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Archive 2011 · GPS Tagging On D700?

jhinkey
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · GPS Tagging On D700?

I'm interested in adding GPS tagging to my photos with my D700.
I've done a bit of looking around and it looks like I'm interested in a very compact system that hooks into the D700 via the 10-pin connector on the front and communicates via Bluetooth to a GPS receiver - I don't want a corded solution.

Does anyone have any experience with specific models of Bluetooth adapters and Bluetooth capable GPS receivers?

Thanks -

John

Jun 05, 2011 at 11:15 PM

Jammy Straub
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · GPS Tagging On D700?

You mean like this:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/962545

I think that does what you want right?

Jun 05, 2011 at 11:23 PM

jhinkey
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · GPS Tagging On D700?

Jammy Straub wrote:
You mean like this:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/962545

I think that does what you want right?

Jammy - I saw that thread, but I don't have (nor want) and iPhone.
I'm looking for something that does not get in the way with wires, will stay put on the camera body and have the GPS receiver out of the way in my backpack, camera bag, etc.

I'm looking for something like:
http://www.foolography.com/products/unleashed/
but it looks like it will have a hard time staying put on the 10 pin connector w/o threads (why would they design something that did not thread into the connector port?).

This would, from my description, be used while outside traveling, hiking, backpacking, etc.

John

Jun 05, 2011 at 11:32 PM

elkhornsun
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · GPS Tagging On D700?

Go to http://www.aokatec.com/HZhost/Product.asp

You can buy the tiny Bluetooth adapter and the Holex 1000 GPS receiver for $150 and you have everything you need. Enable GPS on the camera, plug in the Aokatec adapter, turn on the Holex and as soon as the Holex locks its position the GPS on the camera's display will stop blinking and you are ready to shoot.

Use Nikon's free View NX software to automatically link all your images with their GPS coordinates on a Google Maps. Nothing could be simpler to use.

Good part of this setup is that the hot shoe remains free for a flash or transmitter and the Holex works fine in shirt pocket or even left inside the camera bag while in use.

Jun 05, 2011 at 11:39 PM

jhinkey
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · GPS Tagging On D700?

Thanks - I had not found that company yet. One of my main concerns is how to keep the bluetooth adapter attached to the camera - does the adapter really stay put very firmly?

I also found this company that sells GPS receivers:

http://www.qstarz.com/Products/GPS Products/BT-Q890-F.htm

Has anyone used there product?

John

Jun 06, 2011 at 12:10 AM

Jammy Straub
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · GPS Tagging On D700?

jhinkey wrote:
Jammy - I saw that thread, but I don't have (nor want) and iPhone.
I'm looking for something that does not get in the way with wires, will stay put on the camera body and have the GPS receiver out of the way in my backpack, camera bag, etc.

That is wireless via bluetooth and you can buy a used iPhone 3g and should be able to use it without a SIM or contract. I've bought an iPhone for $50 here locally. But if it doesn't float your boat I understand.

Just seemed like an economical solution.

Jun 06, 2011 at 12:28 AM

Zichar
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · GPS Tagging On D700?

Don't have nor want the iphone ... err what about an android device? There are gps logger apps

Essentially you sync the camera and the phone's time
Then leave it in your backpack while you walk around, take photos, etc
When you get back, load photos into software which link the gps info with the photos according to timestamp
The data is stored in the exif, if I'm not mistaken

Jun 06, 2011 at 12:28 AM

jhinkey
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · GPS Tagging On D700?

One problem with using an iPhone or my DroidX is that using the GPS really runs the battery down quickly - if I'm out all day or for a couple of days that could be a problem . . .

I like the time sync idea - that way I could use a standard GPS device that is useful for other things. Could you elaborate more on syncing the camera and GPS times and the software to make sens of them afterwards?

Thanks - John

Jun 06, 2011 at 01:50 AM

Zichar
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · GPS Tagging On D700?

I've ... been trying to find the darn link which I stumbled onto here on FM
I went to the website, wanted to buy the app but backed off wanting to asking
I can remember the landing page (green top bar and white bottom) but I can't remember the name or the URL! Argh
The software is together with the android app though
Not sure if there's a standalone software, though it does seem like it's possible
Perhaps one that syncs with Google Maps/Earth then link it with photos
Lemme try searching!

You are right about having GPS on the phone sapping battery power
Drove out with it as my primary GPS device once during a holiday and almost got stranded when I ran out of juice
It would seem simple to buy a portable USB charger (eneloop has one just for devices, size half a deck of cards) for this

*edit, googled for gps exif software
This looks like a good place to start from: http://code.google.com/p/gpicsync/wiki/GettingStarted

Jun 06, 2011 at 02:04 AM

Ivo Heshusius
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · GPS Tagging On D700?

I use this one: Dealextreme which is dirtcheap and works like a charm!

