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PENTAX O-GPS1
A handy GPS unit for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, offering innovative features including the effortless tracking and photographing of celestial bodies
Mississauga, ON – June 2, 2011
PENTAX Canada Inc. 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 allows basic location data to be stored with photographs, 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, coordinated universal time (UTC) and direction of the camera lens for shooting locations onto the 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.
Major Features
1. GPS function for effortless recording of shooting location data
The O-GPS1 mounts on the hotshoe of a compatible camera and records the latitude, longitude, altitude, coordinated universal time (UTC) and direction of the camera lens for the shooting location onto captured images. Using mapping software such as Google Earth™, the user can easily recall shooting locations and directions on a map. This function is very helpful later in sorting and filing the recorded images.
Note: When the O-GPS1 is used in locations where it cannot receive signals from GPS satellites, location data may be in error or missing.
2. ASTROTRACER for effortless astronomical photography
When mounted on the PENTAX K-5 or K-r camera body, the O-GPS1 also offers the advanced ASTROTRACER function,** which couples the unit with the camera’s SR (Shake Reduction) system for the effortless tracking and photographing of celestial bodies. The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets, and other bodies using the latitude obtained from GPS data and the camera’s alignment data (horizontal and vertical inclinations and aspect) obtained from its magnetic and acceleration sensors, then shifts the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movement of the objects.*** As a result, stars and other bodies are captured as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures. It also makes astronomical photography much simpler, as it requires only a tripod and eliminates the need for an additional accessory such as an equatorial telescope.
** This function is available only when the O-GPS1 is mounted on a compatible PENTAX digital SLR camera body equipped with a magnet-driven SR system.
*** The duration of ASTROTRACER operation may vary depending on photographic conditions.
3. Simple Navigation to indicate location data to a destination
The O-GPS1 offers a Simple Navigation function, which calculates the direction and distance to a given destination from the current position. The user can either locate destinations using location data stored on recorded images, or register and/or assign them by uploading location data created on a PC.****
**** At the time of purchase, the O-GPS1 has nine PENTAX international service centers as preset destinations.
4. Electronic Compass function to indicate and record direction
The O-GPS1 comes equipped with an Electronic Compass function, which displays the camera’s lens direction on its LCD monitor with great precision. Using the aspect of geomagnetism detected by its magnetic sensor and GPS location data, the unit indicates the camera lens direction in relation to true north. The user can also record directional data on captured images.
5. Other features
1) Simplified weather-resistant construction for use in light rain
2) Independent power source (one AAA-size battery) to eliminate
the need for power supply from the camera body
PENTAX Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division of Japan and maintains offices in Mississauga. PENTAX Canada Inc. markets digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, sport optics, closed circuit television lenses and medical equipment.
PENTAX on the web at www.pentax.ca
