Nikon GP-1 GPS - A Review
The Nikon GP-1 gps has become an invaluable addition to our cameras - having location data added when photographing on location saves a lot of time not having to note down what was taken where. The location data is not always added though, you need to look at the gps or the camera display to make sure the gps has a location fix before photographing, you can't see if that is the case in the camera viewfinder.
Equipment used
The Nikon GP-1 was tested on a Nikon D300 camera house and a Nikon D700 camera house. The gps was either mounted on the flash shoe or in the flash shoe shaped holder that comes with the GP-1 for attachment on the camera strap. The Nikon GP-1 gets its power from the camera battery using a connection cable to the camera which plugs in at the opposite side of the shutter-release button.
Practical Experience
When photographing with the Nikon GP-1 you need to turn on the camera and press the shutter-release button half down a few minutes before you begin to photograph to let the gps find the available satellites and get a location fix. If the gps has already had a location fix - the green light on the back of the gps has shown a steady, green light - then it takes a second or two to get a new fix. You need to push the shutter release button those few seconds before you want to take a photo to make sure the gps has a fix and you get the location data included in the photo. Unfortunately the gps ready symbol on the camera display is not shown in the viewfinder display as well, you have to look away from it on the light diode or the camera display to see the status and then go back to the viewfinder to compose - or re-compose - the photo.
A general gps issue which is not Nikon GP-1 specific is the need to have direct line contact with the gps satellites in the sky to be able to get a location fix. If there are too many tall buildings, leafy trees or you are inside a building, a car or in a tunnel then the gps will not be able to received the signals from the satellites and you will probably not be able to get location data included in your photo.
Positive Aspects - Pro
The Nikon GP-1 gps is relatively small and fits on the flash shoe or a dedicated holder for the camera strap that comes with the gps, making it possible to use the gps without much trouble.
The Nikon GP-1 gps can be connected to a pc or laptop using a USB cable which is enclosed in the package for use with any kind of gps and navigation software.
Negative Aspects - Con
The Nikon GP-1 is by default turned off too fast after a photo has been taken to ensure that it still has a location fix when you take another photo shortly after the first.
It is not possible to change the Nikon GP-1 settings. It is pre-programmed from the factory and you have to live with what they have chosen. This is especially a problem if you prioritize gps on-time higher than saving battery power.
Written by Hans-Henrik T. Ohlsen
Last change 20090922