D-BG4 specs? GPS?

kenyee · 05-04-2009, 06:36 AM

Originally posted by ogl

BG2 - 17 pins. Corrected.

If it has all the features I think it has, I might finally be a BG user

Ratmagiclady · 05-04-2009, 09:21 AM

Ha, neat. I didn't expect any word on this so soon. But more pins probably equals more functions that they could put on there. I think it'd be fun if they came out with a couple of versions, maybe one pretty basic, and a real Cadillac.

An optional grip probably *would* be a good place to put a GPS option... keep the basic body from getting any bigger or more expensive over it for those with no need of it.

fejker · 05-04-2009, 09:25 AM

I was wondering why a GPS module would help photography. I can't think of a reason why this would be useful. I'm asking for real and I'm not teasing anyone. Can someone please explain this to me.

arpaagent · 05-04-2009, 09:36 AM

it's used for automatic geo-tagging of your images so that you know where you took a particular picture. It would be accurate down to a few meters I guess. Of course, it doesn't help with making better pictures.

I could see it being a neat feature for a world traveler who likes to remember where they took a certain photo without having to individually tag every photo.

-Jim

gnaztee · 05-04-2009, 09:36 AM

I'll give you my answer. Yesterday I was out driving around an unexplored (for me) area in Southern Arizona. All dirt roads, poorly marked, no readily identifiable landmarks. Unfortunately, because I was passing through at mid-day, many of the photogenic scenes were under poor light. However, I live close enough to come back several times and plan on returning when it's storm season, or for sunrise/sunset photography. A GPS would have given me an easy way of recording the scene I want to return to later. Are there other ways of achieving this? Sure, but this seems the easiest to me, especially if I was hiking to many of these spots.

This may not be everyone's idea of a use for GPS, but I would love to have it for this reason.

Todd

fejker · 05-04-2009, 09:44 AM

I guess I'm the only one who wouldn't find it useful as I use my phone's GPS module to tell me where I am. And most of the times I really know where I'm taking a photo.

Almost immediately battery consumption comes to mind. I take it the GPS module would use up precious battery juice and in order to function properly it would have to have a clear view of the sky (triangulation is a bi*ch). I know how fast my phone's battery depletes with GPS tracking turned on and it's 1500mAh 3.7V 5.6Wh.

If I'm missing some part of the advanced technology the GPS modules in digital cameras use, someone please correct me. I know the Nikon D200 used GPS tagging, but I have no experience with that camera.

gnaztee · 05-04-2009, 10:12 AM

I'm sure you're not the only one. On the other hand, phone batteries go dead too, and it's easier for me to carry around backup batteries for the camera than the phone.

Ratmagiclady · 05-04-2009, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by fejker

I guess I'm the only one who wouldn't find it useful as I use my phone's GPS module to tell me where I am. And most of the times I really know where I'm taking a photo.

Almost immediately battery consumption comes to mind. I take it the GPS module would use up precious battery juice and in order to function properly it would have to have a clear view of the sky (triangulation is a bi*ch). I know how fast my phone's battery depletes with GPS tracking turned on and it's 1500mAh 3.7V 5.6Wh.

If I'm missing some part of the advanced technology the GPS modules in digital cameras use, someone please correct me. I know the Nikon D200 used GPS tagging, but I have no experience with that camera.

Haha. You know, it just occurred to me that built-in GPS could make a nice anti-theft device, like Lojack for your camera.

I believe the Nikons just link with a separate receiver, which might work OK. I would think serious outdoorsey types would carry a unit of their preference.

falconeye · 05-04-2009, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by gnaztee

I'm sure you're not the only one. On the other hand, phone batteries go dead too, and it's easier for me to carry around backup batteries for the camera than the phone.

I said it in another thread ... I am absolutely happy with my logger sitting in my photobag. Switches on and off based on movements and always had power and fix (so far -- it recharges when I sync). All my photos geotagged to ~5m exact. Geosetter.de adds to the joy of taking photos, so isn't a burden at all.

fejker · 05-04-2009, 10:21 AM

I agree Ratmagiclady. I'm just concerned that Pentax will pack too much "good" stuff in their new camera so we'll need to carry a bag of batteries with us.
With my K10D and D-BG2 I can shoot for nearly a week in the mountains without a single recharge.

