Geotagger

From Photography Wiki

The GPS system mounted on a D3

Introduction

The geotagger/GPS device presented here is a simple and cheap device which can be connected to most recent Nikon DSLRs. It can be found under different brand names, like Polaroid (the version tested here) or Opteka, to just name two of them. The biggest advantage of this device is to accurately record positioning information in the EXIF of your pictures (geotagging), at a very reasonable price. Next to the geotagging possibilities, there is also a standard wire remote control, something very useful when shooting on a tripod, to avoid any vibration.
GPS satellites acquisition can take some time. If you are in a "crowded" area, like between buildings in a city or close to trees, it can take minutes to acquire a signal, if you get any. In an open space, it will take at least 30 seconds before pictures get geotagged. While the signal is being acquired, a green LED will blink on the top of the receiver, and the GPS icon will blink on your DSLR top display (not on all bodies). When the GPS is fully operational, the LED stays green and GPS stops blinking on the top display.

Additional pictures

The box

The main unit

The pro 10 pins connector

The GPS type connector for the D7000

Mounted on the D7000

GPS activity shown on the top display

Box contents/specification

the small and light unit, hot shoe mountable (no contacts)
small carrying handle
cable for pro bodies
cable with GPS connector for other bodies
the remote control
simple user manual

Box contents

Pros and Cons

Pros

incredibly cheap (around 40 USD/EUR vs 200 USD/EUR for any "brand name" solution)
accurate positioning
works on the DSLR battery (no need for specific power source)
added remote control functionality
cables for both the pro bodies and the lower end bodies (like the D7000)

Cons

build quality is not perfect (small on/off switch seems fragile)
not always easy to find
drains power from your main DSLR battery
relatively long acquisition time (up to a few minutes to be operational if not in a totally open area)

Conclusion: highly recommended