Ricoh announces second-generation GPS unit for DSLRs offering innovative features for astrophotography

PENTAX O-GPS2 provides reliable, high-precision positioning data, simplifies tracking, and enables spectacular photography of celestial bodies

PARSIPPANY, NJ, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX O-GPS2, a versatile GPS device designed for use with PENTAX* DSLR cameras that makes it easy to capture stellar images of the night sky. Developed as a successor to the PENTAX O-GPS1, the PENTAX O-GPS2 provides more reliable and accurate positioning data collected from GPS in the US, QZSS in Japan, GLONASS and Galileo.

When mounted on a compatible PENTAX DSLR camera body, the PENTAX O-GPS2 activates the advanced ASTROTRACER function, which pairs the device with the camera’s Shake Reduction (SR) system for easy tracing and photography of celestial bodies. The ASTROTRACER allows photographers to shoot longer exposures without star trails. The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets and other bodies using latitude obtained from location data and camera alignment data obtained from its magnetic and acceleration sensors , then moves the camera’s image sensor in sync with the movement of objects. The resulting images show stars and other bodies as solid dots rather than blurry streaks, even during long exposures. It also makes astrophotography much easier, as it only requires a tripod and eliminates the need for an additional accessory such as an equatorial telescope.

The PENTAX O-GPS2 records the latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time and direction of the shooting location on captured images. Image files containing location data can be used to track shooting locations and review location data on a PC. The location data stored on these files also makes it easier to sort and classify the saved images.

Other advanced applications offered by the PENTAX O-GPS2 include a simple navigation function, which calculates the direction and distance to a given destination from a current position, and an electronic compass function which displays the direction of the camera on its LCD screen with great precision.

| Pricing and Availability |The PENTAX O-GPS2 will be available end of June 2022 at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and authorized Ricoh Imaging outlets at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $179.95.

* Compatible models are PENTAX K-3 Mark III, KP, K-3, K-5II, K-5IIs, K-5, K-S2, K-S1, K-70, K-50, K-30, Kr, K-01, 645Z, 645D (from May 2022). Not all applications will support all models.

| Key Features of the PENTAX O-GPS2 |1. GPS Function for Effortless Recording of Shooting Location Data The O-GPS2 mounts to the hotshoe of a compatible camera and records latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time ( UTC) and the direction of the shooting location on the captured images. In addition to GPS in the United States and QZSS in Japan, GLONASS and Galileo can be newly received.

2. ASTROTRACER Simplifies Astrophotography When mounted on the corresponding PENTAX DSLR camera body, the O-GPS2 also offers the advanced ASTROTRACER function,** which pairs the device with the SR system (Shake Reduction) of the camera for effortless tracing and photographing celestial images. body. The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets and other bodies using latitude obtained from location data and camera alignment data (horizontal and vertical tilts and aspect) obtained from of its magnetic and acceleration sensors, then moves the camera’s image sensor in sync with the movement of objects. *** In the resulting image, stars and other bodies are captured as solid dots rather than blurry streaks, even during long exposures. It also makes astrophotography much easier, as it only requires a tripod and eliminates the need for an additional accessory such as an equatorial telescope. In addition to the normal ASTROTRACER: Type 1, ASTROTRACER: Type 2, available only when O-GPS2 is used with the PENTAX K-3 Mark III, enables the image sensor to track the movement of the celestial body at the half the speed of Type 1. The photographer can remove the flow of the landscape on the ground and shoot both the stars and the landscape in a balanced way.

** This function is only available when O-GPS2 is mounted on a PENTAX DSLR camera body equipped with an SR system.

*** ASTROTRACER run time may vary depending on photographic conditions.

3. Simple navigation calculates location data of destinations O-GPS2 offers a simple navigation function, which calculates the direction and distance to a given destination from the current position. The user can either locate destinations using the location data stored on the recorded images, or save and/or assign them by downloading the created location data to a PC.

4. Electronic compass function indicates and records direction The O-GPS2 is equipped with an electronic compass function, which displays the direction of the camera on its LCD screen with high accuracy. Using its magnetic sensor and location data, the device indicates the exposure relative to true north. The user can also record directional data on the captured images.

5. Other Features1) Weatherproof construction for use in light rain.2) Independent power source (one AAA battery) to eliminate the need for camera body power supply.

| About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation |

Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company, Ltd. Ricoh empowers digital workspaces using innovative technologies and services that enable people to work smarter. For more than 85 years, Ricoh has been at the forefront of innovation and is a leading provider of document management solutions, IT services, commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras and industrial systems. . Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh operates in approximately 200 countries and regions.

Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. was founded in 1919 and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the name PENTAX. Over 100 years later, now part of the Ricoh Group, Ricoh Imaging continues to produce the heritage-rich and award-winning PENTAX range of DSLR cameras, lenses and sports optics. Ricoh’s sleek and compact digital camera offering is known for its extensive and unique set of features.

For more information, visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com

© 2022 RICOH COMPANY, LTD. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

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SOURCE Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation