Ricoh Releases Pentax O-GPS2 GPS Unit

New model of GPS unit for Pentax cameras announced

By wadge22 in Pentax Announcements on Jun 10, 2022
Ricoh Releases Pentax O-GPS2 GPS Unit

Ricoh has announced the O-GPS2 GPS unit for Pentax DSLR cameras.  This unit replaces the older O-GPS1 unit, and promises to be more reliable and precise, as well as allowing operation with additional satellite systems (GLONASS and Galileo). While development of this unit had been previously announced, it's actual release was delayed due to worldwide electronics parts shortages and delays.

The O-GPS2 unit allows use of the Astrotracer function on certain Pentax DSLRs not equipped with a built-in GPS unit (only the K-1, K-1 II, and K-3 II have featured a built-in GPS, while the K-3 III has an Astrotracer function that does not require GPS). The unit also allows for recording location and time info in the EXIF data of photographs taken while the device is active. The unit will be powered by one AAA battery.

The O-GPS2 is expected to be available for pre-order soon, and to retail for US$179.95

The full specs are found in our database:  O-GPS2 specifications.

Below is the official Ricoh press release:

Ricoh announces second-generation GPS unit for digital SLRs offering innovative features for astrophotography

PENTAX O-GPS2 provides reliable, high-precision positioning data, simplifies tracing and enables spectacular photography of celestial bodies

PARSIPPANY, NJ, June 8, 2022 -Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX O-GPS2, a versatile GPS unit designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras* that makes it easy to capture stellar images of the night sky. Developed as a successor to the PENTAX O-GPS1, the PENTAX O-GPS2 provides more reliable and higher-precision positioning data gathered from GPS in the U.S., QZSS in Japan, GLONASS and Galileo.

When mounted on a compatible PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the PENTAX O-GPS2 enables the advanced ASTROTRACER function, which couples the unit with the camera’s Shake Reduction (SR) system to facilitate the tracing and photography of celestial bodies. ASTROTRACER allows photographers to shoot longer exposures without star “trails.” The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets, and other bodies using the latitude obtained from the location data and the camera’s alignment data obtained from its magnetic and acceleration sensors, then shifts the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movement of the objects. Resulting images show stars and other bodies as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures. It also makes astrophotography much simpler, as it requires only a tripod and eliminates the need for an additional accessory such as an equatorial telescope.

The PENTAX O-GPS2 records the latitude, longitude, altitude, universal time coordinated and direction of shooting location onto captured images. Image files carrying the location data, can be used to track shooting locations and review location data on a PC. The location data stored on such files also makes it much easier to sort and file recorded images.

Other advanced applications offered by the PENTAX O-GPS2 include a simple navigation function, which calculates the direction and distance to a given destination from a current position, and an electronic compass function which displays the camera’s direction on its LCD monitor with great precision.

Pricing and Availability
The PENTAX O-GPS2 will be available in late June 2022 at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $179.95.

* Compatible models are the PENTAX K-3 Mark III, KP, K-3, K-5II, K-5IIs, K-5, K-S2, K-S1, K-70, K-50, K-30, K-r, K-01, 645Z, 645D (as of May 2022). All applications will not support all models.

Main features of the PENTAX O-GPS2

1. GPS function for effortless recording of shooting location data
The O-GPS2 mounts on the hotshoe of a compatible camera and records the latitude, longitude, altitude, universal time coordinated (UTC) and direction of the shooting location onto captured images. In addition to GPS in the US and QZSS in Japan, GLONASS and Galileo can be newly received.

2. ASTROTRACER simplifies astrophotography
When mounted on the corresponding PENTAX digital SLR cameras body, the O-GPS2 also offers the advanced ASTROTRACER function,** which couples the unit with the camera’s SR (Shake Reduction) system for the effortless tracing and photography of celestial bodies. The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets and other bodies using the latitude obtained from the location data and the camera’s alignment data (horizontal and vertical inclinations and aspect) obtained from its magnetic and acceleration sensors, then shifts the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movement of the objects.*** In the resulting image, stars and other bodies are captured as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures. It also makes astrophotography much simpler, as it requires only a tripod and eliminates the need for an additional accessory such as an equatorial telescope. In addition to the normal ASTROTRACER: Type 1, ASTROTRACER: Type 2, available only when the O-GPS2 is used with the PENTAX K-3 Mark III, makes the image sensor follow the movement of the celestial body at half the speed of the Type 1. The photographer can suppress the flow of the landscape on the ground and shoot both the stars and the landscape in a well-balanced manner.

** This function is available only when the O-GPS2 is mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body equipped with a SR system.
*** The duration of ASTROTRACER operation may vary depending on photographic conditions.

3. Simple Navigation calculates location data for destinations
The O-GPS2 offers a Simple Navigation function, which calculates the direction and distance to a given destination from the current position. The user can either locate destinations using location data stored on recorded images, or register and/or assign them by uploading location data created on a PC.

4. Electronic Compass function indicates and records direction
The O-GPS2 comes equipped with an Electronic Compass function, which displays the camera’s direction on its LCD monitor with great precision. Using its magnetic sensor and the location data, the unit indicates the aspect in relation to true north. The user can also record directional data on captured images.

5. Other features
1) Weather-resistantconstructionforuseinlightrain.
2) Independent power source (one AAA-size battery) to eliminate the needf or power supply from the camera body.

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