+Crusso Posted April 9, 2005 Share Posted April 9, 2005 Check this out: The Ricoh Pro G3 is lightweight and features a 3.34 Mega-pixel sensor, an optical zoom, and a screw mount for accessory lenses. The removable GPS unit, which is not much larger than a matchbook, protrudes from the bottom of the camera, but does not dramatically affect its balance or weight. The on-board GPS unit is accurate from between one to five meters, depending on the number of satellites it is in contact with. The camera also has video and audio recording capabilities, and direct connectivity to IP networks via wired or wireless LAN. The cameras sent to Iraq were “ruggedized” with a thick rubber casing that covers most of the unit except for essential functions such as shutter release and viewfinder. Of the twenty-five or so cameras used in Iraq, only two experienced any element-related problems, which is an impressive rate compared to similar equipment in the theater. The camera also proved durable in Alaska, where it was in use by the Forest Service. The camera also has also been popular with a variety of civilian professions. The mapping capabilities have already proven beneficial to archaeologists, insurance agents, and realtors among others. FEMA used the camera to assess storm damage in the southeastern United States, and one police department has found the camera useful in its graffiti abatement efforts by helping to identify tagging patterns. The company ESRI makes GIS (Geographic Information System) software, known as Arc Map for civilian use. The military uses of GPS-enhanced cameras are still being explored, and some classified applications are probably already being tested. Ricoh currently supports external laser range-finder technology. This would allow the camera to receive a coordinate reading not only from the camera’s position, but also of the object being photographed. It is easy to imagine how this feature would enhance the camera’s capabilities in reconnaissance and target-acquisition. Quote Link to comment
+zcubed Posted April 9, 2005 Share Posted April 9, 2005 How much? Probably spendy. Quote Link to comment
+The Puzzler Posted April 9, 2005 Share Posted April 9, 2005 This GPS camera idea is pretty nifty sounding, but the same type of photo-mapping is done with any regular digital camera and a GPS using QuakeMap. It is very cool and very easy. QuakeMap is only $9 to register. It is a very decent topo map/satellite image software, and most relevant to this topic, it plots photos on maps based on the time-stamp that all digital images have on them and the time stamp on a track that you download from your GPS. No need for a special camera or GPS. Just use the ones you already have. That being said, the camera mentioned above probably puts a location stamp on the image files along with time stamps, and that would be handy, if not necessary. Quote Link to comment
+Prime Suspect Posted April 9, 2005 Share Posted April 9, 2005 Nothing really new. This has been discussed (as recently as a month ago) here, here, and here, for starters. Quote Link to comment
BCR Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 Nothing really new. This has been discussed (as recently as a month ago) You realize this is the GC.com forums? Most new topics have already been discussed here. Quote Link to comment
Larry H Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 How much? Probably spendy. spendy indeed Quote Link to comment
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