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Is GPS supposed to happen automatically with smartphone?

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nomnomnom

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For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
 
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
The simplest approach is to use a GPS logger, and time-sync your phone and camera before you go out.

Then, after uploading all images to your computer, you can tag the images with the GPS data obtained from the phone, using the time-stamps.

The iPad has an app named Geotag Photos Tagger.

Lightroom can use GPS data using the Adobe Bridge application.

If you do not have a GPS logger, you can use the normal GPS data (iphone or android) that gets logged automatically, (unless you've turned this off). Go to https://www.google.com/maps/timeline

You can also get coordinates directly from Google Maps:

Here's a description: http://www.blog.jimdoty.com/?p=10463
 
blue_skies said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
The simplest approach is to use a GPS logger, and time-sync your phone and camera before you go out.
Click to expand...
The simplest way is the way Sony used to do it - with GPS built into A-mount and Cyber-shot cameras. No E-mount camera ever had that; and once that omission established a precedent, Sony began stripping GPS out of all cameras.

The next simplest way is the way the A99II and, more recently, the A9 do it - with GPS provided by a Sony app running on a smartphone paired to the camera via Bluetooth.

Both of those ways embed GPS data into the files as they're shot, while they're still in the camera, and the job is done.

The most complicated way is a separate GPS logger that requires manual time syncing and after-the-fact transfer and embedding of GPS data into the files using a computer.
 
Last edited:
sybersitizen said:
blue_skies said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
The simplest approach is to use a GPS logger, and time-sync your phone and camera before you go out.
Click to expand...
The simplest way is the way Sony used to do it - with GPS built into A-mount and Cyber-shot cameras. No E-mount camera ever had that; and once that omission established a precedent, Sony began stripping GPS out of all cameras.

The next simplest way is the way the A99II and, more recently, the A9 do it - with GPS provided by a Sony app running on a smartphone paired to the camera via Bluetooth.

Both of those ways embed GPS data into the files as they're shot, while they're still in the camera, and the job is done.

The most complicated way is a separate GPS logger that requires manual time syncing and after-the-fact transfer and embedding of GPS data into the files using a computer.
Click to expand...
well thats exactly my question, the simplest way is to use BT with the smartphone. Except it doesn't happen automatically, so far I had to launch the app each time I want to use the camera. Is this the intended behaviour?
 
nomnomnom said:
sybersitizen said:
blue_skies said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
The simplest approach is to use a GPS logger, and time-sync your phone and camera before you go out.
Click to expand...
The simplest way is the way Sony used to do it - with GPS built into A-mount and Cyber-shot cameras. No E-mount camera ever had that; and once that omission established a precedent, Sony began stripping GPS out of all cameras.

The next simplest way is the way the A99II and, more recently, the A9 do it - with GPS provided by a Sony app running on a smartphone paired to the camera via Bluetooth.

Both of those ways embed GPS data into the files as they're shot, while they're still in the camera, and the job is done.

The most complicated way is a separate GPS logger that requires manual time syncing and after-the-fact transfer and embedding of GPS data into the files using a computer.
Click to expand...
well thats exactly my question, the simplest way is to use BT with the smartphone.
Click to expand...
No, that's the second simplest way. In your camera and many others, Sony failed to provide the simplest way.
nomnomnom said:
Except it doesn't happen automatically, so far I had to launch the app each time I want to use the camera. Is this the intended behavior?
Click to expand...
I assume you must run the app when you want GPS data, but I can't tell you because I don't use that camera or that method. (Oh, and also make sure your phone and camera stay in close proximity when you're shooting so the Bluetooth connection doesn't fail.)

All five of my Sony cameras have built-in GPS. I just enable it in the menu when I want it, and disable it when I don't. Nothing could be simpler than that.
 
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Bluetooth and PlayMemories Mobile are working ok for location information.

You need to have PlayMemories Mobile running on background and pair your phone bluetooth with A9. Check on your phone Settings PlayMemories Mobile and Location to Always. Now when you turn camera on it will automatic pair your phone and add gps coordinates to photo.
 
kohanone said:
Bluetooth and PlayMemories Mobile are working ok for location information.

