[Alnjpn]

Hi everyone. I am a little unclear on which cameras have the Astrotracer GPS function actually built into the camera.

Am I right in assuming that the Pentax K3ii and KP have the Astrotracer GPS function built-in and if I wouldn't need to get the attachable GPS unit? However, with the K70 pr K3, I would need to get the GPS unit separately for the Astrotracer function to work?

Thanks,

[aslyfox]

read the chart in this article is quickest

O-GPS1 vs Built-in GPS Guide
Feature Comparison
Pentax camera models that support GPS functionality either do so through a built-in antenna or the O-GPS1 accessory. Note that cameras with built-in GPS do not support the O-GPS1.

Before we discuss specific features, and to help you budget your astrophotography, let's take a look at what features are supported by each camera model.

Read more at: O-GPS1 vs Built-in GPS Guide - Feature Comparison - In-Depth Articles

or

Pentax O-GPS1 GPS Unit
Introduction
The Pentax O-GPS1 unit is a small accessory unit that attaches to any K-01, K-5, K-r or 645D (or newer) camera flash hotshoe and provides geotagging of images (latitude, longitude, elevation), an electronic compass, and a simple navigator function. The GPS function also has the option of keeping the camera clock up-to-date. It was announced in June, 2011 and made available shortly thereafter.

On the K-5 & K-r, the unit also provides an Astrotracer function that allows the camera sensor to act as a simple equatorial mount for astrophotography. This allows for exposures of up to five minutes without incurring star trails on the photo.

Read more at: Pentax O-GPS1 GPS Unit Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

[pvanni]

KP doesnt have GPS built-in, you need the optional O-GPS1

[D1N0]

Only the K-3 II and the K-1 and K-1 II have the astro tracer built in (and presumably the K-3 III)

[shyrsio]

Only the K-3 II and the K-1 and K-1 II have the astro tracer built in (and presumably the K-3 III)

As far as I've noticed the K3 iii seems to lack the GPS antenna. the latest strip down of the camera revealed that.

[Alnjpn]

Thanks everyone for your help. Aslyfox that comparison article was exactly what I was looking for and answered all my questions..even ones I didn't know I had! Cheers

[stevebrot]

and presumably the K-3 III

Yep! It is right next to the works for the hybrid viewfinder and the other undocumented features.


Steve

[D1N0]

Yep! It is right next to the works for the hybrid viewfinder and the other undocumented features.


Steve

I get it. It's in the articulating screen instead of on top.

[stevebrot]

I get it. It's in the articulating screen instead of on top.

The antenna is built into the backside of the screen.


Steve

[DWS1]

The O-GPS 1 works good

[Breakfastographer]

This is the infographic you probably want:
Pentax camera model cheat sheet, v2 – breakfastographer

[sanjmaghera]

This is the infographic you probably want:
Pentax camera model cheat sheet, v2 – breakfastographer

Nice! What’s the “accelerator”?

[Breakfastographer]

Nice! What’s the “accelerator”?

It's a separate microprocessing unit ("chip") on the camera's motherboard that reduces noise, improves dynamic range, and adjusts saturation in high sensitivity images (high ISO). For the Pentax KP, it was a large part of the reason the camera competed very favourably against full frame models from other manufacturers, and it may in large part be the basis of Pentax' claim that the new camera (K-3 III) will be similarly competitive in image quality, maybe even more so.

[mikesbike]

The O-GPS 1 works good

Right. And then one has numerous camera models to choose from which may have other desirable features. There is only one current Pentax model in production having built-in GPS- the FF K-1 II. Speculation at this point, is the K-3 III will not have this feature, though I don't see why not, since it will have no built-in flash.