Does anybody use an external GPS device?

[Dak on cam]

I have a D750 and when I am doing outdoor photography, GPS tagging is nice to have (for example, letting you prepare trip tracks with photographs).

A GPS device connected to the camera will make sure that the time is correct and that location data is being logged.

On the other hand, the time being right is something you can just do yourself every few months, and it is easy to carry my Garmin Forerunner 310XT (an ancient sports tracker where I replaced the periodically breaking silicone wrist strap with a nylon one).

After any trip where I do that, it is a matter of running "Exiftool" with its "-geotag" option (and a few others) on the GPX file and the image directory, and the missing GPS tags are added to all the image files (in my case, raw files).

Yes, you have to remember carrying the watch and preferably keeping it turned on. But it is on your wrist, doesn't get in the way, doesn't get entangled anywhere, has separate utility. Somehow I doubt that a dedicated camera-specific GPS device would not create more handling hassles than it saves me.

Anybody own one of those, whether Nikon's own GP-1A (in my case) or third-party? Did you plan on using it habitually? Did you end up doing so?

--
Dak

 

[David Lal]

I have a D750 and when I am doing outdoor photography, GPS tagging is nice to have (for example, letting you prepare trip tracks with photographs).

If you mean an external GPS device sending data to the camera in real time then no, I don't have such a thing. Were the camera able to do this all by itself then I suppose it would be a nice-to-have but my kind of photography just does not need it.

I do, however, have a keen interest in navigation, mainly from a sailing perspective so I have a Garmin eTrex 30 GPS device and also a nice program, AlpineQuest, on my 'phone. Between these two I can always work out where I was at a given time - but really, I can't be bothered with the fuss of doing it.

Obviously on a yacht there is, in addition, marine GPS units. On a sea trip I'll work out where the Sun (or Moon or important stars) ought to be at certain time intervals.

 

[Dak on cam]

I have a D750 and when I am doing outdoor photography, GPS tagging is nice to have (for example, letting you prepare trip tracks with photographs).

If you mean an external GPS device sending data to the camera in real time then no, I don't have such a thing. Were the camera able to do this all by itself then I suppose it would be a nice-to-have but my kind of photography just does not need it.

I do, however, have a keen interest in navigation, mainly from a sailing perspective so I have a Garmin eTrex 30 GPS device and also a nice program, AlpineQuest, on my 'phone. Between these two I can always work out where I was at a given time - but really, I can't be bothered with the fuss of doing it.

Obviously on a yacht there is, in addition, marine GPS units. On a sea trip I'll work out where the Sun (or Moon or important stars) ought to be at certain time intervals.

That doesn't sound like you use your GPS devices for tagging JPEGs with location data. I find it nice for photographs showing "landmarks". Obviously this isn't unrelated to a lot of bike trips. I suppose that sailing is worse for taking a few shots with the camera, possibly changing lenses, than biking. Also there aren't all that many landmarks…

 

[GeoffRG]

Twenty plus years ago I made up a cable to connect a Garmin GPS to my D1X, it worked but it was far from convenient and, carrying two cameras, only worked if I used the D1.

The same still applies but for different reasons, I'd want the GPS on all the time, not powered from the camera, and I don't like extraneous cables. A self powered unit that plugs into the 10 pin socket would be ideal but I'm not sure how much use it would get.

 

[David Lal]

A self powered unit that plugs into the 10 pin socket would be ideal but I'm not sure how much use it would get.

Technically interesting but not something I need or want particularly. Would I want to sort and/or search my images for a particular latitude/longitude? No, I don't think so.

 

[Dak on cam]

A self powered unit that plugs into the 10 pin socket would be ideal but I'm not sure how much use it would get.

Technically interesting but not something I need or want particularly. Would I want to sort and/or search my images for a particular latitude/longitude? No, I don't think so.

Come to think of it, my main use is "illustrated tracks" when biking or walking. And then I need the track anyway, and a GPS device that only records when I make a photograph would not add relevant value.

 

[GeoffRG]

A self powered unit that plugs into the 10 pin socket would be ideal but I'm not sure how much use it would get.

