Nikon GP-1 GPS Module

Comments about Nikon GP-1 GPS Module:

Nikon really should have been integrating GPS into their DSLRs long before now. This is a very expensive accessory that is only marginally better value than the grossly overpriced MC-35 GPS Adapter cable that I used to use with a separate handheld GPS. Admittedly, it is a lot neater (and more practical) solution that the MC-35 combination but it's still clumsy for 2 main reasons, both related to the fact that it's an add on device. Firstly, the silly cale is fiddly to attach to the camera and prone to breaking over time. Secondly, either the hot-shoe is occupied or the GPS has to be attached to the body strap and both can have their downsides - (1) where do you put the flashgun and (2) having it on the strap incurs additional strain on the attachment cable.

There is another problem in that, unlike the MC-35, there is no extra 10-pin socket on this device, so you cannot attach this and a remote control, for example. This can be an inconvenience, rather than critical as one can always take a GPS-tagged reference photo before the remote shoot. But it should not have been an issue.

In terms of the unit in operation, I often find it very slow at logging on, compared to handheld GPS units (maybe that's unavoidable). It often takes over a minute and sometimes much longer (and it's pretty open, with few buildings and trees here). It also is often much slower from a warm start than I think it should be - much more than 5 seconds, sometimes 10-20. But, leave it on and camera battery drain is an issue - if you're out all day spare camera batteries are essential.

If Nikon cameras had GPS built in then most of these problems would simply disappear. Firstly the excessive cost (cf. simple handheld devices) and all the usability and aggravation issues would just not exist.

But, if it has to be an external device then it would serve its users better if:

a) the cable was more durable
b) it had its own power source
c) it locked on more quickly
d) it cost half as much, or less

I've put that I would not recommend this to a friend simply because of all the issues. But if you can put up with these, can justify the cost and you need GPS tagged images it's probably about the best device for Nikon cameras. But there are numerous alternatives and you should consider all of them to see if they might better meet your needs.

Also, if you only need it for a specific trip it will be fine; the cable issue becomes apparent over time. This is not to understate this issue, it's pricing suggests to me that it should be well capable of surviving extended professional use.

Comments about Nikon GP-1 GPS Module:

Great gadget if you struggle to remember exactly where you took a particular shot, especially if you're shooting a lot in an unfamiliar place. Battery drain is an issue if you leave it powered up all the time (as I do) but it does mean you don't need to wait for it to get a satellite fix. I still find I get get a full day's shooting from one or two batteries on my D3. I bought an extra battery to be on the safe side.

Indoor use is patchy, as you'd expect. It seems to me that it remembers its last "set" of satellites because if you come out of a building, it regains its fix almost immediately. From a cold start it can take a minute. Even in Venice, which I would have thought a difficult city for GPS, it worked whenever I was outside.

I know there are cheaper GPS units out there, but I've never been disappointed with genuine Nikon accessories. I know they're pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Comments about Nikon GP-1 GPS Module:

I found this product so much fast and more robust than the cheaper versions. Also the positioning information was more accurate.

The GP1-CL1 Strap Adapter was however not as robust or flexible for fitting. Mine broke when trying to fit to my Nikon strap because it was too small to fit the narrowest part of the strap. An alternative Metal clip or pin would be more effective.

Comments about Nikon GP-1 GPS Module:

THis is a fantastic accessory to have for your camera especially if you do a lot of travelling. I travel alot and so far its been great to see where I have taken some of my wildlife photos. You can also track your path on where you have been. Sadly Photoshop CS5 does not have any mapping capability however Nikons View NX 2 does which is a free download. It is a gadget but well worth having. If you are umming and arring on whether to get it don't hesitate and press buy, you will not regret it.

Comments about Nikon GP-1 GPS Module:

I try to use this GPS on the D90. After repeated attempts to startup from 'cold' resulting in endless delays in obtaining a position I discovered the connection to the D90 is very loose fitting. Each time the the power is lost for a fraction of a second the unit goes 'cold' again and requires another 45 seconds of being held in place till it will give a reading. I cannot recommend this unit for the D90. The first piece of Nikon equipment in 35 years I cannot recommend!!

Comments about Nikon GP-1 GPS Module:

Adds about 5 seconds to the lag between seeing a picture and being able to take the picture with the coordinates in EXIF if you keep the camera in standby and can be up to 45 seconds if turning the camera on each time to take a picture

Comments about Nikon GP-1 GPS Module:

NIKON GPS-1 GPS.

Rather an intriguing gadget. I had no need of it but I love gadgets, and this foots the bill. If you travel abroad with your camera it is a must have.

It requires no more than plugging it in to your camera with the supplied lead. It is then a matter of minutes for it to initially find the satellites. After the initial find it will lock on in seconds if camera is witched off for a while. This assumes one is outdoors, although it does lock on very quickly in my house. The LED keeps one informed of the lock status.

It is light and dare I say looks well on the top of my D90. It adds the co-ordinates as Lat and Long in the exif file and if opened in a programme such as ViewNX then it will go straight to Google Earth and pinpoint the position of the camera. I have found this to be very accurate.

Do be aware that this is only available for the D90 and upwards. Not checked but I would imagine this will fit the replacement D7000. I have not checked that yet. Also it can be a little power hungry, but one battery fully charged in mD90 will last a good full afternoon and I'm sure more.

Love it!