PENTAX O-GPS1 A handy GPS unit for digital SLR cameras

[calsan]

2 June 2011
PENTAX O-GPS1
A handy GPS unit for digital SLR cameras, offering innovative features for effortless tracking and photographing of celestial bodies.



HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX O-GPS1. Designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras, this versatile GPS unit not only gives basic location data, but also offers an array of original features that allow for the effortless tracking and photographing of celestial bodies.

Simply by mounting the O-GPS1 onto the hotshoe of a PENTAX digital SLR camera,* the user can record the latitude, longitude, altitude, universal time coordinated (UTC) and aspect of shooting locations onto captured images. Image files carrying GPS location data, can be used to track shooting locations and review location data on a PC. GPS location data stored on such files also makes it much easier to sort and file recorded images.

By coupling GPS data with the camera’s SR (Shake Reduction) system, the unit offers a range of unique, advanced applications, including ASTROTRACER, Simple Navigation and Electronic Compass.

* Compatible models are the K-5, K-r and 645D (as of May 2011). Some of the O-GPS1’s functions may not be available when used with the 645D.
Note: In order to use the O-GPS1 properly with a compatible PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the camera’s firmware must be updated to the latest version.

Read Full details at the Original Pentax Press Release

[calsan]

In a word: WOW!

Allows up to 300 second (!!!!!) exposures for astro-photography without a specialized German equatorial mount.
For the record, I find about 10 seconds is the maximum for pin prick stars on a standard tripod.  This is a big plus for Pentax's sensor shift stabilization vs. lens stabilization.

[terrytootall]

Oh goody! Pentax "toys"

The bottom line ...
The PENTAX O-GPS1 is available for pre-order now at the pentaxwebstore for $249.95 USD.
The PENTAX O-GPS1 unit will ship in July 2011.  See the link here:

http://www.pentaximaging.com/press.aspx?rss=true

Maybe I should look at buying a K5?!

[calsan]

Maybe I should look at buying a K5?!

That's what I thought too.
Imagine how awesome milky way photos would be on the 645D!

[terrytootall]

Ya, well the thought of the 645D $$$ is a bit staggering for my camera budget. By the time I get that moola together, two things might happen: there will be another model out, or I'll be too old to enjoy the camera.

TTT

[materialsguy]

I have been waiting for this since it was announced in February.  I got so used to automatic geotagging with my Nikon gear that I find it burdensome to do without or do it manually.

It is indispensible for road trips where you visit many places over many days and are shooting based on geographic data like old railroad maps or ghost town locations

I'll ignore the perils of being an EA on this one.

[materialsguy]

Been using this for months now.  Set it up, put a battery in it and forget it.  This is the the way tech should work.  Effortless geotagging (no silly time syncing) and precise locations.   As I have said before, this is indispensible for a landscape guy. 

Were I an astrophotog, I would probably like this unit even more.

Shaun M.