November 1, 2010
The Nikon GP-1 is a GPS Unit that allows you to "geotag" your images. The information that can be added is latitude, longitude, altitude and time information.
I know a lot of nature and travel photographers have been waiting for a way to geotag their images in an easy way for quite some time. Used with Nikon View NX(2) and google maps, you can easily find the location of your latest shoot, and makes returning to the same spot, and or location easy.
The Nikon GP1 can be mounted to the hot-shoe on the camera or on the included camera strap adapter GP1-CL1.
Nikon GP-1 mounted to the Hot-Shoe of a Nikon D2X, Click image for a larger view.
Nikon GP1 mounted on the supplied
Strap adapter GP1-CL1, click image for larger view
Specifications
| Acquired data: |
Latitude, longitude, altitude, time information |
| Compatible models: |
D90, D5000, D7000(via accessory terminal cable GP1-CA90),
D3, D3S, D3X, D700, D300, D300S, D2X, D2XS, D2HS, D200, (via 10-pin remote terminal cable GP1-CA10). Some models may require an update to the latest version of firmware. |
| Attachment: |
Attaches to camera's accessory shoe or a camera strap via strap adapter GP1-CL1 |
| Dimensions: |
Approx. 2 x 1.8 x 1 inches
Approx. 5 x 4.6 x 2.5cm |
| Supplied Accessories: |
GP1-CA90 for connection to the D90
GP1-CA10 for connection to the 10-pin remote terminal of supported cameras
Strap adapter GP1-CL1
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area. |
| Time required for satellite acquisition: |
Approx. 45 sec. (cold start), Approx. 5 sec. (hot start) |
| Power source: |
Supplied from camera body |
| Receiving indicators: |
Red blinking (GPS data not recorded)
Green blinking (GPS data recorded utilizing three satellites)
Green solid (Four or more satellites detected, GPS data are more accurate) |
| Price from: |
$187.99 USD |
USB and wired remote(MC-DC2) connection.
Positives
- Included cables, for once we don't need to buy additional cables for different cameras.
- Size (the cables sort of ruins this, especially if you use the GP-1 in the hot shoe)
- Sturdy build. Although made of plastic, it feels like it can take a beating.
- Easy to use.
Drawbacks
- On cameras with the 10-pin remote, you need a new cable release (MC-DC2) if you are planning on using the GP1 unit and a cable release at the same time.
- No on/off switch.
- Altitude seems to be quite off sometimes.
- Cables, I find the supplied cables to be way to long.
Click image for a larger view
Verdict
Easy to use, just slide it in the hot-shoe or slide it in the strap holder, connect it to your camera and you are ready to go. Geotagging can be really useful if you are scouting for locations, or need accurate references for you pictures. If some of your pictures don't get the geotag, it can easily be added to the picture in ViewNx2. This is just a copy paste operation.
The supplied cables are way...................... too long, and could have easily been half the length at least for the 10-pin cable for the D3. I'd like to see optional shorter cables for the Nikon GP-1. The unit itself is small and lightweight, no problems fitting it in a pocket and won't take up much space in your bag.
I recommend turning off: auto meter off in the camera menu to have a higher accuracy with the geotagging. This will drain more battery, but will give you less waiting time for satellite lock. Do note that if you forget to turn your camera off with the auto meter off, it will drain about 50% of the D3 battery in about 3 hours. You should also use it in the hot shoe of the camera to avoid errors, if you need accurate info on all your files.
A few questions I've seen that people want answers to:
- Does it takes forever to start up? Sometimes, especially if it's been a long time since it was last used. In most cases startup is less then 40 seconds.
- Does it drain the battery? Not a huge amount, unless you turn off "auto meter off". The GP-1 will use power even if the camera is turned off. According to Nikon t takes approximately 3 hours before the unit stops draining power from the camera.
- Does it work indoors? rarely, the unit is clearly not designed to be used indoors.
- What's the USB connection for? The USB connection allows a windows computer to acquire positioning information from the GPS Unit GP-1
  Features
 Performance
Build
Value
Support this website, get the GP-1 Through this link (B&H Photo)
Alternatives
Purchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days(including the equipment used for these reviews). Thanks for your support, Fredrik.
Columbus nGPS for Nikon and Fuji DSLR Cameras Price: $109.95
Geomet'r GNC-38 GPS Receiver Price: $114.95 (FREE SHIPPING (USA)
Wolverine Geotag GPS Receiver Price: $129.95 (FREE SHIPPING (USA)
Promote GPS Price $148.95 (FREE SHIPPING (USA)
GiSTEQ C7-02PLUSN-01 PhotoTrackr Plus Price: $179.00 (FREE SHIPPING (USA)
Red Hen Systems Blue2CAN Bluetooth Adapter Price: $194.99
Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit Price: $203.95
Red Hen Systems Blue2CAN Adapter with Holux M-241 GPS Receiver Price: $253.95
*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from November 1, 2010
Screen shots
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