When I first started Alphatracks, I commented that while I was disappointed to see Minolta close the door on it’s photography division, I was intrigued by the idea of Sony bringing it’s electronic research into the digital SLR world. I was thinking mainly about WiFi camera to computer communication, but I expected to see other electronic breakthroughs as well.
Now, two months after the A100 announcement, Sony has taken the wraps off a new piece of hardware called the GPS-CS1 GPS device. The new gadget puts your pictures on the map — literally.
The GPS-CS1 records time and location readings and can sync to the timestamp on a JPEG image taken with a variety of Sony digital cameras — including the A100. When you bring this information into a computer running Sony’s GPS Image Tracker software, your images will show up on an online map. Based on the screen shot, it appears that a thumbnail of your images appears to the left of the map. Clicking on an image will show a small image and pointer on the map to indicate where the image was taken. Sony says the 3-½ inch long, two ounce GPS-CS1 will be available in another month and sell for $150.00. It should work with any Sony digital camera or Handy Cam sold after July, 2006 — and Sony specifically mentions the A100 as being compatible with the new devise. No word if Sony will offer a Mac software version.
Is it cutting edge or just another digital toy? Personally, I would probably use one if I could get it free or cheap, but I’m not sure I could justify 150 bucks just to see where I shot my photos on a map. I already know where I shoot and I ‘m usually pretty specific about labeling my photo archives with date and location. In addition, the Sony press release says the data from the GPS-CS1 is embedded into JPEG files. Since I almost always shoot RAW, that wouldn’t help me — unless I start shooting in the A100′s RAW + JPEG mode.
But that’s just me. This little gadget could be put to great use by any number of industries and agencies — Real Estate, Insurance adjusters, geologists, archaeologists, architects, historians and the military. That’s just off the top of my head. There are probably a host of people who could make good use of a devise that incorporates GPS data into a digital photo.
Of more importance to me, it the fact that Sony is showing a willingness to innovate with new gadgets in the digital camera arena. I may not be a candidate for the GPS-CS1 right now, but I know it will be available if I ever do need it. I expect most users of the Sony Alpha will feel the same. For many it will come off as a toy — cute, but with no real value. For others, however, it will quickly become a necessity that they rely on every day.
The fact that Sony is bringing to market a devise that will only appeal to a segment of their overall market bodes well for future hardware and software innovations. (Like maybe tethered camera control over WiFi — hint, hint!) If Sony is willing to innovate in new areas and offer hardware solutions you can’t get from other makers — the Alpha line will grow to be a dominant force in no time.
What do you think? Does the GPS-CS1 interest you? Or do you see it as only a toy for geeks with too much time on their hands? The comments are open.
15 Comments
Is there any way that I can be traced using a GPS reciver thorugh internet, like if am outside and my GPS is working is there any application by which anybody can trace me sitting on computer?
Workers might like such swell tips dealing with S-CS1: breakthrough devise or just a toy? | Alphatracks. Thanks for the super knowledge!
Any one who wants the peace of mind that comes from knowing where their personal assets are.Beside monitoring your teens driving from the comfort of your home through a computer.And for companies with multiple vehicles imagine being able to save a lot of money and increase productivity with the use of a simple device.That’s why my GPS Tracking Device is one of the best in the business and work for you 24/7.Don’t wait another day.Hop on it now and save for your teens and your business future.
Well said, finally a good report on this stuff
I think the new Trackstick Mini Geotags much better than the Sony.
http://www.minigpstracker.net
Thanks!! love all things surveillance connected! Just wondered if GPS trackers and better than GSM trackers?
GPS is very useful specially the ones that are put on the Car dashboard. it can really help you drive on unfamiliar places.:~-
Hi, I can�t understand how you can add your site in my rss readers.
Can you Assist me, remember to …)
I was asking yourself what’s up with that weird gravatar???
I know 5am is early and I am not looking my best at that hour, but I hope I do not appear like this!
I might however make that face if I am asked to complete 100 pushups. lol
I would like to start off by thanking you for the useful information you are supplying for free! I will definitly add you URL to my bookmarks for future reading.
Hey, It is actually great
GPS is now available for tagging pictures on Digital SLRs made by either Canon or Nikon:;*
my GPs unit is made by Hewlett Packard and they seem to make very sturdy gps units-.’
GPS is really a heaven sent gadget, you can always pinpoint your exact location wherever you are ..`
You don’t want to "hard wire" the unit to the car unless it is designed as a built in unit. Most portable units use the lighter or a "power port". Look over your fuse box and see if the one for the lighter is fried. If not, the connection may just be loose on the back of the lighter socket.