Sony GPS-CS1KA GPS Unit Kit

PMA 2007: The Sony GPS-CS1KA GPS Unit kit with Picture Motion Browser software provides image positioning and online mapping capabilities with a wide range of cameras. Picture Motion Browser software is compatible with all digital cameras conforming to the Exif 2.1 file specification. This means in practice that the GPS-CS1KA can now be used successfully with all digital cameras produced within the last few years, including most non-Sony models. The Sony GPS-CS1KA GPS Unit kit will be available throughout Europe from February 2007.

Sony Europe Press Release

Feb 27, 2007

* GPS-CS1KA GPS Unit kit with Picture Motion Browser software provides compatibility with a wide range of cameras
* On-line map display of JPEG images from all cameras supporting Exif 2.1 file specification
* Kit also includes soft carry case

27th February 2007 - The popular, ultra-compact GPS-CS1 GPS Unit brings the excitement of ‘where and when’ image positioning and online mapping to all digital camera users.

Available from this month, the GPS-CS1KA GPS Unit kit now includes Sony Picture Motion Browser software. Already supplied as standard with current Cyber-shot cameras, Handycam camcorders and the acclaimed Sony α100 DSLR, this easy-to-use PC* application matches photo dates and times with satellite-derived position information captured using the GPS-CS1. ‘Tagged’ images can then be displayed in situ on an online map, adding a fascinating ‘where and when’ dimension to enjoyment and management of photo libraries. (NB: Maps and satellite images powered by Google Maps).

Supplied on CD-ROM, Picture Motion Browser software is compatible with all digital cameras conforming to the Exif 2.1 file specification. This means in practice that the GPS-CS1KA can now be used successfully with all digital cameras produced within the last few years, including most non-Sony models. In addition to all current Cyber-shot and Handycam models, the package is compatible with the Sony α100 D-SLR camera when shooting in JPEG or JPEG+RAW mode.

The enhanced kit now also features a handy soft carry case that clips in seconds onto a camera case, shoulder strap or clothing. The protective case features a transparent window for visibility of battery and memory indicators plus easy access to the GPS unit’s power switch.

About the GPS-CS1 GPS Unit
The GPS-CS1 is a portable GPS (Global Positioning System) unit that records time and date information along with actual position wherever GPS satellite coverage is available. Supplied GPS Image Tracker software matches this position data with time and date information corresponding with each JPEG camera image. Using Sony Picture Motion Browser software, these location-tagged images can then be dropped automatically into an online map with outline, satellite, global or local viewing options. The compact GPS-CS1 weighs just 55g**. Its power-efficient design allows up to 10 hours continuous use with a single alkaline cell (14 hours with Ni-MH battery). The unit can hold approximately one month of tracking data (in use for 12 hours/day).

The GPS-CS1KA GPS Unit kit will be available throughout Europe from February 2007.

Key specifications:

* GPS reception method: 12 channel all-in-view tracking
* Image file format: JPEG file Exif2.1 compatible or later
* Power: AA Alkaline / AA Ni-MH battery
* Operating time (approx): 10hrs (varies depending on conditions)
* Dimensions (approx): W87 x H36 x D36mm
* Weight (approx): 55g without battery
* Interface: Hi-Speed USB2.0
* Operating system support: Windows® 2000 Professional, Windows® Millennium Edition, Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, Genuine Windows® XP Professional
* Supplied accessories: carabiner, USB cable, GPS Image Tracker software (CD-ROM)

* Windows OS only. Not compatible with Macintosh
** Excluding AA battery

Published: Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Reader Comments

1. "* Windows OS only. Not compatible with Macintosh".
   Come on Sony, what's wrong with Mac?

   Francois at 01:01pm on Wednesday, February 28, 2007

2. This looks fookin awesome

   Pete at 07:24pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2007

3. Not Mac compatiable eh? Bummer, but I'm sure there's ways & means around this.
   
   What about the 1 months worth of data capacity? What happens when you set off on a 6 mth world tour, as we're doing later this year? Can you simlpy download & backup the GPS data to CD at any Internet Cafe, then once we get back home 6 months later marry up the GPS data & pix? Or...?

   Grayskull at 12:18pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2007

4. This gadget works fine with my MacBook and there will be no problem working with it in any internet cafe.
   The unit has a USB port and will be recognized as a USB thumb drive upon connection to the computer (mac/pc). There's a FAT filesystem on the device and a subfolder /GPS which contains the GPS tracks, that have been recorded. Storage capacity is around 31MB. Although the supplied Sony Software cannot be used with OSX, there's ways around this: Use GPSBabel to convert the NMEA log to GPX and afterwards use GPSPhotoLinker to merge pictures and GPS data.

   froyde at 01:38pm on Monday, August 13, 2007