Canon GP-E2 GPS Reciever

The GP-E2 unit adds a much-requested function to the EOS 7D (with a firmware update), EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III cameras. It provides GPS data and time functions to these cameras to help photographers to track and sort their images.

Who is it for?

Any photographer who travels will appreciate the ability to geo-tag images. A landscape photographer will be able to exactly locate where images were taken, and wildlife photographers will be able to use their images to help track animal movements. For photojournalists, having the GPS data will add another layer of veracity to their images by showing the client exactly where they were taken. The GP-E2 unit will additionally find use among police and military photographers who also need to locate where images were taken.

Key features

• High-sensitivity GPS chip
• Digital compass
• UTC time setting
• Logging function
• Universal fitting
• Powered by 1x AA battery

The GP-E2 offers GPS tagging and logging abilities to help you to locate exactly where your images are taken. The unit has a universal fitting so it can be used with the EOS 5D Mark III and with other future EOS models.

It can be attached to a camera in one of two ways – either directly on to the hotshoe, where the GPS data will be transferred through the hotshoe (with compatible cameras*), or it can be mounted to a bracket and connected to the camera with a cable. When attached to a camera it will provide latitude, longitude, altitude, direction and Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) to the camera (all of which will be stored in the EXIF data fields).

The unit can also be used in a third way: not attached to the camera, but simply stored in your camera bag or in a pocket. When not attached, it can’t provide the GPS data directly to each file created on the camera; instead it stores your location and creates a log file of where you have been. The location is stored at user-defined intervals from every second up to every five minutes. This data is then used with the included Map Utility software. Map Utility shows a map with your GPS track overlaid on it and allows you to attach images to the track log, which will then take the GPS data and apply it to the EXIF fields of the images. Used in this way, the Map Utility software and GP-E2 unit can be used with images from any EOS digital camera.

When used in logging mode, the GPS tracks are stored in the unit’s internal memory. The more often you set the GP-E2 to log a data point, the faster the internal memory will fill. However, at the default logging interval of 15 seconds, assuming eight hours logging each day there is sufficient space for about two months of logs before the memory fills.

(* As of 2 March 2012 compatible cameras are the EOS-1D X and the EOS 5D Mark III.)

• GPS receiver

The GP-E2 unit uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to search for satellite signals. In good conditions a strong signal will be detected within 30 to 60 seconds of start-up. After acquisition, the GP-E2 will remain on standby. The high-sensitivity receiver ensures that even in ‘urban canyons’ with tall buildings, working with the GP-E2 should still be possible.

• Digital compass

A built-in geomagnetic sensor to calculate direction and an acceleration sensor to compensate for movement are included within the GP-E2. This helps increase accuracy and, when mounted on the camera, will allow you to determine which way you were pointing when viewing the images on the map overlay later. The information from the two sensors is recorded along with the location GPS data. The camera direction at any given time can be shown on the rear LCD screen, both when viewing the electronic level and during Live View shooting.

• Auto time setting

GPS satellites contain a very accurate atomic clock that transmits Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC). This data can be used by the GP-E2 to set the time on the camera it is attached to. In this way, it is possible to very accurately set the time of a camera automatically, wherever you are in the world.

• Map Utility

Included with the GP-E2 is software called Map Utility. When using the GP-E2 in logging mode, the log data is stored in the NMEA-0813 format compatible with many typical GPS devices. Google Earth, and other similar software don’t support the NMEA-0813 standard; instead these use KMZ files. As well as allowing you to view the log track within Map Utility and append data to captured images, the Map Utility software will also convert the NMEA-0813 format to KMZ format so you can use your logged data with other software.