Canon 40D + GPS

[koffiejunkie]

I just discovered something really cool. The 40D is GPS aware! Check this. Although it doesn't have any GPS functionality, it can accept coordinate from an external GPS receiver via the WFT-E3 wireless grip. In the video there's a scene where they show the camera's screen showing the information of a picture they just ook. It shows the coordinates!

I found a GPS logger that can talk to the WFT-E3, so that system is complete, but that grip isn't exactly cheap, so it only makes sense if you already have one and/or have use for it other than GPS.

 

[bwana]

Not sure about getting one for just the GPS (I wonder when manufacturers will start building that in to their dslrs) but the entire unit sounds cool.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Not sure about getting one for just the GPS (I wonder when manufacturers will start building that in to their dslrs) but the entire unit sounds cool.

My thoughts exactly. The only thing that really attract me to the grips is the portrait orientation controls, but not enough to spend the money on it. I'm pretty happy with the 40D's battery life 800 or so shots (RAW+JPEG) on single charge with lots of browsing the pictures in-between - which seems to eat more battery than actually taking pictures. So the wireless grip makes a little more sense to me, but damn, it's expensive!

Anyway, I'm just amused that the camera actually understands GPS. To me that leaves Canon with an opportunity. The camera has a USB port, so why not just make a GPS logger that hooks into it? Maybe make it an option in a battery grip - then I'd buy one.

 

[bwana]

My thoughts exactly. The only thing that really attract me to the grips is the portrait orientation controls, but not enough to spend the money on it. I'm pretty happy with the 40D's battery life 800 or so shots (RAW+JPEG) on single charge with lots of browsing the pictures in-between - which seems to eat more battery than actually taking pictures. So the wireless grip makes a little more sense to me, but damn, it's expensive!

Anyway, I'm just amused that the camera actually understands GPS. To me that leaves Canon with an opportunity. The camera has a USB port, so why not just make a GPS logger that hooks into it? Maybe make it an option in a battery grip - then I'd buy one.

I love that about my battery grip - I was working this morning shooting portraits - in portrait - and it makes a world of difference.

 

[koffiejunkie]

If I actually get a paying gig, I'd definitely get a regular grip if it's not the type where I can stick the camera on a tripod.