Sony GPS-CS1: breakthrough devise or just a toy?
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.
technorati tags:GPS, GPS-CS1, Sony
10 Responses to “Sony GPS-CS1: breakthrough devise or just a toy?”
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August 17th, 2006 at 10:05 am
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?
April 9th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Workers might like such swell tips dealing with S-CS1: breakthrough devise or just a toy? | Alphatracks. Thanks for the super knowledge!
December 6th, 2008 at 1:43 am
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.
March 16th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Well said, finally a good report on this stuff
September 18th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I think the new Trackstick Mini Geotags much better than the Sony.
http://www.minigpstracker.net
October 27th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Thanks!! love all things surveillance connected! Just wondered if GPS trackers and better than GSM trackers?
May 27th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
GPS is very useful specially the ones that are put on the Car dashboard. it can really help you drive on unfamiliar places.:~-
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