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Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker
- No Longer Available
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 be read by a receiver like this one. If three 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.
Geotagging has become an important part of digital photographic organization, classification and notation. The process involves obtaining coordinates from GPS transmissions, and embedding them in a way that allows a photographer to store the location to which the photograph was taken within the digital image file itself. In order to generate these coordinates, a GPS receiver like the Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker is required.
This multi-stage geotagger does not interface with a still or video camera, but rather operates alongside the camera, saving location data to a file that can be referenced later when the GPS-CS3KA tracker is linked to a Windows computer with an USB port. Sony's included Picture Motion Browser software links the time stamp of the image with the time stamp of the GPS's recording and then copies that data over to the image's metadata or a sidecar file with video files.
The GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker also features two memory card slots for geotagging on the fly. Simply remove the card from your camera after a shoot and insert it into the Image Tracker. The GPS receiver then scans the image files saved to an SD or Memory Stick Duo card and matches time and location without the use of a PC.
- Image Tracker for Digital Video or Still Camera
- Virtually compatible with all digital still cameras and 2008-09 Handycam camcorders.
- Use Picture Motion Browser Software to View Photos on Online Map
-
TRACE mode shows travel route along with shot locations.
SHARE mode lets you e-mail maps to more PC users.
| Memory Capacity | Approx. 128MB |
| Power Source | 1x AA Battery |
| Run Time |
Approx. 15 hours (When using an LR6 (size AA) Sony alkaline battery) Approx. 14 hours (When using an HR6 (size AA) Sony Nickel-Metal Hydride battery |
| System & Software Requirements |
Supported Format(s): GPS Image Tracker/Picture Motion Browser, Pentium III 500 MHz or faster (Pentium III 800 MHz or faster is recommended), the USB connectors must be provided as standard. CD-ROM drive, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional/XP Home Edition/XP Professional, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, SP1 *64-bit version This product is not compatible with Macintosh hardware or any Apple operating system. |
| Operating Temperature | 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) |
| Dimensions | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Weight | Not specified by manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 30 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (21)
- Lightweight (20)
- Reliable (11)
- Durable (10)
- Compact (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel (17)
- Landscape photography (6)
- Everyday (4)
- Landscape/scenery (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (14)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (11), Casual user (4), Semi-professional (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Works fine
The Sony GPS-CS3 does the work of getting pictures easily tagged.
Tested with four cameras. It worked fine with older Olympus C-5060, Nikon Coolpix 3700 and Panasonic DMC-TZ3 cameras. Oddl...Read complete review
The Sony GPS-CS3 does the work of getting pictures easily tagged.
Tested with four cameras. It worked fine with older Olympus C-5060, Nikon Coolpix 3700 and Panasonic DMC-TZ3 cameras. Oddly enough, it didn't work well with a newer Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 – tagged pictures can still be transferred to a computer, but lock the camera if viewed. I did not spend time to trouble shoot. It's also strange the fact the dual SD/MemoryStick slot somehow fits SD cards better than it does Sony MemoryStick cards. Both work though.
If you are looking for precision, always match GPS and camera time before going to the field. Camera clocks are usually off a few seconds every day. The Sony GPS-CS3 clock is always correct!
Other pros: size okay (always hoping new models go smaller though); easy to set up and use; good reception range.
Other cons: takes longer than latest automotive GPS units to find satellites (sometimes 3+ minutes); odd carrying case (hard to slide in and see display); not having to remove back cover to insert/remove memory cards would improve durability.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good GPS logger unit
Cheaper and efficient but the unit consume one batterie per two days if used all day.
The unit is mac compatible because it's reconize byt MAC OS but the software in only for...Read complete review
Cheaper and efficient but the unit consume one batterie per two days if used all day.
The unit is mac compatible because it's reconize byt MAC OS but the software in only for PC. Right now you have to manually edit the log file in order to make it compatible with software.
Reviewed by 30 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Software Clunky
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
The product is made very well. I have it attached to my backpack and turn it on whenever I make my way into the Adirondaks or other off road areas. It performs well for what I need. The battery life seems ok. I've used it a few days off and on without any issues. The software is a little clunky to use so, I don't use it as often because of that. Main thing to remember is to set the time on both the camera and device before using it or it'll never match up.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
nice little device that can work with JEPG.
But searching for signal is long, at least 5 minutes (compared to the 5 seconds in iPhone 4 !!!)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
As with all Sony devices, this device is very finished and is simple-to-use. Used this device in tree cover and it maintained a good lock but in the city it can be a bit unreliable. The device records GPS data in NMEA format that can be easily ported to Google Earth. I did not use the included software but it also seems very finished but ONLY works with RAW files from Sony. To geotag my RAW files, I import the .log file into PhotoMechanic and it works seamlessly. A caveat, you must manually edit the .log file and remove the first line that the Sony device adds to the data.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
It would be better if it had a better indoor tagging quality. I tried it indoor, in an open field and also in mid-Manhattan and Financial district.. The best results i had taken was in open field. Low satellite synchronization period. Nice design to handle. As a plus the caring bag...
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
I used this gps image tracker while I was in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. The pictures that were tagged with GPS information were accurate. A number of pictures were not tagged despite the device being on. I am still not sure if the device couldn't acquire GPS info, or if I did something wrong, but I was disappointed that quite a number were not tagged.
