Peter K. Burian |
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New GPS Units for Nikon DSLRs
I recently tested two new GPS devices - dedicated to Nikon DSLR cameras - called EasyTag.They start at under $150 and work incredibly well. from EasyTagger. I can highly recommend them. (They use their own battery so they do NOT drain the camera's battery.
http://e-geotag.com/ From my Review: Pros: * Well-built, nicely-finished and packaged but surprisingly affordable
* The Bluetooth B1 kit eliminates the wired connection; other Bluetooth kits are available for pairing two or more Bluetooth receivers on two or more cameras, if desired
* Long battery life: 8-10 hours for the wired unit and 5-7 hours for the Bluetooth B1 unit
* Until the battery is exhausted, it does not consume power from the camera's battery, a significant benefit over some competing GPS kits
* Unlike most photo GPS units, includes a built-in 2-axis magnetic sensor compass
* Compact, lightweight (1.8 oz.), rugged
* Unlike most photo GPS kits, includes a hotshoe extender and a belt for attaching the head unit to the camera strap
* Simple to use in most respects; fast and very reliable in most locations
* Great accuracy re: location; barometric altimeter is unusually accurate
* Continues geo-tagging images indoors, though not with 100% accuracy
* Provides route tracking (tracklog) capability - useful with Google Maps or Google Earth -- a feature that's not common with most other GPS kits
* Unlike many photo GPS units, allows for the use of a remote release accessory (wired, wireless or infrared) while the GPS cable or the Bluetooth receiver is attached to the camera
Cons
* Owner's manual requires a file download
* Full battery charge requires up to 4 hours
* Receiver's LED status light can be difficult to see in bright locations
* Compass calibration is a bit tedious but probably not required again unless you travel to a new location thousands of miles away
* No hotshoe lock is available
* The compass may not be accurate if the GPS receiver unit is attached to the camera strap
* The route tracking data download and display process is not as simple/intuitive as other EasyTag options; see the instructional video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6ErJfm6zC4&feature=related
The Bottom Line from my Review:
After geo-tagging images with various devices, I'm definitely hooked on the concept and I take full advantage of it when traveling. While testing the EasyTag products, I was particularly pleased with several of its benefits as discussed in the Pro section above. The built-in battery may be the most valuable aspect. This feature ensures that the unit will not deplete the camera's battery while I'm out shooting for many hours.
June 30, 2011
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Peter K. Burian |
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the Bluetooth EasyTag unit
Peter K. Burian |
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The wired EasyTag unit
Peter K. Burian |
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There is a wired unit AND one that uses Bluetooth; the latter eliminates the need for the cable from the camera to the GPS Reciver.
June 30, 2011
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