Well, this is new

[i speak in math]

Pentax announced the PENTAX O-GPS1 unit. Other companies have GPS solutions, but this is a bit of a game changer for people who shoot the stars.

In addition to recording latitude, longitude, altitude, and universal time coordinated (UTC) of shooting locations and embedding the data, it also offers the advanced PENTAX original Astrotracer function, which works with the PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) system on select cameras for tracking and photographing celestial bodies.

The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets, and other bodies using the latitude obtained from GPS data and the camera’s alignment data (horizontal and vertical inclinations and aspect) obtained from its magnetic and acceleration sensors. Then, the unit shifts the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movement of the object(s).** As a result, stars and other bodies are captured as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures. The unit also simplifies astrophotography by requiring only a tripod and eliminating the need for additional accessories such as an equatorial telescope.

Digital Cameras and Accessories - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Pentax announced the PENTAX O-GPS1 unit. Other companies have GPS solutions, but this is a bit of a game changer for people who shoot the stars.

In addition to recording latitude, longitude, altitude, and universal time coordinated (UTC) of shooting locations and embedding the data, it also offers the advanced PENTAX original Astrotracer function, which works with the PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) system on select cameras for tracking and photographing celestial bodies.

The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets, and other bodies using the latitude obtained from GPS data and the camera’s alignment data (horizontal and vertical inclinations and aspect) obtained from its magnetic and acceleration sensors. Then, the unit shifts the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movement of the object(s).** As a result, stars and other bodies are captured as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures. The unit also simplifies astrophotography by requiring only a tripod and eliminating the need for additional accessories such as an equatorial telescope.

Digital Cameras and Accessories - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

Seems to be another step in the direction of trying to assert a foothold with 'adventure' photographers... certainly a very innovative addition.

[SwissJon]

I wonder how long you can keep the shutter open for this to stop working.. I guess the further north/south you point the lens, the slower the star movement, and a shorter lens would also help, but would it, for example, work if you point your lens at Polaris, where the rest of the stars appear to go in a cicles?

It's an innovative idea, but in practice I wonder how effective it is, whether it's more or less effective than a motorised tripod.

Still, nice idea.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

I wonder how long you can keep the shutter open for this to stop working.. I guess the further north/south you point the lens, the slower the star movement, and a shorter lens would also help, but would it, for example, work if you point your lens at Polaris, where the rest of the stars appear to go in a cicles?

It's an innovative idea, but in practice I wonder how effective it is, whether it's more or less effective than a motorised tripod.

Still, nice idea.

Since its the Earth that is moving and not the stars, all stars move at the same speed. Regarding Polaris, I assume the sensor will move in the same slow circular motion as the stars, thus making them remain as points instead of trails. I don't know about min or max shutter speeds.

[Durnik20]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Since its the Earth that is moving and not the stars, all stars move at the same speed. Regarding Polaris, I assume the sensor will move in the same slow circular motion as the stars, thus making them remain as points instead of trails. I don't know about min or max shutter speeds.

In so far as taking pictures of the stars, it seems kind of a waste of money. When shooting the stars you either want star trails, or you dont. If you want them obviously you dont need this, and if you dont, their are much better methods for it. After all, your sensor can only move so far, and you would be surprised how fast those little buggers race across the sky. You can build a barn door mount for next to nothing that solves that, you can buy an equitorial mount for the same or less (or much much more if you want fancy) that can let you take some really impressive stuff. That seems more like a novelty for star shooting.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by Durnik20

In so far as taking pictures of the stars, it seems kind of a waste of money. When shooting the stars you either want star trails, or you dont. If you want them obviously you dont need this, and if you dont, their are much better methods for it. After all, your sensor can only move so far, and you would be surprised how fast those little buggers race across the sky. You can build a barn door mount for next to nothing that solves that, you can buy an equitorial mount for the same or less (or much much more if you want fancy) that can let you take some really impressive stuff. That seems more like a novelty for star shooting.

Its obviously not meant for those looking for star trails. More for stuff like this:

http://www.amateurastronomy.com/Gall...iceimages.html

Where you are stacking multiple images and you need them to all be aligned correctly.

Having the GPS means you can do fewer but longer exposures without comprimising detail in the image with trails

This replaces the need for an equatorial mount. For those who are serious about it, those that would buy this, the mount would cost a lot more than this

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Since its the Earth that is moving and not the stars, all stars move at the same speed. Regarding Polaris, I assume the sensor will move in the same slow circular motion as the stars, thus making them remain as points instead of trails. I don't know about min or max shutter speeds.

This isn't quite true. The star trails are made from the earths spinning on it's axis, not from it's movement through space, so the closer the star is to the pole, the slower it's apparent movement, and the shorter the star trail. If you shoot straight up with a fairly long lens, this should be fine,and I guess anyone wanting to take their first steps into star photography will appreciate this, but shoot with a wide angle lens or angle the lens towards a pole, and unless the sensor spins (And I don't think that's how the vibration reduction works on the Pentax) at the particular point that is the axis of rotationI can't see how the camera will compensate. Also I don't imagine the vibration reduction mechanism is capable of moving the star very far accross the sensor, and since some of the star trails I've seen can be the width of the sensor, I wonder what happens to the capture once the camera reaches the limit of it's ability to compensate.

Additionally, by trying to reduce the star trail, you also induce motion blur on buildings and trees in the foreground.

Like I said, innovative idea. But I think it will have limited uses for anyone other than an amateur.. I think decent high ISO would be more useful, but I geuss Pentax figured they'd try something different.. Good for them.

[3bayjunkie]

haha this is so funny! i couldn't help but laugh when I read this! I can just imagine the fun you could have with this technology. "Stop the stars but everything else moves." Also, does the camera spin or the sensor when you are up near the poles. I am currently stationed in Alaska, 150 miles from the Arctic Circle

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

..., and unless the sensor spins (And I don't think that's how the vibration reduction works on the Pentax) at the particular point that is the axis of rotationI can't see how the camera will compensate.
.

SR has the ability to correct not only for horizontal and vertical motion, but also for rotation around the axis of the lens barrel. If you combine the rotation and horizontal/vertical movement, you should be able to compensate for off center rotation.

Not sure if they will have something like that implemented, but it is technically possible with their SR system.

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Also I don't imagine the vibration reduction mechanism is capable of moving the star very far accross the sensor, and since some of the star trails I've seen can be the width of the sensor, I wonder what happens to the capture once the camera reaches the limit of it's ability to compensate.

Good question. Perhaps it will limit the exposure time on the camera when in use to avoid such a problem?

[3bayjunkie]

This thread reminds me of the new Sigma "45 mpx" (15x3 cmos) 5fps burst. for 9 grand! WHAAAAAT!? Sigma SD1 Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review I think this new technology is both confusing and cool at the same time!