I am a mac user, and had no trouble importing these images into aperture 3 with the gps info after I tagged them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
Just the Idea that no mater where you are and when ,you can track and date every step of the way again no mater were you are in the world.As far as I am concerned the GPS-CS3KA Image Tracker is great that's why I gave it a five star rating thank you very much Sony and B&H.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
Simple to use, though slow TTFF. Works fine with mac, tracklogs don't need any conversion to use with Aperture 3's places feature.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- GPS a little nervous
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
Good GPS unit to geotag you pictures. GPS accuracy is good (not great though; 3 pictures taken at some spot give 3 different locations, one 100 feet away from other 2). The geatogging feature works great with my Canon pictures; all you need to do is place your SD card in GPS unit and start process (my 16 GB card worked fine) which takes just a few seconds. Pictures imported in Aperture show the GPS coordinates as expected.
I would definitely recommend.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
This unit is easy to use, fast to logon to the satellites, and rather accurate. The matching with the JPEG files on the Cameras memory card is done in a snap.
Using it with the Sony Photo software its just perfect. It will read Sony RAW files, but only JPEG files from other brands.
I could not match a Sony Camcorder file, in the unit, but it worked fine when matching it post proceccing in the PC.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Tagging slow
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
i used it and it is really good. it has helped me remember where i have been. exploring new routes and sharing with others. only drawback. tagging is slow and have to repeat every 60 photos, especially when back from long tour. need log editing software to know exact timing. only it starts slow janmeja
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
Traveling Photography.
Easy to use.
Simple to set up.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
The divice is easy to use. Works every time and comes with the Sony Photo Manager Software.
Can be used to track your path when traveling as well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Syncing With Camera
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
I've been travelling a bit lately and wanted to add another dimension to the exif data.
love that:
-it takes an sd card and updates by itself
-it can undo and tags (that might be wrong, see below)
-it is relatively small
-battery life so far in the snow is great
wishes that:
-it could figure out the timezone from gps (but that would be tricky)
-it didnt modify the DateTime (0x0132) exif value with the tagged time, but technically, it is the correct use of that field
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
Great product. People do list the battery life as a con, however I was averaging 36+ hours of battery life when left on non-stop (energizer lithium). Though keep in mind, I leave the gps marks saved on the device and add them to my pictures via pc, not through the supplied sd slot.
Went across the Gobi desert in Mongolia, through Siberia up to Scandanavia, making a stop in Kazakhstan and into Europe. Through the entire island of Japan, across the U.S. and pretty much i'm saying around the entire world. Device worked great the entire time, though pictures taken in Mongolia were showing definitely wrong coordinates at time.
Startup time is decent if your out in the open. I was able to turn this on and leave it in my backpack, never loosing signal. Also in the pocket works as well, never lost a signal that way either.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Difficult to download
Best Uses
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
I have two cameras (DSLR and point-and-shoot), and wanted a GPS logger that was capable of syncing my photos with Apple Aperture. I was a little hesitant selecting this product since it is not "Mac compatible" right out of the box... but using a free program available online, I was able to convert the Sony log file to various file formats that were usable in Aperture and Google Earth.
While I do recommend this product, if you are a Mac user, I highly recommend thinking about your workflow before picking up this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Battery life
Best Uses
- Archaelogical data
- Home
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
It is a very easy and fun way to affix locations to all digital images on Sony cameras! Bought it so that an accurate location can be affixed to photos of gravesites in a National Park where I assist the Park Archaeologist.
Handy case with transparent cover flap make the small accessory easily attached to camera neck-strap so I hardly notice it is along.
Haven't yet exhausted the battery on an outing, but can imagine that happening on a day-long shoot; so a spare battery is a must.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
I used this while traveling in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland. Did a great job at getting my location, it only messed up a few times. Probably an error on my part though...
Pros
Easy to use
Easy to power
Easy to carry
Cons
Takes a while to get a signal sometimes
About a battery per day, not including the actual tagging
Only tag 60 photos at a time seemed strange, but you can pile through them one after the other.
Pros
- Economical
- Lightweight
Cons
- Confusing instructions
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
I was looking for an economical way to geotag photos taken with my Canon EOS7D for upcoming trip to Europe. I loaded the software, synced my camera clock to the tracker clock, and took test shots. The first attempt was a success, and the locations were extremely precise. I wish it were not limited to SONY products for direct tagging, but the on-computer tagging was adequate. The price was much cheaper that getting a Blue Tooth GPS and a camera interface. A better instruction book would help, but a few times reading the directions worked.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Geotagging tracking
- Traveling
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
Great little affordable device. Works in cars, trains and planes as well. Took it on an around the world trip, battery (rechargeable) lasts about 12hrs each. Track could be downloaded with third party software and exported to Google Earth to show one complete track around the world! SD tagging of photos works good, but didn't seem to tag photos above a certain point on an 8gig card.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Traveling
- Vacation
Comments about Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Image Tracker:
I own both CS1KA and CS3KA. The only reason I bought this GPS-CS3KA is because of its shape, display readout and battery life is much longer. If installed with the rechargable battery then you can recharge it via USB. With any digital camera and having both the camera and CS3KA set at same time, you will able to pin point the location where you took the photos such on vacation or traveling on any vehicle. Have you even wonder looking at the photos and think where have been or taken the photos at? Now with this you can. With also with correct software, can track, altitude, velocity and routes.
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- Picture Motion Browser Software
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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