Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver

The Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver is a compact, lightweight GPS unit that sits on the hot shoe and makes it easy for photographers to geo-tag their images. A GPS Logger function also allows photographers to track their route by downloading GPS data at regular intervals, whether the unit is attached to the camera body or stored in its case. The GP-E2 is compatible with the EOS-1D X, EOS 7D (via Firmware update - connection via cable only - See our Further Details tab) and new EOS 5D Mark III, the GP-E2 tags photos with longitude, latitude and altitude data as well as the direction in which the shot was taken, adding information to the EXIF file of the image.

GPS Receiver GP-E2

• Hotshoe-mounted GPS unit for compatible EOS cameras - 7D requires Firmware Upgrade
• Embeds location and altitude data into each file's metadata
• Digital compass records heading information
• Data logging mode
• Portable design, powered by 1xAA battery
• Accurately set camera's time using UTC time

Key features

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.