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Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit
The GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit tethers to and is compatible with Nikon D2-series, D3-series, D200, D300, D700, Fujifilm S5 Pro, and IS Pro digital cameras with 10-Pin remote sockets. Unique to a select range of Nikon and Fujifilm digital SLR users is the ability to apply geospatial data in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates to the metadata header of an image file at the time of exposure. This functionality is only realized with the addition of a tethered GPS (Global Positioning System) signal receiver.
GPS satellites have been freely accessible to the world through the "public good" policy of the United States Air Force and their NAVSTAR Global Position System (GPS.) It is a system of satellites that broadcast a specific radio signal to connect to a receiver like this one. If four or more of the NAVSTAR satellites are in transmission range of the GPS unit, through simple mathematical calculations based on the distances between each orbiting satellite and the receiver, a 3-dimensional position on the X/Y/Z axes is determined. This in turn translates into latitude, longitude and altitude co-ordinates on a GPS receiver.
The Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit for Nikon & Fujifilm Digital SLRs presents a user with the ability to embed in images geospatial data in the form of GPS coordinates. Using the GeoPic II, GPS data is saved to an image's metadata during exposure. This system of geotagging is inherently more accurate and consistent when compared to GPS dataloggers that match the time stamp on an image with the closest approximation of location based on a time stamp on the GPS tracklog. Furthermore, there are three primary modes of functionality that gives GPS data to the camera, even when not in GPS satellite range.
The GeoPic II has three modes of operation that each posses their own advantages. The Continuous mode keeps the GPS receiver active and constantly sends data to the camera. Low Power mode puts the GeoPic II into a standby mode when idle, thereby preserving the camera's battery power. The receiver is "woken-up" with a half-press of the camera's shutter release button. Finally, the Freeze mode is useful indoors, in large cities, deep canyons or anywhere else where a clear signal of the sky for the purposes of satellite signal reception is difficult or impossible to obtain. This mode will save a specific location to the GeoPic II's internal memory in order to have coordinates at the ready when subsequent images are shot.
When the GeoPic II is connected to a camera, the GPS module can nestle in the camera's hotshoe, or alternatively, on the camera's neckstrap if a shoe-mounted flash or off-camera cord is needed. Additionally, this device permits customization of its operation though a series of options accessed through its onboard menu. A user's needs may be tailored to with a choice indicators and power management settings. Ultimately, the GeoPic II allows photographers to geotag their photographs in nearly any situation without requiring a great drain on the camera's battery, an active GPS signal, a multi-staged geotagging process or any significant weight or bulky additions.
- Dedicated Geotagging Device
- Directly connects to a range of Nikon and Fuji digital SLRs and will provide GPS coordinates to the camera at the time of exposure.
- Multiple Modes of Operation
- The GeoPic II can conserve power, or lock a signal when indoors with a single click of a button.
- Compact Housing
- A small and unobtrusive receiver attached with an 8" lead ensures that the addition of a GPS to your camera will not interfere with access to the cameras buttons, hinder function or create discomfort.
- Custom Functions
- Includes signal lock confirmation beep, power use variations and Freeze mode adjustments.
- Remote Shutter Activation Pass-Through
- A 2.5mm remote socket allows the GeoPic II to relay remote shutter release cable signals to the camera without removing the GPS receiver from the 10-pin socket. The 2.5mm connection is compatible with "Canon-type" remotes.
| Chipset | SiRFstar III with built-in WAAS demodulator | ||||||||||||
| Connection Time |
Cold start: 42 sec Warm start: 38 sec Hot start: 01 sec |
||||||||||||
| Channels | 20 | ||||||||||||
| Waterproofing | Splash resistant | ||||||||||||
| Output Connector | 10-Pin Nikon remote lockring connector with 2.5mm miniphone socket for accessory pass-through shutter release cable | ||||||||||||
| Power Source |
GPS receiver draws power from the camera.