Technically interesting but not something I need or want particularly. Would I want to sort and/or search my images for a particular latitude/longitude? No, I don't think so.

Come to think of it, my main use is "illustrated tracks" when biking or walking. And then I need the track anyway, and a GPS device that only records when I make a photograph would not add relevant value.

My Garmin would have recorded a track but connecting it to the camera wouldn't have been practical. An always on device would need to record a track to be of any use.

 

[Star Geezer]

I have a D750 and when I am doing outdoor photography, GPS tagging is nice to have (for example, letting you prepare trip tracks with photographs).

A GPS device connected to the camera will make sure that the time is correct and that location data is being logged.

On the other hand, the time being right is something you can just do yourself every few months, and it is easy to carry my Garmin Forerunner 310XT (an ancient sports tracker where I replaced the periodically breaking silicone wrist strap with a nylon one).

After any trip where I do that, it is a matter of running "Exiftool" with its "-geotag" option (and a few others) on the GPX file and the image directory, and the missing GPS tags are added to all the image files (in my case, raw files).

Yes, you have to remember carrying the watch and preferably keeping it turned on. But it is on your wrist, doesn't get in the way, doesn't get entangled anywhere, has separate utility. Somehow I doubt that a dedicated camera-specific GPS device would not create more handling hassles than it saves me.

Anybody own one of those, whether Nikon's own GP-1A (in my case) or third-party? Did you plan on using it habitually? Did you end up doing so?

GPS tagging is essential if you need it. If you have to think about it, you don’t need it. Others’ actions don’t matter. I bring over $10k in gear in my kayak or canoe on wilderness outings in the backcountry, most many miles off the grid. My grandkids wont even do that!

I've used GPS receivers since my early DSLR days, then using Apple's Aperture which had a world map showing all my GPS points. For me it was very useful not only to record my travels but also when in remote areas, to find them again. I travel 6 months a year and often to remote areas hiking, camping or canoeing.

Two of my primary backcountry bodies have built in GPS and it works wonderfully. Acquisition time is almost immediate. On my Nikon DSLR bodies, I use an accessory GPS receive.

Here's some of the places I use GPS Tagging. The Montana/Canada backcountry canoeing & camping. At that time my wife & I were in our mid 60's, fast forward to the Everglades canoe camping I'm 77 y/o. I'm packing now for a 5500 mile road trip into remote wilderness areas in the Northwest & Midwest border areas. No particular destinations, though I do make notes on maps for interesting places I've not yet visited. If I like a place I stay longer.

inspect for interesting places and to check topography, lakes rivers, elevations, etc., an indispensable tool for thew places I visit. Decades ago I'd get Topo maps but I still use them today. Often printing select areas. Along with a compass those maps alone can make the difference in life or death.


Montana/Canadian border glacial lake camping trip. Nice cold 500' deep icy lake where you don't want to capsize! For three miles, shear vertical walls of mountain rock preclude an escape to a shores there is no shoreline.


Everglades camping trip


Everglades camping trip


Montana/Canadian border. 60 miles off grid


Everglades

 

[David Lal]

That's an interesting vessel you have there in #3. To my eye it looks like a kind of hybrid between open Canadian canoe and a touring kayak. How does she handle? Can you fit a spraydeck to the cockpit?

I have done a lot of the rivers and canals in the UK, also many in France. My favourite for touring or canoe/camping was my sea kayak - almost effortless paddling. Of course, really tricky in white water. I had a traditional open Canadian canoe and a 'fun' ultra short kayak as well.

 

[Star Geezer]

That's an interesting vessel you have there in #3. To my eye it looks like a kind of hybrid between open Canadian canoe and a touring kayak. How does she handle? Can you fit a spraydeck to the cockpit?

I have done a lot of the rivers and canals in the UK, also many in France. My favourite for touring or canoe/camping was my sea kayak - almost effortless paddling. Of course, really tricky in white water. I had a traditional open Canadian canoe and a 'fun' ultra short kayak as well.

