(If you haven't guessed by now, these GPS modules aren't what I'd call "cheap.") Mapping your results For example, I recently took Solmeta's N3 for a spin on Nikon's D3S (though the company makes models for a huge swath of Nikon bodies) and found it to be far superior to other alternatives, despite costing "only" $189. Most major DSLR manufacturers offer GPS add-ons from $150 to $300, but oftentimes, the first-party solutions aren't the best. So long as you confirm that you have a fix prior to shooting, each image will boast precision location metadata right out of the memory card. The upside, however, is that there's no mess after shooting. The downside here is that you'll need to carry around an accessory, and generally, it sucks battery life from the camera itself in order to keep track of your whereabouts. My preferred method is using a direct-connect module - a GPS device that's specifically made for a camera body, enabling it to tap right into the camera's menu system and embed location data directly onto each image. But go ahead and be prepared to deal with missed tags, inaccurate readings and lots of consumed time syncing metadata after a shoot. If you have extraordinarily specific camera needs - using a body that has no compatible direct-connect GPS logger - it's still better than having no geolocation data at all. It's an absolutely painful and tedious process so much so that I'd just outright not recommend it. Then you're forced to use any number of software programs to sync up the time data from your Bluetooth logger with your image gallery. ![]() These units effectively capture time and geolocation data independent of your images. Solmeta's N3 geotagging module atop Nikon's D3SĪn option that's more universal is a Bluetooth-based geotagging accessory. It's still baffling to me how few cameras have GPS from the factory, but I'm hoping that as circuitry shrinks and power efficiency improves, these modules will become more feasible in both mirrorless and DSLR ranges. Secondly, these cameras generally exhibit ho-hum feature sets and lofty prices, making them quite unappealing for those who already own an iPhone 4S or the like. For one, it's rare to find a point-and-shoot with GPS built in. Casio's Exilim EX-H20G ( our review here) is a solid example. The general idea - where geotagging adds the most value - is to use geolocation data in order to tell stories.Īlternatively, you can turn to a camera with a GPS module built into the hardware itself. It's also often difficult to tell from most camera applications whether or not it's still working to get a lock, or if it does indeed have one. Second, most smartphones take an annoyingly long time to acquire a GPS fix. First, many smartphones require a data connection to properly tag images with location if you're traveling internationally and keeping your phone in airplane mode, that'll put a stop to your geotagging bliss. Before setting off, I should mention two important caveats here. ![]() Perhaps the most convenient method is to use a modern smartphone - the latest iPhones and most Android / Windows Phone handsets have GPS or A-GPS built right in, and if you enable it in your settings, you can have each image stamped with the location at which it was taken. In order to grab geolocation data, you'll need a GPS module within range of your camera. Things like automated geotagging definitely help relive memories, and there's no better time to start taking advantage. In fact, a lot of this links back to my personal uses of Facebook life moves too fast to rely on my own brain to recall it all. To remember spectacular places that one's feeble mind may forget without a precisely stamped image that leaves no doubt as to when and where it was taken. The general idea - where geotagging adds the most value - is to use geolocation data in order to tell stories. If you're a stats nerd through and through, you probably will. If you've never cared much to look into that data after stumbling upon an outlandishly beautiful snapshot on Flickr, you probably won't appreciate the art of geotagging. It's the same blob of information that houses data about what camera and lens were used to capture the show, what ISO level was chosen and what aperture was selected. ![]() I'll keep it as short and sweet as possible: geotagging an image pins location and time information onto its metadata. By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy.
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