You need to have PlayMemories Mobile running on background and pair your phone bluetooth with A9. Check on your phone Settings PlayMemories Mobile and Location to Always. Now when you turn camera on it will automatic pair your phone and add gps coordinates to photo.
Click to expand...
Does this procedure also work with the A7RII?
 
Chris Crevasse said:
kohanone said:
Bluetooth and PlayMemories Mobile are working ok for location information.

You need to have PlayMemories Mobile running on background and pair your phone bluetooth with A9. Check on your phone Settings PlayMemories Mobile and Location to Always. Now when you turn camera on it will automatic pair your phone and add gps coordinates to photo.
Click to expand...
Does this procedure also work with the A7RII?
Click to expand...
No
 
you can turn off your gps. just go to the setting. check also some application that you open location is on..... gmail, games, fb etc.
 
No, bluetooh is missing I suppose.
 
sybersitizen said:
blue_skies said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
The simplest approach is to use a GPS logger, and time-sync your phone and camera before you go out.
Click to expand...
The simplest way is the way Sony used to do it - with GPS built into A-mount and Cyber-shot cameras.
Click to expand...
. . . and the way Canon's 7 D Mk II now does it. It amazes me that Sony has taken out one of my favorite features of their cameras and has not put it back in yet. I hope they do, or maybe I'll get a Canon or Nikon. In fact, I'm seriously considering the Nikon D5300. I've wanted one ever since they made that camera. I have been thinking about the Sony A6500, but it has no GPS and the Nikon produces the same resolution with a GPS available. The Nikon has other advantages too, like a fully-articulating screen on the back. The Sony only has a tilt screen, which sucks for trying to shoot portrait orientation from low angles, like when shooting a tall tree or tower or doorway or sailboat from ground/dock/water level with a wide angle lens.
sybersitizen said:
No E-mount camera ever had that; and once that omission established a precedent, Sony began stripping GPS out of all cameras.

The next simplest way is the way the A99II and, more recently, the A9 do it - with GPS provided by a Sony app running on a smartphone paired to the camera via Bluetooth.

Both of those ways embed GPS data into the files as they're shot, while they're still in the camera, and the job is done.

The most complicated way is a separate GPS logger that requires manual time syncing and after-the-fact transfer and embedding of GPS data into the files using a computer.
Click to expand...
It seems to me that anything other than having GPS built into the camera is a PITA.
 
I got my a9 to work with my Android phone (Google Pixel) several weeks back. Enabled the feature on the camera and installed PlayMemories on the phone. I haven't changed any other configuration besides the pairing and so I assume the app launches in the background every time you turn the phone on.
 
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
I have a99ii and an iPhone. Whenever I turn on the a99ii and the iPhone is in bluetooth range, the phone pops up a notification saying the bluetooth GPS link is enabled. I don't even have to launch PM app, it just connects. It takes a second or two for the notification to pop up, but it's a lot faster than the a99 mark 1's built in GPS, which could take a long time to get a lock unless you always downloaded the latest GPS fix additions.

I expect the a9 works the same way as a99ii.

I cannot speak for android users.

--
http://www.dvincentphotography.com
 
Last edited:
Dan Vincent said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
I have a99ii and an iPhone. Whenever I turn on the a99ii and the iPhone is in bluetooth range, the phone pops up a notification saying the bluetooth GPS link is enabled. I don't even have to launch PM app, it just connects. It takes a second or two for the notification to pop up, but it's a lot faster than the a99 mark 1's built in GPS, which could take a long time to get a lock unless you always downloaded the latest GPS fix additions.

I expect the a9 works the same way as a99ii.

I cannot speak for android users.
Click to expand...
 
nomnomnom said:
Dan Vincent said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
I have a99ii and an iPhone. Whenever I turn on the a99ii and the iPhone is in bluetooth range, the phone pops up a notification saying the bluetooth GPS link is enabled. I don't even have to launch PM app, it just connects. It takes a second or two for the notification to pop up, but it's a lot faster than the a99 mark 1's built in GPS, which could take a long time to get a lock unless you always downloaded the latest GPS fix additions.