[Figures based on 3 large resolution, basic quality JPEGs taken every 2 minutes] |
||||||||||||
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 1.4 x 3.0 x 0.6" (35 x 58 x 16mm) | ||||||||||||
| Weight | 1.7 oz (48g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 33 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
91%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (25)
- Well made (19)
- Improves functionality (16)
- Works well with GPS (16)
- Compact (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel (30)
- Adventure (18)
- Hiking (7)
- Auto (4)
- Boating / sailing (4)
- Primary use:
- Personal (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (15), Power user (10), Technically savvy (6), Outdoor enthusiast (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great GPS locator but needs TLC
I'm a prosumer who loves urban travel photography. I used the GeoPic II on a Nikon DSLR in a European city, taking 300 to 500 pictures daily. The GPS function works as advertised -...Read complete review
I'm a prosumer who loves urban travel photography. I used the GeoPic II on a Nikon DSLR in a European city, taking 300 to 500 pictures daily. The GPS function works as advertised -- it may take 60 seconds or more to lock on satellites, but it tends to stay locked even in narrow city streets with limited sky. Google Maps identifies the shooting location within 5 or 10 feet horizontally (the GeoPic II's altitude reporting in my urban use was so erratic as to be funny -- move 3 yards and drop 100 feet, but that doesn't matter to me because I'm in a mappable city and not the wilderness).The GeoPic II requires TLC because the 10-pin connector projects beyond the side of the DSLR. The end of the cable that connects to the 10-pin connector has a tail with cutouts that are usually put there to let the cable bend a little under pressure. On my GeoPic II the tail was just as rigid as the the main connector, so the weak point was the place where the cable enters the connector's nonflexible tail.I carried the camera with the GeoPic II in a a large shoulder bag with enough room for the camera with the GeoPic II attached, but the DSLR's weight pushed the GeoPic II's cable against the bag's padded interior, and after 8 days of walking around a European city, the cable weakened at the point at which it met the connector's nonflexible tail, and the GeoPic II died.The horizontal information I got from the GeoPic II is great, and I'm glad to have it. To protect the connector-cable vulnerability would require a very large shoulder bag with a very fussy interior partition system. The GeoPic II gets 4 stars for performance but I withheld the fifth star because of the design defect.I used the website contact form to tell Custom Ideas, the manufacturer, about this problem when the GeoPic II's performance was degrading because of the bent cable. Custom Ideas said that they respond to every message in 24 hours. You will no doubt be astonished to hear that it's been almost 3 weeks since I sent the message to Custom Ideas, but they haven't yet responded. Imagine that!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Update - serious collar thread problem
This an an update to my recent review where I identified a problem with the collar and thread that attaches the unit to the camera (D300s). Well it has now broken and the unit...Read complete review
This an an update to my recent review where I identified a problem with the collar and thread that attaches the unit to the camera (D300s). Well it has now broken and the unit is now junk after only a couple of months. The thread doesn't engage with the camera well enough to keep it in place, which means it requires constant pushing back in, which has serious implications for the fragile pins and causes the GPS signal to cut out frequently. The plastic collar ended up just snapping off while I was on a travelling shoot (exactly when you want GPS). The GPS signal ceased, one of the pins bent and it later snapped off when I tried to straighten it. So this has been an expensive waste of time and money.
Reviewed by 33 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Trail photography
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
I use it for travel .... When I download ... I know where I took the photo ...the battery saver feature is great and the last fix setting helps if you move indoors....some users complain about the difficulity of securing the 10 pin connector ... the trick is to exert downward pressure while turning the mounting ring .... if you secure the mounting ring and just turn ... the threads will not grab ....
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Hinders Functionality
Best Uses
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
After I read the functionality on this unit, I was very happy to see it could tag a photo with the last recorded GPS coordinates. Plus, it has power saving function. I purchased this unit because of these two function in addition to my Nikon GP-1, which lack both of those function.
After I received the unit only to realize that it doesn't provide the connection socket to a remote release unit on Nikon camera. It provides a connection point only for Canon cameras.
It's nice to have recorded GPS coordinates and power saving functionality but missing a remote release connection I couldn't even take a shot. It should provide additional functionality on top of what Nikon product, currently Nikon GP-1, is offering. I end up returned the product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Well Made
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
I bought this for a trip to Ireland, I used it continuously for 14 days, and continue to use it every once and a while. It works fantastic. Learning to read the LED's and remember what they mean when you're drinking Guinness for every meal but breakfast seemed to be a bit challenging :) but once I got it down it was great. Can at times take 1-2min to acquire a signal, but it does a great job of holding it even if your moving. It drains battery only a little bit, but I never found myself out of juice and still wanting to shoot so I wouldn't worry about that. Also it doesn't seem to record data for an image during really long exposures, it may have been a user mistake on my part, but at exposures beyond about 6-8s I didn't get anything, however it's easy to input later in post (just take a shot at 1s and copy data, or use the "hold location" feature) but worked flawlessly all other times, so I wasn't going to drop a star for that. I did a lot of research before I bought this and I'm glad I did....buy it you won't regret it
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
I purchased this unit for use with my nikon DX2s. On a recent trip to WV it worked very well. The device has three settings:on all the time (and so is you camera), on-demand, and stored location. I used the on demand and w please with the response and the battery usage. It does take a few minutes to lock in when you first turn it on, but after that, I never give it anoth thought.
When I uploaded the pics to my Mac, Aperture grabbed the gps data as expected. It was a smooth and effortless process.
