Wednesday, June 1, 2011

PENTAX Imaging Company announced the PENTAX O-GPS1 unit designed for recent PENTAX digital SLR cameras





Hi Pentaxian friends.

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.



PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of adventure ready digital cameras including weather-resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For more than 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of adventurous consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.



2 comments:

Benthos said...

very interesting... the K5 will now be the goto camera for astrophotography!!

No mention how it interacts with the camera... data cable? Flash contacts? Does it mean we have to choose between flash photography and geolocation?

James said...

The main question in my head is does it take into account what lens you have on it. I do some astrophotography and the stars go across the sensor much quicker on a telephoto than a wide angle lens. Hopefully they take this into account.