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Nikon GP 1 GPS Unit for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Correlation between pictures and maps is supported by GPS function in conjunction with ViewNX version 1.2 software (no-charge download available Autumn 2008) and my Picturetown. Manual advance and rewind Double exposure capability Center-weight metering helps you select the proper aperture and shutter speed Integrated Hot-Shoe for adding any manual electronic flash Manual ISO selection from ISO 25 to 3200 Uses All Nikkor or compatible lenses Manual exposure and manual focus Includes Battery, Case and Strap Uses 2 SR44 or LR44 batteries

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Functional Geotagging – at a Price!
I bought my Nikon D-90 camera 8 months ago as my first digital SLR purchase. I was thrilled when the GP-1 attachment was released, and soon purchased it for geotagging fun. On the very first trip we took it on, we ended up spending 45 minutes sitting outside a cafe waiting for it to pick up a satellite signal. Keep in mind that this was an open plaza on a sunny day. Finally we gave up and started walking around taking pictures. About three blocks away it finally picked up a signal, so we walked back along our route taking duplicate pictures with the GPS data.

Annoying, but not insurmountable. Fast forward to our most recent trip, when we took the D-90 and GP-1 out of our carry-on bag only to find that the D-90 would no longer recognize or power the GP-1. A diagnosis revealed that the GP-1 cable which stuck out at a 90 degree angle had gotten jostled and damaged the GPS port on my camera. Many phone calls to Nikon later, I was told that any repairs to the GPS port on our camera would not be covered under warranty. My local camera repair shop is now charging $285 (more than the original purchase price of the GP-1) to repair the GPS port in my D-90 that was damaged by the GP-1 cable. This is extremely poor design on Nikon’s part, and needs to be recalled or included in the warranty coverage.

I do enjoy geotagging the pictures from my D-90, but will try to find a brace to prevent tugs on the GP-1 cable from damaging the D-90’s port. Failing that, I can expect to pay further installments of $285 as the price of using the GP-1.

1 Star Major Disappointment
This product simply did not function. I used the GPS-1 on a 15 day motorcycle trip around the NW United States and the unit found the location only once. The unit was used in extremely open areas and was given 30 minutes to register the location with no success. I would not recommend the product. Matter of fact, I have return my unit for a refund.

5 Stars Nikon GPS
Like most Nikon gear this unit is built well and works great. I have had two other cheaper off brand GPSs fail on my D300. With the Nikon name this GPS is a bit overpriced, but will last forever.

4 Stars Rugged GPS for Nikon cameras
I’ve owned two other GPS units for my D300, and although it has a few issues, the Nikon GP1 is far and away the best.

First and foremost, it’s rugged and high quality. I don’t think I’m rough on my equipment, but I went through two other (non-Nikon) units in under a year. So far the Nikon is holding up well.

The GP-1 does take a while to acquire satellites…I’d say for me it’s typically around 15 seconds. Sometimes it works indoors, sometimes it doesn’t. I don’t notice a big difference in this regard between the Nikon and other brands I’ve tried. But unlike one of my other (non-Nikon) GPS units, I never get false signals – if the coordinates are recorded, they are correct.

I tend to keep the GP-1 mounted to my camera strap (I like the Crumpler – the GPS fits on it well) and I tend to leave it connected all the time. I tend not to turn the camera on and off between shots, and as others have pointed out, it does drain the battery at a good clip. I use the MB-D10 battery grip with my D300…it has a larger battery and this helps a lot. I tend to get about 1200 pictures per charge with the GPS on (but the flash typically off).

Only other complaint is that the GP-1 creates a little contention for the 10-pin port on the camera. Sometimes I use a Nikon MC-36 (remote control) whilch also requires the 10-pin connector, and it would be nice if there were a built-in way to chain the devices together. Yes, I’ve seen various “Y” adapters, but I haven’t had luck with them – they tend to create an unwieldy tangle of wires that I’m always catching things on. I guess I’m also wondering why Nikon doesn’t just build GPS into the camera itself, as they do with one of their point-and-shoots. Hopefully the next design.

Recommended.

4 Stars Typical of previous ratings
As most reviews have previously stated, slow sync at start-up, doesn’t work well in covered areas – including trees. But once connected to satellites, works like a charm.

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