I do find that the very simple interface (one button, one light) takes a bit of getting used to to be able to make the adjustments, but other than that it is fine.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
I take photos of trains and need exact location information, especially if they get published. The GeoPic II worked perfectly with my Nikon D700 right out of the package. I especially like the beep that signals when it's ready to record. One glitch--so far I haven't been able to screw the 10-pin cable tightly into the camera's socket. Not a problem (yet) since it's a tight fit and stays connected without tightening the screw.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Boating
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
I sold my first GeoPic 2 to one to my friends before he went to Europe because I told him it was a "Must have".I bought another that day. The original Geo Pic had problems with the cord.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
- Low Quality
- Poorly designed collar
- Thread won't grip camera
Best Uses
- When GPS isn't critical
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
This an an update to my recent review where I identified a problem with the collar and thread that attaches the unit to the camera (D300s). Well it has now broken and the unit is now junk after only a couple of months. The thread doesn't engage with the camera well enough to keep it in place, which means it requires constant pushing back in, which has serious implications for the fragile pins and causes the GPS signal to cut out frequently. The plastic collar ended up just snapping off while I was on a travelling shoot (exactly when you want GPS). The GPS signal ceased, one of the pins bent and it later snapped off when I tried to straighten it. So this has been an expensive waste of time and money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
The GeoPic II performs as advertised. It's fast to acquire a signal and goes easy on the camera battery. This is the third tagging device I've owned as the other two died early. I'm hoping the GeoPic II will prove more durable than the others -- but just in case, I did purchase a 2 year extended warranty to go with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
Simply works right out of the box. It is very easy to use and needs no further configuration. Unlike other GPS units, this is useable even indoors. Power consumption is minimal.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
- Drains camera battery
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
It's easy to use, hookup 10 pin connection, slide unit on to camera flash mount and camera powers unit. Fairly fast to acquire GPS position and make a fix, but does drain your battery if you leave it on for extended periods of time. Recommendations, carry spare charged batteries. I took it out over the week to NV and CA on a shoot, and now I downloaded the data, and I am having a blast with places on iPhoto and Apeture. Definitely a thumbs up on this one.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
- Low Quality
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
The GPS unit works as well as promised. The locking screw on the unit's connector does not match with the thread on the camera's 10 pin socket. Within minutes of starting my first stroll with the unit slung over my shoulder, the connector literally broke out of the socket. The unit still works, but the connector comes unconnected with minimal movement.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Auto
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
When I first received the unit I took some pictures on one side of the deck then I moved to the other side of the deck. Google map was able to pin point the different sides of the deck.
The real test was up in the Canadian Rockies. No mater where I was at the GPS tracker was able to determine my location.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
The reviews that I read before I purchased the Geopic II were correct. The unit is just as advertised and reviewed, it works perfectly.
My only (slightly negative) comment is that it generally takes a minute or so to link up to the satellites, but that is most likely a byproduct of the current technology.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
- Base should be metal
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Research
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
The main feature I like about it is that you can lock your last data before going into buildings.
I only give it four because I think the casing should be made of metal or at least the base of it.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Well Made
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
Used it on a Trip to Thailand! Great product never let me down. I was going to get the Nikon GP1 decided on this one because of reviews! And they were right on! Simply to use and locking on was fast! Don't be fooled and think that the Nikon one is better. It's not!! The lock feature is great when you have to head indoors. Just Lock it on the GPS signal before going indoors and it will mark all you photos with that location! Nikon doesn't do that!!
I never had a problem with it finding a signal. At most it took 15-20 seconds once I left the hotel room. The great thing about this is that I never thought about it during any shots. I just brought my camera up and started shooting and when I downloaded them to I Photo the locations were there. if you are thinking of getting this JUST DO IT!!!!
Some of the reviews talked about it being a battery killer! Not So! Other then the times I forgot to turn it off when I was done shooting for the day! I noticed no extra battery drain. I use Nikon Batteries(I have 2 extra sets that I carry) with the battery grip but I never had to change during a day of shooting. And I used the GPS on constant most of my trip! Some of my shooting trips were 6 hours long. And even when I did forget to turn it off it only took the battery down to half. Now this might be different for you if you only have one battery. But if you have the duel battery for your camera go ahead and put in on constant and shoot away!! The cable never got in my way was long enough but not to long. Great GPS Unit!!! Get it you'll Love It!!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Flexable
- Well Made
Cons
- Doesn't Work With D90
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
This has a good receiver, I have found that it sometimes works indoors where other GPS receivers don't. The low power and freeze modes are very useful. You can disable the auto shutoff so you can turn the camera off between shots but leave the GPS on so that it is available as soon as you turn the camera on. The power consumption of the GPS is low enough that you could leave it on for several hours without draining the camera's battery.
If you don't use the Nikon Neck strap, and need the flash, you may need to let it dangle. A hot foot that passes through to a hot shoe on top would be useful.
The connector has a threaded retaining ring that I found difficult to engage--I have the same problem with the Nikon remote, so it may be inherent in the connector
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
Just returned from photo safari in Afica. The geotag was easy to use, worked flawlessly and the lock times to the satellite were quite fast. I have no complaints whatsovever with this product.
Pros
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
Very fast, low power consumption and accurate GPS, but...
even though the cable is fairly short there is a risk it gets tangle in branches, clumsy fingers or equipment.
Also attaching and detaching takes to much time.
Changing settings (not needed often) is not very easy (manual is usually needed to remember how to).
Guess we'll have to wait for cameras with bluetooth support befor we get a real good GPS solution.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Light weight
- Well Made
Cons
- Can't use with bulb
Best Uses
- Historical Sites
- Landscapes
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
It worked great new out of the box. I used it on my D300. Especially like the Blue block feature. When taking shots from same location, it save on battery and time. I wish it had an adapter to use with my D90.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Travel
Comments about Custom Idea GeoPic II Direct Connect Geotagging GPS Unit:
Just plug it to my D300 and all images taken are Geotagged.
What else would I want?
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