Hi David,

That kayak is Santee 140 Tandem. It's made of ABS Plastic and weighs only 56 lbs, capacity 425 lbs. One of the best paddle craft I've owned. Like all boats, it has its purpose but white water is not one of them. I like it because it's versatile, light weight and very comfortable. Seats can be removed or adjusted fore & aft when transitioning from tandem to solo. Adjustable foot rests add comfort, also with the thigh pads. Extremely stable and wonderfully responsive, like a sports car. I use two piece carbon fiber paddles which are a charm! Many accessories available from snap-in consoles to tight fitting spraydeck. This hybrid is my choice as a mobile kayak for rivers and small lakes when shooting wildlife, with plenty of room for my gear with or without a passenger.

The other canoe atop my car, Mad River 14', is also a hybrid but capable of rougher water and can deal with a bit of rock pounding. The multi-channeled shallow arch hull design provides smooth tracking for impressive stability & tracking, especially in crosswinds. Tough as nails construction. Comfortable and adjustable seats. Fish rod holders, drink consoles, it's the cat's meow, but heavier.

Beyond all the features, at this point in time, I'm 77 y/o, comfort and handling are my top considerations. I've owned them all in the 70 years I've paddled. First time as a young Boy Scout and it was love at first sight. I can still remember the camp counselor saying "J-stroke, J-stroke."

As long as I can hoist my kayak or canoe atop my car and carry it to the water I'll be happy!

 

[Dak on cam]

GPS tagging is essential if you need it. If you have to think about it, you don’t need it. Others’ actions don’t matter. I bring over $10k in gear in my kayak or canoe on wilderness outings in the backcountry, most many miles off the grid. My grandkids wont even do that!

I've used GPS receivers since my early DSLR days, then using Apple's Aperture which had a world map showing all my GPS points. For me it was very useful not only to record my travels but also when in remote areas, to find them again. I travel 6 months a year and often to remote areas hiking, camping or canoeing.

Two of my primary backcountry bodies have built in GPS and it works wonderfully. Acquisition time is almost immediate. On my Nikon DSLR bodies, I use an accessory GPS receive.

Here's some of the places I use GPS Tagging. The Montana/Canada backcountry canoeing & camping. At that time my wife & I were in our mid 60's, fast forward to the Everglades canoe camping I'm 77 y/o. I'm packing now for a 5500 mile road trip into remote wilderness areas in the Northwest & Midwest border areas. No particular destinations, though I do make notes on maps for interesting places I've not yet visited. If I like a place I stay longer.

inspect for interesting places and to check topography, lakes rivers, elevations, etc., an indispensable tool for thew places I visit. Decades ago I'd get Topo maps but I still use them today. Often printing select areas. Along with a compass those maps alone can make the difference in life or death.

Again this sounds like you would not rely on camera GPS alone to make your maps but rely on a separate GPS tracking device. Once you do that, the GPS position data in the photographs is redundant since you can reconstruct it from the time.

What would not be redundant is GPS orientation data unless we are talking about a dashcam (which follows the track).

Here is a photograph with GPS data associated after a bike trip (I have an old Forerunner 310XT watch):





Should be easy to identify the involved river…

--
Dak

 

[David Lal]

Again this sounds like you would not rely on camera GPS alone to make your maps but rely on a separate GPS tracking device. Once you do that, the GPS position data in the photographs is redundant since you can reconstruct it from the time.

OK, here we go, my turn:



Me, Ardèche river, north of Pont d'arc, France. Yes, I had a camera with me - though obviously this is not a selfie.

This river kills people but amazingly one can just turn up at one of the numerous kayak hire places and take a boat out, no questions asked.

 

[Dak on cam]

Again this sounds like you would not rely on camera GPS alone to make your maps but rely on a separate GPS tracking device. Once you do that, the GPS position data in the photographs is redundant since you can reconstruct it from the time.

OK, here we go, my turn:



Me, Ardèche river, north of Pont d'arc, France. Yes, I had a camera with me - though obviously this is not a selfie.

Well, a selfie stick suitable for making such shots would likely be kind of problematic, at least if you stuck a DSLR on it.

This river kills people but amazingly one can just turn up at one of the numerous kayak hire places and take a boat out, no questions asked.

