GP-E2 GPS accessory

[dyvroeth]

Anyone have any experience with this small Canon GP-E2 GPS unit ?

Has a MiniUSB connector or clips onto hot shoe of EOS 5D3 or 1DX and a MiniUSB connector only link to EOS 7D. It claims to write the GPS info directly into the EXIF data of the captured image. I am particularly interested in the accuracy of the results of this, having tried the JOBO photoGPS hotshoe unit and been only lukewarm with the results. (The JOBO doesn't write directly to EXIF in the camera, but with the supplied s/ware, the data can be inserted - see below).

I realise that the GPS signals are degraded for non-military use, but can the GP-E2 get within 10m in x, y (or z) ? The JOBO unit was particularly poor in z, but again part of that a function of the GPS signal.

Any feedback welcome, especially as these are around £200.

(For info: My JOBO photoGPS review can be found here https://www.flickr.com/groups/geotagging/discuss/72157622565078473/ )

Thanks.

[Wayne Els]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

GPS selective availability (non-military degradation) was turned off a couple of years ago. A raw GPS receiver should be within 10m if you have a good view of the sky. Tall buildings and heavy foliage can effect the accuracy. If the unit accepts egnos/waas augmentation this should be around 3m (X & Y) Z is less accurate as the systems can't differentiate vertically as well between the different satellites.

As to the unit itself, sorry can't comment. My 6D has this feature built in and seems to be ok although I've not been using it all the time or that interested in its accuracy. It does put the location directly into the exif.

[colin C]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

I think I am missing something. I knew GPS was available as an extra for the 1Dx and built-in on the 6D, but why? What's its purpose? Yes you say, the position is added to the Exif so you know where you took the shot. Well excuse me, I may be over 40 (no sniggering at the back), but I still remember where I took all of my shots, even going back to film days and that's quite a few thousand images under the bridge, quite a few above the bridge and even more in the air!

I can see it may be of some use if I ever have Alzheimer's, except that I'll probably forget I had GPS to start with! Is it so other people can look at your work and go to exactly the same spot to take exactly the same shot? Goodness, do they want me to meet them their and press the shutter button?

Or is it a Canon USP (Unique Selling Point) to get one over the opposition. If so its another modern solution to a problem that I never had. I go back to my original point that I must be missing something because I still can't see the point of it. If someone has a convincing argument for the merit of this piece of software I would be very glad to hear it.

[ST-EOS]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

Colin I'm with you on the use/need but... I'm also aware that the Software Company starting with "A" have as part of one of their products the ability for said software to position the image (using the GPS coordinates) on a map of the world!
I will repeat "I'm with you on the use/need"

[colin C]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

Colin I'm with you on the use/need but... I'm also aware that the Software Company starting with "A" have as part of one of their products the ability for said software to position the image (using the GPS coordinates) on a map of the world!
I will repeat "I'm with you on the use/need"

How wonderful .............. our lives will never be the same! :)

[jimsphotography]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

In response to Colin's point about is GPS picture tagging of any use - I would say not.
But then last August I was asked to submit an image to a web site who then asked where exactly had it been taken. Since it was a night shot taken after several hours of wandering about blindly trying to find the right composition I hadn't a clue where exactly it was taken until it suddenly occurred to me the said picture had been GPS tagged. I supplied them with the coordinates and they seem delighted by that. Other that one occasion I have never had any real use for it.
James

[Illy]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

Location, location, location - If you submit photos to the likes of Panoramio or Geograph (OS mapping) built in camera GPS and/or bolt on devices is the best tool ever invented.

[SamFisher]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

I remember back in the old days of Velvia etc, I did a lot of hillwalking and took record shots of the hike.
This consisted of a few views from the top, a shot of where I'd walked from and where I was heading to.
When the mounted slides came back or if I had processed them myself sometimes the mounts weren't numbered so if they got mixed up I hadn't a clue as to what I was looking at.
This is where the GPS facility would be a Godsend.
On the 6D, I often set up the built in GPS and activate it for the first few shots then disable it as it drains the battery fairly quickly - even with the camera switched off!!

Mike

[MX5]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

Well I use Geosetter for adding geodata to the Exif after the event should I need to (but then I carry a conventional GPS on my travels to record the GPX). Knowing exactly where a picture was taken can be useful ... but not very often as I can usually remember. But inbuilt GPS does tend to drain batteries (like SWMBO'd Panasonic). So useful if you like maps etc.

[Coryman]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

When on a fish collecting trip in Peru, the feature proved invaluable. We had collected several fish species that were new to science (un-described), these were photographed at the catching location along with habitat images. The catch location is an integral part of a species description and having the GPS built into the camera eliminates the need to carry a separate GPS unit and having to physically record locations. OK a limited specialist use for the GPS feature, but having said that I think for anyone going on safari type trips it would be a very useful tool.

Just my 2 pence worth.

Ian

[Nathaniel]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

One of the reasons I bought the 6D was it's built in GPS facility, although I still have not used it. I hope to read the instructions booklet thoroughly over the coming weeks and start using it,when necessary. Over the years I have collected so many pics that I am very often lost where and when I took them.

[Columbarius]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

When on a fish collecting trip in Peru

That sounds like a really exciting trip to be on!

[colin C]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

One of the reasons I bought the 6D was it's built in GPS facility, although I still have not used it.

Not much of a reason then Nat if you haven't used it yet! He, he.

[Woolley]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

In theory, you can use the co-ordinates to put onto Google Earth exactly where you were standing and which way you were facing. If only I could get Google Earth to work...

It's also excellent for identifying where you live when you advertise something on E-Bay so that someone can come round and nick it.

[dyvroeth]

Re: GP-E2 GPS accessory

Thank you for the contributions so far. I have a pressing need for an independent, accurate record of position and orientation, a bit similar to Coryman. Thanks to SamFisher for comment re battery drain.

Can we focus on the accuracy (or otherwise) of the GP-E2 unit in this thread, please ? Any quantitative assessments welcome.

Whether it's a gimmick or not, can be discussed elsewhere. You can see my views on the JOBO photoGPS in the review I linked to when the thread was opened.