Nikon GP-1 GPS unit

Nikon has introduced an official GPS accessory for some Dx models, the Nikon GP-1.
It includes cables to connect to the new D90, as well as to the 10-pin connector on other models like the D200 and D300.

The tech specs don't give any information about the GPS sensor used.  The main info available is:

Time required for satellite acquisition: Approx. 45 sec. (cold start), approx. 5 sec. (hot start)

Power source: Supplied from camera body

http://nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Photography-Accessories/Miscellaneous/25396/GP-1-GPS-Unit.html

The geocoding is done in-camera, and links to maps will be is provided by ViewNX version 1.2 software.  The download is available from Current Versions of Nikon Software.

via Geotagging Flickr

UPDATE 2008-09-26: I have been working to get additional information from Nikon, I asked them a number of questions.  I do have an answer from them on how the GP-1 (and the P6000) will handle the issue of lost GPS fix (e.g. inside a building).

My Question #3. How are you managing the positioning in either challenging environments (urban canyon) or zero-GPS environments (inside buildings)?  Does it use the last good position fix?

Nikon Answer: Like the COOLPIX 6000, the GP-1 GPS Unit has the ability to offer to the customer the choice (via menu settings) how long the GPS will hold the last position in the event satellite reception is lost.

ENDUPDATE

UPDATE 2008-12-09: CNet Underexposed blog reports on December 3, 2008 that the GP-1 has finally showed up in some online store listings, at a price of U$210, but not in stock for ordering yet.  (No sign of it in Amazon.com at all so far.)

UPDATE 2008-12-11: Further digging at Amazon.com uncovers a listing, but it says Currently unavailable. In case it helps you with your searching, the Nikon part number they're showing is VWD-100-01

UPDATE: 2009-01-26: Amazon is now showing GP-1 units available for purchase.  At U$238 it's still more than twice the price of an average stand-alone GPS logger, but it has a huge convenience factor by providing in-device geotagging.

Comments

[John Clews]

Just googled gp-1 problem and found this page as one of many. Had the same problem, and only after 13 months of not very much use. The design of the plug on the camera end has a design fault and has come apart leaving the wires exposed, Nikon have been sent the photographs and have decided not to replace it as their warranty does not cover wear and tear.

Unfortunately the last 6000GBP I've just spent on Nikon does not warrant me being considered a good or loyal customer to their brand as I have been using Nikon professional equipment for the last 20 odd years.

Jumping ship would be a costly business but with this sort of support I'm sure customers reading this or any other description of customer care from Nikon may decide to go Canon.