A quick poll as I am interested in feedback on the current uptick of vendors including gps devices as accessories or within camera bodies. The inclusion of the map module in LR 4 seems to indicate a desire to geotag photos. What are your thoughts? Is the trend growing now that it is easier and do you find it useful?
i use it for myself and for the organizations i do work for.
i do direct to exif via either a hard wired approach on my D7000 or BT through the 10 pin port on my D4 though that gps is a little lighter on the recorded data.
I use the canon GP-e2. works perfectly, and seamlessly with ACR, Flickr... Only problem is if you need to use a flash! (you can still use it via the USB but not as easily)
I think it'd be neat since I do mostly bird/wildlife photography but I haven't really thought much about it. It'd be nice for rarities and nesting sites...
I've been using Promote GPS with my 700's since 2008 and they work great, and play nice with L/R. Also they have killer customer service. One cable failed and they sent a new one out immediately, no charge (and it was out of warranty!).
I use a trail GPS and add tags to selected images after PP. We are often using 3-5 bodies so individual GPS would be a pain. It's also nice to have a real GPS for hiking.
kodakeos wrote:
I use the canon GP-e2. works perfectly, and seamlessly with ACR, Flickr... Only problem is if you need to use a flash! (you can still use it via the USB but not as easily)
Cool - I just picked up a GP-E2 for my 5D3. I am glad to hear it works so well, as I am sure I'll get a lot of use out of it.
I have the Aokatec AK-4NII GPS module and used it extensively throughout Kenya and Tanzania paired with my Holux M-1000C data logger without a hitch. Acquisition was fast and reliable. I paid $80 at the time since the new AK-G1 wasn't out yet. Personally I like the smaller form factor of the AK-4NII Bluetooth module over the newer AK-G1Reciever, you should lanyard both but the AK-4NII is small enough to not get in the way.
If geotagging were built into the camera, and didn't have a significant effect on battery life, I'd be happy to use it (and I'd set up my workflow to strip it out when I export for web). I absolutely don't want geotagging to be visible to those viewing my photos on the web, but for my own archive, it'd be kind of neat, especially in areas I don't visit often, so if I want a new view, I can scout ahead of time.
Thank you all for responding. I have been geotagging my photos in post for 5 years now using a gps logger (A+ GPS). I have looked at upgrading it to the GP-2 but the price and some mixed reviews on it left me wanting. I must say I am a bit put off by Canon in that they did not include it in the 5DMkIII but have done so with the new lower priced 6D. I will be interested to see if it is accurate. I think the trend will be that all cameras will soon have this on board as the cost to include it in the board is very inexpensive.
Stripping the geotag for privacy reasons especially of personal photos of children etc in your local area remains important but I see no such need for landscape photos for example.
I have never had a problem matching up the logs with LR4 or other software. The most important point is to make sure your camera and data logger are in sync. I do that before I go out and shoot by checking the GPS logger time and syncing with the camera.