Ratmagiclady · 05-04-2009, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by fejker

I agree Ratmagiclady. I'm just concerned that Pentax will pack too much "good" stuff in their new camera so we'll need to carry a bag of batteries with us.
With my K10D and D-BG2 I can shoot for nearly a week in the mountains without a single recharge.

I wouldn't be able to speak to the practicalities, but I do think in general, that grips are a great place to put all kinds of things people might like... I could see them making a really big one just to have lots of extra battery power for those who want to use the video a lot. Maybe run some lights.

I'm kind of in the 'make it the best still camera possible and let the rest fall where it may' camp, myself. I'm just now waiting on my BG-2, mostly I'm just hoping it'll augment my steadiness and just get me out the door faster, (I drive my sweetie nuts with dithering sometimes, knowing there's always plenty of juice and a spare card with the camera will be two fewer things to wonder about when I switch bags.

) Don't need much, myself. I think if there was a bunch of choices, I might go for one which offered more shooting controls. Maybe some hot keys you could use for settings or some such.

sveinmb · 05-07-2009, 03:11 AM

I'm not too sure if the extra contacts on this new grip adds that much fancy electronics into the mix. Given all the contacts on the BG2 I would almost assume that they use at least one pin for each button on the grip. Just add a few more buttons on this new grip (the dedicated iso button, an af button, a live view button ?) and you'll add a few more pins as well.

If the K-7 uses a more advanced battery with electronics for monitoring inside the battery itself, like on a laptop or a cellphone, this can also add a couple of pins.

That said you don't need a lot of contact points for serial communication like SDIO either..

ogl · 05-07-2009, 05:29 AM

Exclusively designed for the PENTAX K-7 camera body, the Battery Grip D-BG4 is
powered by???????????????????????????????
To facilitate vertical-position shooting, this grip features ?????????????????????
It also provides ???????????????????????????as the camera body itself.

RBellavance · 05-07-2009, 07:10 AM

Originally posted by ogl

Are you sure? I'm not.

Since you have edited the message I was quoting, I have deleted my theory about the power source.

ogl · 05-07-2009, 07:14 AM

But your idea is interesting.

05-07-2009, 05:29 AM	#28
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Exclusively designed for the PENTAX K-7 camera body, the Battery Grip D-BG4 is powered by??????????????????????????????? To facilitate vertical-position shooting, this grip features ????????????????????? It also provides ???????????????????????????as the camera body itself. Last edited by ogl; 05-07-2009 at 07:01 AM.

05-07-2009, 07:10 AM	#29
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by ogl Are you sure? I'm not. Since you have edited the message I was quoting, I have deleted my theory about the power source. Last edited by RBellavance; 05-07-2009 at 08:20 AM.

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05-04-2009, 06:36 AM	#16
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	Originally posted by ogl BG2 - 17 pins. Corrected. If it has all the features I think it has, I might finally be a BG user

05-04-2009, 09:21 AM	#17
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Ha, neat. I didn't expect any word on this so soon. But more pins probably equals more functions that they could put on there. I think it'd be fun if they came out with a couple of versions, maybe one pretty basic, and a real Cadillac. An optional grip probably would be a good place to put a GPS option... keep the basic body from getting any bigger or more expensive over it for those with no need of it.

05-04-2009, 09:25 AM	#18
fejker Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 258	I was wondering why a GPS module would help photography. I can't think of a reason why this would be useful. I'm asking for real and I'm not teasing anyone. Can someone please explain this to me.

05-04-2009, 09:36 AM	#19
arpaagent Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 803	it's used for automatic geo-tagging of your images so that you know where you took a particular picture. It would be accurate down to a few meters I guess. Of course, it doesn't help with making better pictures. I could see it being a neat feature for a world traveler who likes to remember where they took a certain photo without having to individually tag every photo. -Jim

05-04-2009, 09:36 AM	#20
gnaztee Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 772	I'll give you my answer. Yesterday I was out driving around an unexplored (for me) area in Southern Arizona. All dirt roads, poorly marked, no readily identifiable landmarks. Unfortunately, because I was passing through at mid-day, many of the photogenic scenes were under poor light. However, I live close enough to come back several times and plan on returning when it's storm season, or for sunrise/sunset photography. A GPS would have given me an easy way of recording the scene I want to return to later. Are there other ways of achieving this? Sure, but this seems the easiest to me, especially if I was hiking to many of these spots. This may not be everyone's idea of a use for GPS, but I would love to have it for this reason. Todd

