I now use a K-S2, because it's the one Pentax model that has an articulating lcd monitor and I don't like getting down on the ground any more. So, after all these years, I find myself using the "entry level" camera again -- and loving it!

There's nothing like a picture of an outhouse to make the past come alive!

It was actually an excellent question -- because you not only got an explanation of focal length (assuming you know what "objective element" and "film plane" mean), you also got a fine demonstration of UHH in action.

Ben's class is certainly a good one, but for a total, start-from-scratch, newbie, it might be a little advanced.

For the genuine tyro, starting at ground zero, I'd recommend Jared Platt's creativelive course "Ligthroom for Beginners" (7 video lessons)
https://www.creativelive.com/courses/lightroom-for-beginners-jared-platt

If your pockets are a little deeper, ($100 vs. $29), Jared's class "Lightroom 101" (20 video lessons) is more detailed:
https://www.creativelive.com/courses/lightroom-101-lightroom-professor-jared-platt

Then, there's Lisa Snider "Lightroom Essentials" (40 lessons for around $80 -- a real bargain)

https://www.creativelive.com/courses/lightroom-essentials-lesa-snider

If you really want to make Lightroom hum, I'd do one (or more) of these, and then do Ben's course.

And -- bonus -- they're all discounted for the next week on a Christmas sale.

Each of the links above will take you to a preview of each course and you can decide for yourself if these classes are for you. I've enjoyed every one of the creativelive classes I've taken.

Merry Christmas.