The ability to insert longitudinal and latitudinal points onto digital images taken with a consumer digicam is still relatively new to most people. Theoretically speaking, the correct coordinates should allow users to pinpoint, within a 10m radius, where a picture was taken. However, this can be a mixed bag in real life. There were times when the GPS could locate where we had been; but there were also times the unit put us as in the middle of vegetation, well over 10m from the road where we should have been.
Design
The GPS unit fitted comfortably in hand. With the bundled carabiner, we could attach it to our haversack. Take note, though, that GPS works best in open sky environments and poorly in places where radio signals can be blocked or deflected. For example, when we took the unit out for a test run, it was able to track the satellites while we were cruising on the highway. The moment we stepped into a building or went underground, we lost the signal. Interestingly, our eyes were more fixated with the GPS connection than on taking pictures.
Unless you're flying in a plane, you probably won't be traveling at the speed of 500kmh which could hinder satellite tracking. The GPS unit uses one AA-sized battery (Nickel-metal Hydride recommended) and is estimated to last about 14 hours on a full charge. In real life, expect a shorter battery life especially if the gizmo is constantly trying to triangulate its position.
There are three indicators on this gizmo to alert you when the internal 31MB memory is full; when the battery is low and; to let you know if the GPS is still searching or tracking a satellite.
Interface
 |
)
You can view the pictures you've taken on a map using the software provided. |
| |
While the GPS-CS1 is capable of recording up to 360 hours of log files, the battery can last only 14 hours with a full charge (theoretically), which is such a pity. In addition, users must install both the GPS Image Tracker and Picture Motion Browser which will be supplied with the newer range of Cyber-shots, Handycams and Alpha 100. People who are currently using the older programs bundled with their devices will have to update their software versions. What's interesting, though, is you can use this GPS unit with any other brand of digital camera, so long as the images taken are capable of recording EXIF tags.
Conclusion
With the GPS-CS1, Sony has finally taken its first step to harnessing the power of Google Earth. It's interesting to see where you've taken pictures, and the ability to zoom in on a map with the bundled software sheds new light on picture sharing. What we would have liked to see is a built-in GPS module in the camera which records the coordinates directly into the EXIF data of images rather than have to use an external program to perform such a task. We'll leave it to the brainy scientists and engineers to find out how better to manage the battery life of digicams when that happens.
According to Sony, the GPS-CS1 will be sold seperately as an accessory in selected Asian countries except Singapore (bundled with the Alpha 100), Indonesia, India and Vietnam. If you're lucky enough to be staying anywhere else, the GPS device is available for approximately US$150.
){kind=link}
){kind=link}