[Nicolas06]

Hello everybody.

Just out of curiosity from the K3-II annoucement. We have been provided some new features: pixel-shift technology, better SR, GPS and astrotracer.

I would just like to have an idea of how many would use the standalone astrotracer on their DLSR or the one in the K3-II to shoot starskies and not just for benefiting of GPS coordinates in exif?

[JinDesu]

Where is the "Yes, I want one and will buy one" option?

[Nicolas06]

Well then JinDesu I think you can use one of the 2 Yes options depending of the amount of usage you plan for it

[LensBeginner]

I would use it occasionally.
Occasional use should be reasonable, since this is a niche feature, but absolutely worthwhile IMHO.

[totsmuyco]

As of now I'm interested in photo tagging. But who knows if I'll need it in the future.

[Outis]

Where's the option for "I don't have a GPS yet but will get extensive use out of both Astrotracer and GPS"?

[tvdtvdtvd]

I don't have an astro tracer at the moment. Don't plan to get the K-3 II either. However, I still chose the first
option because if I had it I would use it often. Looks like a really nice feature and when I do eventually upgrade,
I look forward to it being on >that< camera, whatever the model.

[Steve.Ledger]

Not interested in either.

[JimmyDranox]

I think that not many people could find a use for an astrotracer. Only some millions in Europe, other millions in US, and other millions worldwide. Off course, not every amateur astronomer on the planet would buy one, (Ricoh would love this, would be the hit of the photo market) but a consistent number will do. In France, for example, are more than half of a million amateur astronomers. I don't remember the exact number (was published some years ago by ''Ciel et Espace'' magazine).

And if I make a comparison between 1 kg for the camera and a lens, plus 3 kg for the tripod, to my 14 kg telescope, and almost 22 kg for the Vixen GPDX mount with heavy duty tripod and 15 kg counterweights, plus big batteries, and a lot of accessories, I think that K 3II has a little advantage. I could even carry it on a mountain climb and mount it in 1 minute, (not one hour, as for the telescope) to take some pictures far away from the heavy light polluted urban sky. So, for me, as an astronomer, is very attractive. If some little things will be done in software, I will sell my camera to take K 3II. And even in this state, I strongly consider this move.

[longbow]

The reason I preordered the K-3 II was for the GPS, but am also very interested in the astrotracer feature also. The Pixel Shift is of less improtance because I don't like carrying a tripod where I roam with a camera, but will still check it out as the opportunity arises.

[percy]

I'm never likely to want to use the astro tracer, so it doesn't come in to my list of desirable features.
I'd find the GPS tagging of images nice to have but not necessary. I wouldn't have it on my list of wants when buying a camera.

[Nicolas06]

The reason I preordered the K-3 II was for the GPS, but am also very interested in the astrotracer feature also. The Pixel Shift is of less improtance because I don't like carrying a tripod where I roam with a camera, but will still check it out as the opportunity arises.

But how would you use astrotracer without a tripod?

[longbow]

But how would you use astrotracer without a tripod?

You wouldn't, but using that feature does interest me and since I usually don't roam thick forest enviroments at night, not a issue. The reference to not carrying a tripod was in regards to Pixal Shift, not astrotracer.

[ruggiex]

I prefer having gps separate from the camera. I already tag my photos with a separate gps logger that can last the whole day, logs up to a month of positions, and able to graph where I have been. A built in gps is just unnecessary battery drain.

[JimmyDranox]

Nicolas06, your poll doesn't look to good for what you have tried to demonstrate. Already, two thirds of the answers begins with ''YES''.