Home > Electronics > Digital Camera Accessories > Custom Idea GeoPic II - Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit (GEOPICII2467) for Nikon &Fujifilm Digital SLRs GEOPICII...
Custom Idea GeoPic II - Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit (GEOPICII2467) for Nikon &Fujifilm Digital SLRs GEOPICII...
majid's Full Review: Custom Idea GeoPic II - Direct Connect Geotagging ...
Nikon DSLR bodies have had the ability to geotag pictures for ages (embed GPS coordinates inside the picture's EXIF metadata). Unfortunately, that required buying the inordinately expensive ($85) adapter cable that fits into the remote control socket, and hooking it up to a limited selection of GPS units from Garmin.
Red Hen came out with the Blue2CAN, an adapter that uses the same socket but uses BlueTooth instead of a bulky serial cable to communicate with a BT GPS receiver. I had this on my B&H wish list for quite a while, but I am glad I procrastinated because the Geopic II is an all-in-one integrated solution for a mere $20 more.
The unit itself is very compact and lightweight. It has a hot shoe mount (plastic, though, not sure how durable it will be) and just enough cord to go from the remote socket to the hot shoe.
There are hardly any controls - just one button that allows you to switch between three power-saving modes (indicated by a 3-color LED), and a 2.5mm TRS minijack remote connector that is compatible with inexpensive wired remotes as used by Canon Rebel cameras (much cheaper than those using the proprietary Nikon connector).
The GeoPic II is remarkably easy to use. It is factory configured to be in the medium power saving mode where the GPS runs continuously, but allows the camera to go to sleep. You just plug it (the connector is a bit tight, so that takes some getting used to). The time to first fix is very fast, much better than on my Garmin Nuvi 660, and the GPS coordinates are automatically entered by the camera where they can be read by programs like Lightroom.
Keep in mind the GPS receiver is running at all times, even when the camera is powered off, so it will slowly drain the battery away, you have to unplug the unit to turn it off. The manufacturer has a well-written manual you can download from their site for the full details at http://www.customidea.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=126
The Geopic II is not cheap at $300, but it is by far the most elegant GPS solution for Nikon cameras. Considering it is made in limited quantities by a small company, the price is quite justifiable, unlike that of Nikon's half-solution.
Update (2008-07-18):
There may be a significantly cheaper option available: http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/GEO/GEO.HTM
I haven't tried it, and I don't know how well it conserves the camera's battery power, but it's worth a look. One feature it has that the Geopic II doesn't is a simple on-off switch on the remote connector so the GPS doesn't drain the camera power while it is in your bag.
Shipping from $5.45. Custom Idea GeoPic II - Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit for Nikon & Fujifilm Digital SLRs, Tethers to and is compatible with N...More at B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio
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