I expect the a9 works the same way as a99ii.

I cannot speak for android users.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Dan Vincent said:
nomnomnom said:
Dan Vincent said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
I have a99ii and an iPhone. Whenever I turn on the a99ii and the iPhone is in bluetooth range, the phone pops up a notification saying the bluetooth GPS link is enabled. I don't even have to launch PM app, it just connects. It takes a second or two for the notification to pop up, but it's a lot faster than the a99 mark 1's built in GPS, which could take a long time to get a lock unless you always downloaded the latest GPS fix additions.

I expect the a9 works the same way as a99ii.

I cannot speak for android users.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
sybersitizen said:
blue_skies said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
The simplest approach is to use a GPS logger, and time-sync your phone and camera before you go out.
Click to expand...
The simplest way is the way Sony used to do it - with GPS built into A-mount and Cyber-shot cameras. No E-mount camera ever had that; and once that omission established a precedent, Sony began stripping GPS out of all cameras.

The next simplest way is the way the A99II and, more recently, the A9 do it - with GPS provided by a Sony app running on a smartphone paired to the camera via Bluetooth.

Both of those ways embed GPS data into the files as they're shot, while they're still in the camera, and the job is done.

The most complicated way is a separate GPS logger that requires manual time syncing and after-the-fact transfer and embedding of GPS data into the files using a computer.
Click to expand...
Any solution which requires built in or external GPS requires power. Evem if off when camera is off, the constant GPS sync, on an internal receiver or blue tooth or otherwise connected external device requires power.

In camera GPS went away due to battery drain. Not a good thing for mirror less cameras

If a cell phone you'd have to power on both to make it work.

If you do the 'lazy sync' you'd get approximate locations, not exact.

'Manual' time sync requires a setup or a single program to be ran once. Not a big deal, IMHO. Unless you don't use a computer...
 
blue_skies said:
sybersitizen said:
blue_skies said:
nomnomnom said:
For A9 (not sure which other models), the GPS works by connect to the smartphone. But is this supposed to be automatic? Or do I have to launch the app each time I want to establish the link? Because so far with my a9, it doesn't do it automatically with my iphone.
Click to expand...
The simplest approach is to use a GPS logger, and time-sync your phone and camera before you go out.
Click to expand...
The simplest way is the way Sony used to do it - with GPS built into A-mount and Cyber-shot cameras. No E-mount camera ever had that; and once that omission established a precedent, Sony began stripping GPS out of all cameras.

The next simplest way is the way the A99II and, more recently, the A9 do it - with GPS provided by a Sony app running on a smartphone paired to the camera via Bluetooth.

Both of those ways embed GPS data into the files as they're shot, while they're still in the camera, and the job is done.

The most complicated way is a separate GPS logger that requires manual time syncing and after-the-fact transfer and embedding of GPS data into the files using a computer.
Click to expand...
Any solution which requires built in or external GPS requires power. Evem if off when camera is off, the constant GPS sync, on an internal receiver or blue tooth or otherwise connected external device requires power.

In camera GPS went away due to battery drain. Not a good thing for mirror less cameras
Click to expand...
That's false. My A55, which uses the same tiny Sony battery as most E-mount cameras and, like E-mount cameras, also uses full time EVF/LCD instead of an OVF, has GPS. It has been confirmed over and over - by actual people who own and use Sony cameras with GPS - that the battery drain is minimal.

Notice the tiny difference in battery life - approximately 5% - between the A55 (with no GPS) and the A55V (with GPS).

GPS-A55.jpg

blue_skies said:
If a cell phone you'd have to power on both to make it work.

If you do the 'lazy sync' you'd get approximate locations, not exact.

'Manual' time sync requires a setup or a single program to be ran once. Not a big deal, IMHO. Unless you don't use a computer...
Click to expand...
Every approach to GPS has pros and cons; but there can be no argument as to which of the above approaches is the simplest.
 
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