Camera Labs

Hi folks,

Actually they didn't but if I'd said they'd announced a GPS unit you might not be reading this!

From PopPhoto

The first part of the press release reads:

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, weather-resistant 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.

Will you get one?

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Uhm looks sexy,I guess.

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here

Seems like an extortionate price for something with limited use to the overwhelming majority of users. More than a GPS sat-nav?

Pentax DSLR users are a rare breed, I wonder how many of them will shell out for this?

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/53061745@N02/

Panasonic G3: 9-18mm, 14mm, 20mm, 45mm

I know I am once I can afford it . Although waiting for the price to go down...other camera GPS's are cheaper.

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Samsung GX-10, , SA 18-55mm
Canon 5D Mark II, 40D, EF 17-40mm f/4 L, EF 24-105mm L IS, EF 50mm f/1.4

www.flickr.com/glxlr

well,it's a Limited right?

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here

YIKES!!!

None for me thanks!
I do all wildlife and post on outdoor and hunting sites.
Now if I was to take a pic of a nice trophy buck or a mosnter bear and give out it's exact location.....

What might happen next?

I really don't get the attraction of these?
Now seeing the astro bit in there it makes a bit more sense...
I have a handheld GPS and if I feel a need to mark my position for memory well I can.
If I wish to share it's exact location ...I can too.
My handheld actually cost me alot less than that unit and it is capable of a lot more.

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Pentax K-5
Pentax 18-55mm,Pentax 50-200mm,Sigma 17-70mm,Sigma 70-300mm, Sigma 50-500mm

Great, so when you finally manage to lose your Pentax you can find it again....just what we need.


All in good fun of course, I have an analog pentax here and I love the handling. Still need to buy BW film for it.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

The head massager has another feature as well as gps. It can control the sensor shift in the camera to track objects for astrophotography. Looking forward to seeing a 100 iso longer exposure moon shot.

Pete

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Pentax K-5 several len

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readf ... d=39284452

A thread with some galaxy images

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Pentax K-5 several len

They should change their motto to "Pentax,aiming for the stars!"

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here

Indeed

Here is some more...
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readf ... d=38386233

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Pentax K-5 several len

Thanks for sharing those links Transit - certainly looks like a great feature! Here's hoping other manufacturers (Sony, Olympus?) follow suit.

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