Jun 06, 2011 at 08:38 AM

sjms
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · GPS Tagging On D700?

what is the matter with just getting a real GPS unit designed to do the job that simply writes the data directly to each image as you shoot it corded? they are simply the highest reliabilty solution available and one less battery or battery drain to worry about.

Jun 06, 2011 at 08:54 AM

jhinkey
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · GPS Tagging On D700?

sjms wrote:
what is the matter with just getting a real GPS unit designed to do the job that simply writes the data directly to each image as you shoot it corded? they are simply the highest reliabilty solution available and one less battery or battery drain to worry about.

Because for me I don't want cords to the camera from the GPS receiver, hence the wish for a bluetooth receiver on the camera connected to a bluetooh-enabled GPS receiver of some type.

John

Jun 06, 2011 at 09:07 AM

sjms
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · GPS Tagging On D700?

the cord is 2.5-3" long and not in your way. the unit sits in the flash mount. it is for the most part out of your way. you are creating unneeded complexity. i've been using mine for 3 years now. pops on and off as needed. runs on its own battery and switches over to the cameras after its depleted. nothing more reliable then hard wired.

Jun 06, 2011 at 10:13 AM

jhinkey
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · GPS Tagging On D700?

sjms wrote:
the cord is 2.5-3" long and not in your way. the unit sits in the flash mount. it is for the most part out of your way. you are creating unneeded complexity. i've been using mine for 3 years now. pops on and off as needed. runs on its own battery and switches over to the cameras after its depleted. nothing more reliable then hard wired.

Well, if it looks like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/retrocactus/3167704436/

Then it's in the way for what I do. I don't want the chord and GPS receiver on the camera like that when it's wrapped around my neck and I have a backpack + other stuff already hanging off me. Plus, when I put the D700 in my pack it makes it even less packable.

It may not be in the way for you, but I guarantee it will be for me. It may be more complex to have a bluetooth receiver and a separate GPS logger/device, but the lack of chord and reduced bulk more than make up for the lowered reliability for what I do.

John

Jun 06, 2011 at 11:08 AM

gwelland
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · GPS Tagging On D700?

You ought to look at the D3/D700 installation vs D90. The cable doesn't stick out when used with these cameras since it connects to the 10pin connector vs side connector. I've used the GP-1 since it came out and haven't found the cables too much of a problem. Sure, they're there but not as bad as that D90 example. Also, you can mount the GPS on the hotshot or on a bracket on the strap, whichever is most convenient.

Don't underestimate the work involved in matching GPS with shots after the fact. Having it encoded in the EXIF at shoot time makes geotagging work simple.

Jun 06, 2011 at 11:21 AM

sjms
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · GPS Tagging On D700?

i shoot regularly for the National Park Services and wear packs often weighing in the 50lb range. but you have a greater understanding of your limitations then i do so i'll bow out and wish you good speed.

just for reference you might try this:

http://www.semsons.com/aogiblgpsadf.html
and choose your own data logger. i prefer Holux.

Edited on Jun 06, 2011 at 01:00 PM · View previous versions

Jun 06, 2011 at 12:39 PM

TSY87
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · GPS Tagging On D700?

make sure those time syncing apps dont somehow screw up when you lose cell phone reception.

The reason I went with a dedicate GPS tagger for my d3s (d700 at the time) was because I was going on a cruise and when you are out in the middle of the ocean, there is absolutely no cell phone reception.

Just use some velcro on the gps unit and attach it somewhere on the camera so the hotshoe is free.

its so nice having the lat/lon embedded into your exif files instead of having to run some program after the fact.

I use the promote GPS and its absolutely awesome.

Jun 06, 2011 at 12:57 PM

Zichar
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · GPS Tagging On D700?

GPS is independent on cell phone reception
I understand John's dislike for wires. Personally, I feel the same way too for all the reasons he's listed.
Have got my remote timer on a self-shortened wire and attached via velcro to the camera body. Still manage to snag it in odd places when I don't realise it; just last month with a twist of my body managed to yank it off and send the receiver skittering on the floor and almost into the Black Canyons - one disastrous drop!

I would agree however that the direct input method is surely the simplest and less time-consuming, less clunky. Also assume that a dedicated device is more powerful, i.e. faster lock on, than a phone

Jun 06, 2011 at 07:51 PM

sjms
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · GPS Tagging On D700?

there are phones that do not use true GPS but instead use the signals off of a series of towers (generally 3 minimum) that in turn gets the data from the GPS for clocking and positional purposes. they act as LAAS locations

Jun 06, 2011 at 08:11 PM

JBPhotog
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · GPS Tagging On D700?

I use the Holux M-1000C Bluetooth GPS data logger and the Aokatech AK-4NII. The GPS can be stowed in a pocket or pouch and the AK-4NII fits into the 10 pin socket. No need to worry about losing this tiny thing as they supply a short lanyard you can hook to the camera strap via a threaded carabiner.

This combo keeps the hot shoe free, has minimal camera battery drain and no cord to deal with.

Jun 06, 2011 at 10:13 PM

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