Wherever you go....There you are....

GeoTag your digital photos with Sony's New

GPS Image tracker
Mini GPS and Software

Sony’s GPS-CS1KA GPS Image tracker is compatible with any digital camera. Record the time, date and location to each shot you take. You can use with any of camera since now Picture Motion Browser software is included in GPS-CS1KA. Once the images and data are on your PC, the supplied image tracker software synchronizes the photos with latitude, longitude and time reading from the GPS-CS1KA unit. Activate the Picture Motion Browser software are your photos will pop up next to push pins on Google maps by the actual location where you shot the picture.

From the Sony Press Release:

Sony Electronics today announced a GPS device that puts your pictures on the map.

Using time and location recordings from Sony’s GPS-CS1 GPS device and the time stamp from a Sony digital still camera or camcorder, photo buffs can plot their digital images to a map and pinpoint exactly where they’ve been.

The 12-channel GPS unit is 3-½ inches long, weighs two ounces, and is sold with a carabineer to easily attach to a backpack or a belt loop.

“Whether you’re traveling to the Seven Wonders of the World, or just wondering where to buy your next house, our new GPS device can track your journey,” said David Johns, product manager for digital camera accessories at Sony Electronics. “Adding a geographic context to your digital images helps organize and make use of your photos in entirely new ways.”

To arrange your pictures geographically, import the logged data from the GPS device, using the supplied USB cable, and then download the digital images to a computer. The supplied GPS Image Tracker software synchronizes the images on your digital camera with the latitude, longitude and time readings from the GPS-CS1 device.

Once synchronized, your photos can become virtual push pins on an online map by activating the Picture Motion Browser software bundled with the latest Sony cameras and camcorders released after July. You can easily add new photos and coordinates to the mapping web site, courtesy of Google Maps, and showcase years of globe-trotting.

The GPS-CS1 GPS device will be available for about $150 at retail stores

UPDATE:

Amazon currently has it on sale here:
Sony GPSCS1KA GPS Unit Kit,
$103.41 with free shipping

For the Photographer who has everything...

Destined to become the next "Must Have" Digital Camera Accessory

Without further ado we present the Rakuten Ear Wax Camera w/Cleaner. Although a huge hit at the 2007 PMA show it is still unclear when it will be available outside Japan. It was hinted that versions for Canon, Nikon, and Sony SLR's would be available in the summer with the Leica and Pentax versions available by fall, there just not sure of which year.

Currently the model that is selling in Japan has been hugely successful and is nearly sold out. It is common in Japan for the camera stores to make their own modifications to products to fit customers equipment, so making it adaptable to your specific camera out of the box is not as important in Japan.

The Rakuten Ear Wax Camera w/Cleaner has a camera lens w/light at one end and a viewer at the other end — allowing users to see built-up ear wax. It’s powered by a single 9V battery and is made from anti-bacterial ASB resin/glass/stainless steel. Available now from Rakuten at the price of $87.

Cameras for Combat....

Do you want your gear to outlive you?

There are quite a few folks from Combat Photogs to Hunters to just the Accident Prone who have found ingenious ways to protect and adapt their cameras to their environment. Camera Armor is makes Body Armor for your DSLR.


The ad states " Your camera is most likely to be damaged when it is being used. Camera Armor is the only full time protection for your camera. We shield while you shoot. Camera Armor is always on your camera protecting from scratches, dirt and drops, while leaving you in full control of the creative process. All controls are accessible and you can take great pictures with the peace of mind that our protection brings."

Alright it may look a bit odd, but with the price of todays high end DSLR's this may be a smart investment when you head into an environment prone to shock and impacts.

Current DLSR's supported include; Canon 5D, Canon 30D, Canon 400D/Rebel XTI, Nikon D70 and D70S, Nikon D80, Nikon D200, Sony Alpha A100, Nikon D40, and Canon 1Ds, Mark II.

Currently on sale for $14 to $34 at Amazon.com



After you have your body armor now you need to make your gear a little less conspicuous. For the DIY inclined airbrushing your gear not only is simple but also looks quite cool and serious. Here is a tutorial on camera camouflage that will completely transform your gear A REAL camoflage camera/lens cover

Finally for those of us who don't want a permanent camera camo solution, neoprene lens covers and camera skins are available. LensCoat makes a complete line for Canon Nikon & Sigma telephoto lenses, offering protection from bumps, jars and nicks, with a camouflage-pattern fabric cover. Lens Covers also provide a thermal barrier, protecting your hands from cold lenses in lower temperatures. They are easy to install and remove, leaving no residue on the lens. And LensCoat lens covers are waterproof!

All this should provide the maximum protection to photographers in the harshest conditions, like Weddings!