Hi,
Has anyone used a GPS unit with other cameras? I am toying with the idea of this equipment to use with my forthcoming D700, but also could use it with my D2X and D2HS I believe. I think it would be neat to have that info. in the image Metadata of one's images.

Any experience or comments on GPS use with a DSLR? I see in the D700 manual that the units and cables are specified, and am considering it,
Thanks, Debra

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For a direct connect to the D3/2/300/200/100 one needs a GPS with an RS-232 serial port that either goes to 9 pin D sub connector to the Nikon 10 pin plug and the GPS needs to send NMEA code at 4800 baud, there is no hardware or software hand shacking.

Note: this serial port is not the same as the USB port on most GPS units, this is a 3 or 4 wire port and most GPS units do not have it. Be very careful when reading the specifications of a GPS unit or getting information from a salesperson or customer support.

One can also record tracks or waypoints on the GPS and then transfer that data to the computer and add the GPS by use of software to the images. This option would also provide for the use of more than one camera at a time. This also eleminates the need for a connected GPS unit and the extra weight around the neck.

George
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Here's a fairly recent thread regarding Nikon DSLRs and GPS that includes a variety of options, some of which have received more current updates:

http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=set_threaded_mode&forum=149&topic_id=115398&prev_page=show_topic&gid=115398#115931

OldPhotos
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The unit you want is:
http://www.dawntech.hk/di-GPS/pro_1.htm

I have 2 of these units. Tiny. The size of a small box of wooden box of matches and work great! Nothing else comes close.
I've used 3 Garmins and I also have the di-GPS Mini. The a 4 inch cable to your 10 pin connector and your not fighting RS-232 and the long cables or the expense of the Nikon adapter.

I have one each on my camera strap of both my D3 and D300 permanently. This keeps the hotshoe free for the flash. I use the mini to swap around on my other camera.

D3, D300, D2X & D200
New 14-24 F2.8 too!
If your not shooting Nikon your doing
it WRONG!

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Thanks for the info. so far, I still have research I can see. I did see the serial port connection requirements, and the MC35 connector, so I'll take care in choosing,
Thank you, Debra

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Paul, did you test how many shots you get with a fully charged battery with vs. without the di-GPS?

I have read the positive reviews by Moose Peterson & Bjørn Rørslett. Bjørn mentioned the battery drain problem but apparently it was solved with the GPS feature firmware in the D300/D3/D700 & with new di-GPS models with a lower power consumption.

Do you leave it on or do you switch-it off between shots taken say, 15-30 minutes apart, like when hiking for example to save power at the cost of a longer acquisition time?

Bjørn mentions also the lack of 10 pin connector for a remote or cable release but the newer model you linked to now has that feature.

Jacques