Pentax to announce a new GPS unit for DSLR cameras (O-GPS1)
Pentax is expected to announce a new GPS unit called O-GPS1 for Pentax DSLR cameras. Here are the main features:
- Geotag your images for location information on popular photo sharing websites.
- Chart the progress of a hike, bike, or boating trip with interval position tracking.
- A separate, but efficient power source will not drain your camera’s battery.
- Supports terrestrial-based WAAS for highly accurate positioning.
- Electronic Compass function assists while hiking or camping.
Detailed specs:
| TYPE: | Hotshoe mounted accessory GPS unit |
| SUPPORTED CAMERAS: | K-5, K-r, 645D (as of May, 2011) |
| RECORDED INFO: | Lat, Lon, Alt, Time (UTC), Direction |
| GPS RECEIVER: | 50 Channel Tracking, Supports SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS) |
| ACQUISITION TIME: | Approx 40 sec (cold), 5 sec (hot) |
| POSITIONING INTERVAL: | 1 sec |
| GPS ACCURACY: | 10m RMS |
| DATA FORMAT: | NMEA-0183 |
| GEODESICS: | World Geodetic System (WGS 84) |
| ELECTRONIC COMPASS: | Accuracy: +/- 5° (precise calibration)
Positioning Interval: Approx 8X Reference Direction: True North |
| DIMENSIONS: | 1.9 x 1.3 x 2.3” |
| WEIGHT: | 1.8 oz (wo battery), 2.2 oz (w battery) |
| POWER SUPPLY: | 1x AAA battery (lithium, NiMH, alkaline) |
| BATTERY LIFE: | Approx 12 hrs (normal temp) w lithium (9h, 0°)
Approx 7 hrs (normal temp) w NiMH (5h, 0°) Approx 7 hrs (normal temp) w alkaline (4h, 0°) |
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NOTES: Single AAA battery not included. Use of the O-GPS1 is restricted to PENTAX DSLR cameras that specifically support it via firmware (see list of compatible cameras above). |
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Update - here is the official press release:
PENTAX ANNOUNCES O-GPS1 UNIT FOR DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS
NEW SLR ACCESSORY HELPS PENTAX PHOTOGRAPHERS TRACK EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
GOLDEN, CO. (June 1, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced the PENTAX O-GPS1 unit designed for recent PENTAX digital SLR cameras. This new, versatile GPS unit tracks both basic geographical and celestial body location data for both earthbound and astrophotography purposes.
Mounted on the hot shoe of select PENTAX digital SLR cameras,* the O-GPS1 unit records latitude, longitude, altitude, and universal time coordinated (UTC) of shooting locations with captured images. Image files with this GPS data may be used to track shooting locations and review location data on a personal computing device. The GPS location data also helps sort and file recorded images.
* 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. Compatible PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies must be updated with the latest firmware version for proper O-GPS1 functionality.
In addition to location data, the GPS unit works with the PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) system to offer unique, advanced applications, including Astrotracer, Simple Navigation and Electronic Compass. Together, the PENTAX O-GPS and associated applications offer several key functions:
• Geotags images for location information on popular photo sharing websites.
• Charts progress of a hike, bike, boat or other adventure trip with interval position tracking.
• A separate, efficient power source will not drain the camera’s battery during GPS operation.
• Supports terrestrial-based Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for highly accurate positioning.
• An Electronic Compass function assists navigation.
The PENTAX O-GPS1 unit will ship in July 2011. It is available for pre-order now on www.pentaxwebstore.com for $249.95 USD. More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news.