Right next to "Restaurant l'Embarcadère des Gorges" which suggests that you can have dinner while checking whether everybody comes out of the rapids again.

As an excuse for my comparatively unexciting photograph I have to say that I did not expect this kind of subject on my trip (though at second thought, there is little surprise), and I am easily impressed, having been a skiff rower myself (I do remember one trip where a storm came up just as I had crossed a lake to the far end and had to get back, stopping at every landing in order to empty my boat filled to the rim with water).

And that means that I am already considerably wary of water looking like this:



--
Dak

 

[Bruce Ferjulian]

I have used multiple external methods.

1. Marrex MX-G20 ( Least Expensive )

I don't think this available any more, it did work well but if you need more than one device using your hot-shoe then this will not work for you.



2. di-GPS ( Still available but it's over $100 USD.

This worked well and plugged into your 10-pin connector with the ability of pass-through so you could connect a 10-pin shutter release if need be.



3. I have tried smartphone apps like ( GPS Logger ) which produces files that get uploaded to my google drive so I can later use ( exiftool ) to tag the photos. It worked but sometimes the smartphone app stopped working mid outing. I liked it because sometimes I have multiple cameras that all don't have built-in GPS and it makes tagging later more reliable as long as the Android app doesn't shutdown.

4. My current method is to use the ( Columbus V-990 GPS Data Logger ). It's about the size of a credit card and I just hang it off of my backpack when I am out shooting. It has a nice desktop interface to use the GPS tracks it saves to then tag the photos later in bulk.

 

[Dak on cam]

4. My current method is to use the ( Columbus V-990 GPS Data Logger ). It's about the size of a credit card and I just hang it off of my backpack when I am out shooting. It has a nice desktop interface to use the GPS tracks it saves to then tag the photos later in bulk.

That sounds like a convenient solution that should also fit in a side pocket of most camera bags. I usually use a sports watch, a reasonably cheap solution. However, it really works mostly for bike trips. I took along that watch when visiting relatives, and I just didn't remember taking it along for group trips, plus it looks weird when wearing and is bulky when stashing. Also because of its intended purpose, battery life is less than a device only doing GPS logging.

In terms of "convenient solutions" I've seen some Sony logger where you insert your image card after the trip to have the photos tagged. The obvious disadvantage is that I doubt it would touch Nikon raw files (even though they are EXIF-tagged proper TIFF files at heart).

--
Dak

 

[Bruce Ferjulian]

FYI - The seller ( gpswebshop.com ) that produces the Columbus tracker is also in the process of releasing a newer tracker ( Cygnus V0.9 ) which is much smaller. They say it's supposed to be released in the ( Sep - Oct ) timeframe. These are the specs.

 

[GeoffRG]

I have used multiple external methods.



2. di-GPS ( Still available but it's over $100 USD.

This worked well and plugged into your 10-pin connector with the ability of pass-through so you could connect a 10-pin shutter release if need be.

This looks interesting, if not cheap at £129, and worthy of consideration for those Nikon users with 10 pin sockets on their cameras.

 

[David Lal]

I have used multiple external methods.

2. di-GPS ( Still available but it's over $100 USD.

This worked well and plugged into your 10-pin connector with the ability of pass-through so you could connect a 10-pin shutter release if need be.

This looks interesting, if not cheap at £129, and worthy of consideration for those Nikon users with 10 pin sockets on their cameras.

I have a couple of ways of determining my lat/long coordinates. Neither seem to be very precise, probably ± 4 metres in southern UK. I wonder if this device is better than that?

 

[Bruce Ferjulian]

Kind of pricy but if you want 1cm accuracy they offer this ( Regular price$799.00 )

LINK: Columbus EX-1 Ultra-High Accuracy RTK GNSS Data Logger

 

[Bruce Ferjulian]

Or if you know your way around a Raspberry Pi, you can make your own RTK receiver with this module.

ZED-F9P GPS-RTK HAT For Raspberry Pi, Centimeter Level Accuracy, Multi-Band RTK Differential GPS Module

ZED-F9P GPS-RTK HAT For Raspberry Pi, Centimeter Level Accuracy, Multi-Band RTK Differential GPS Module

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