05-04-2009, 09:44 AM	#21
fejker Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 258	I guess I'm the only one who wouldn't find it useful as I use my phone's GPS module to tell me where I am. And most of the times I really know where I'm taking a photo. Almost immediately battery consumption comes to mind. I take it the GPS module would use up precious battery juice and in order to function properly it would have to have a clear view of the sky (triangulation is a bi*ch). I know how fast my phone's battery depletes with GPS tracking turned on and it's 1500mAh 3.7V 5.6Wh. If I'm missing some part of the advanced technology the GPS modules in digital cameras use, someone please correct me. I know the Nikon D200 used GPS tagging, but I have no experience with that camera.

05-04-2009, 10:12 AM	#22
gnaztee Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 772	I'm sure you're not the only one. On the other hand, phone batteries go dead too, and it's easier for me to carry around backup batteries for the camera than the phone.

05-04-2009, 10:17 AM	#23
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by fejker I guess I'm the only one who wouldn't find it useful as I use my phone's GPS module to tell me where I am. And most of the times I really know where I'm taking a photo. Almost immediately battery consumption comes to mind. I take it the GPS module would use up precious battery juice and in order to function properly it would have to have a clear view of the sky (triangulation is a bi*ch). I know how fast my phone's battery depletes with GPS tracking turned on and it's 1500mAh 3.7V 5.6Wh. If I'm missing some part of the advanced technology the GPS modules in digital cameras use, someone please correct me. I know the Nikon D200 used GPS tagging, but I have no experience with that camera. Haha. You know, it just occurred to me that built-in GPS could make a nice anti-theft device, like Lojack for your camera. I believe the Nikons just link with a separate receiver, which might work OK. I would think serious outdoorsey types would carry a unit of their preference.

05-04-2009, 10:20 AM	#24
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by gnaztee I'm sure you're not the only one. On the other hand, phone batteries go dead too, and it's easier for me to carry around backup batteries for the camera than the phone. I said it in another thread ... I am absolutely happy with my logger sitting in my photobag. Switches on and off based on movements and always had power and fix (so far -- it recharges when I sync). All my photos geotagged to ~5m exact. Geosetter.de adds to the joy of taking photos, so isn't a burden at all.

05-04-2009, 10:21 AM	#25
fejker Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 258	I agree Ratmagiclady. I'm just concerned that Pentax will pack too much "good" stuff in their new camera so we'll need to carry a bag of batteries with us. With my K10D and D-BG2 I can shoot for nearly a week in the mountains without a single recharge.

05-04-2009, 12:17 PM	#26
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by fejker I agree Ratmagiclady. I'm just concerned that Pentax will pack too much "good" stuff in their new camera so we'll need to carry a bag of batteries with us. With my K10D and D-BG2 I can shoot for nearly a week in the mountains without a single recharge. I wouldn't be able to speak to the practicalities, but I do think in general, that grips are a great place to put all kinds of things people might like... I could see them making a really big one just to have lots of extra battery power for those who want to use the video a lot. Maybe run some lights. I'm kind of in the 'make it the best still camera possible and let the rest fall where it may' camp, myself. I'm just now waiting on my BG-2, mostly I'm just hoping it'll augment my steadiness and just get me out the door faster, (I drive my sweetie nuts with dithering sometimes, knowing there's always plenty of juice and a spare card with the camera will be two fewer things to wonder about when I switch bags. ) Don't need much, myself. I think if there was a bunch of choices, I might go for one which offered more shooting controls. Maybe some hot keys you could use for settings or some such.

05-07-2009, 03:11 AM	#27
sveinmb Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Norway Posts: 127	I'm not too sure if the extra contacts on this new grip adds that much fancy electronics into the mix. Given all the contacts on the BG2 I would almost assume that they use at least one pin for each button on the grip. Just add a few more buttons on this new grip (the dedicated iso button, an af button, a live view button ?) and you'll add a few more pins as well. If the K-7 uses a more advanced battery with electronics for monitoring inside the battery itself, like on a laptop or a cellphone, this can also add a couple of pins. That said you don't need a lot of contact points for serial communication like SDIO either..

05-07-2009, 07:14 AM	#30
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	But your idea is interesting.