Pentax has announced its new GPS unit for DSLR cameras, the Pentax O-GPS2*, although it will not be available until the end of 2022. A replacement for the original Pentax O-GPS1, it will provide more reliable, higher-precision positioning data of celestial bodies.
The Pentax O-GPS2* will also inherit the features of its predecessor, including the Astrotracer function, which couples the unit with the camera's SR (Shake Reduction) system for simplified tracing, which could make it one of the best pieces of astrophotography equipment around.
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The O-GPS2* is not scheduled for launch until the end of next year, however, reflecting the extended lead time caused by worldwide shortages and delays in the supply of electronic parts essential to product development and manufacturing.
Pentax is already phasing out the original O-GPS1, with is showing as out of stock or special delivery with many retailers. It is likely then to become unavailable some time before the new Pentax O-GPS2* is released.
The new Pentax O-GPS2* will remain a hotshoe-mounted unit that enables Реntах DЅLR uѕеrѕ to rесоrd lаtіtudе, lоngіtudе, аltіtudе and unіvеrѕаl tіmе со-оrdіnаtеd (UТС). It will most likely retain the Simple Navigation function, which calculates the direction and distance to a given destination from the user's current position, and the Еlесtrоnіс Соmраѕѕ feature, which displays the direction in which the user’s camera is pointing on its LCD monitor. Similarly, it should feature the same weather-resistant construction allowing it to be used in light rain and be powered by a single AAA battery, so the unit does not drain power from the camera.
That Pentax is looking 18 months ahead to release the DSLR-specific O-GPS2* shows that it is still fully committed to making new DSLRs such as the Pentax K3 Mark III, as well as supporting its existing products including the Pentax K70 and the Pentax K1 Mark II.
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