Pixiq

Everyone is familiar with the GPS devices used for navigation in boats and vehicles but this technology has other useful applications as well. Imagine returning from a trip through Europe or Asia with hundreds or thousands of digital images. Wouldn't it be great to be able to instantly identify the location where every photo was taken and then display the images on a map? That's certainly possible if you use a camera with a built-in GPS receiver or an external GPS device intended specifically for that purpose.

In a previous feature Geotag Your Photos with GPS Devices I discussed the basic concepts, how GPS works, how a device can automatically tag your photos with the location data, and how you can view the images with maps as to the shooting locations. The entire process is quite simple, especially with a GPS receiver that's dedicated specifically for your camera, such as Nikon's GP-1 for most recent Nikon DSLRs.

Recently, I had an opportunity of reviewing two other very affordable photo GPS devices, (starting at under $160) from EasyTagger for automatic geo-tagging of images made with a Nikon DSLR. Just like the GP-1, an EasyTag unit communicates directly with the camera, recording the exact latitude/longitude (plus the altitude and compass direction) -- called geo-tagging -- in your photos' EXIF (metadata) file. You can view the data superimposed over each image in Playback mode, or later with imaging software or with an app such as a free album at http://picasaweb.google.com/ or www.panoramio.com . Upload some photos from your trip to either site and your friends can view them with maps clearly indicating where each photo was made.

The EasyTag Devices

Two kits are available, one wired and one using Bluetooth technology, exclusively from EasyTagger http://e-geotag.com/ or from their Canadian re-seller http://www.easytagger.ca/home/category/easytag/ . The two devices are nearly identical in concept and in most technology as well as their compatibility with Nikon DSLRs, including the latest D5100. Both receive GPS coordinates (longitude and latitude) from GPS satellites orbiting the earth and they add altitude and compass data. They operate in the same manner but the Bluetooth kit eliminates the need for a cable from the camera to the receiver unit.

Operating the EasyTag GPS Units

The wired EasyTag receiver connects to a Nikon DLSR using the suitable data cable (via the camera's remote controller port) while the wireless device's Bluetooth transmitter is attached direct to the camera. With both kits, the GPS receiver sits in the camera's hot shoe. It captures latitude/longitude data and uses its own barometric altimeter and electronic compass to add extra data. After taking a photo, you can view the data superimposed over the displayed image on the camera back or later on a computer monitor.

Note: In addition to Picasaweb and Panoramio, various other applications can read EXIF location data such as http://www.flickr.com/ and http://www.smugmug.com/ . Most on-line sites require you to activate the EXIF location data. (This also applies to iPhoto; Preferences > Web > Include location information for published photos.) Until you do so, the location data for images you upload will not be displayed, for privacy reasons. Software such as Lightroom 3, Aperture 3 and iPhoto can also automatically display a map indicating the location where each of your photos was taken.

Order EasyTag with the data cable required for your specific Nikon DLSR (under $20) or with the correct hardware (no extra charge) if you choose the Bluetooth device. The kit includes a hotshoe extender that ensures that the camera's built-in flash can pop up to its full extent. The receiver device is equipped with its own battery that can be recharged in four hours. When that's exhausted, power is drawn from the Nikon DLSR's battery; for some reason, that's not possible with the D7000, however.

How it Works: Connect the EasyTag receiver to a Nikon DSLR via the suitable data cable or attach the wireless device's Bluetooth transmitter to the camera. With either kit, slip the GPS receiver unit into the camera's hot shoe. Set the on/off switch to On or to All to turn it on. When the device acquires a solid signal-lock the LED lamp will stop blinking and will display a solid blue light. This is straightforward but a video demo is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8eDl5VWnsU&fmt=22 .

Indoor Tagging: Leave the device set to On when you go indoors and it will continue geo-tagging your photos. It will use the data that was last acquired from the satellites so the accuracy will not be perfect but it should be "close enough" for most purposes.

Location Tracking: If you had the unit's switch set to All (instead of On) it will continuously track your progress as you move from one outdoor location to another. (When staying indoors or in the same location, the On option is preferable.) The data is recorded on the MicroSD card inside the head unit; a card reader is included in the kit for downloading the data to a computer. The LED will blink in red every ten seconds when it's recording data to the MicroSD card.

Later, your route can be displayed using compatible software or Google Earth. For a sample of the latter, visit http://www.easytagger.ca/home/downloads/ and click on the High Park, Toronto (Google KML format) item to activate a Google Earth display. Naturally, this assumes that Google Earth was previously installed on your computer.

Calibration: In order to ensure that the compass is recording data accurately, be sure to calibrate the system when you first receive it. Press the unit's [c] button and slowly rotate around 360 degrees twice, in the same spot. This procedure is illustrated in a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI35Bi_JTbA&fmt=22. A small belt (with hook-and-loop fastener) is also included so you can attach the device to the camera strap instead. However, the compass data will be accurate only if the GPS receiver unit is parallel with the earth.

EasyTag Evaluation

Both EasyTag kits arrived from China beautifully packaged. (Orders from Canadian provinces are shipped from Canada.) The receiver appears to be rugged and well made, nicely finished and solid. Battery life was excellent, easily lasting during a full day of shooting. An instruction manual is not included but that's available for download from http://e-geotag.com/ or from www.easytagger.ca .

I visited several cities in Ontario, Canada during the test period, including Niagara Falls, and found that a "cold start" in an entirely new location required under one minute. That included the time required to acquire the satellite signals and to complete the triangulation. After turning the GPS receiver Off while in a restaurant, and then back On after going outdoors, only a "warm start" was required. That was even quicker. The location accuracy was excellent, within about 15 feet of the exact location and within 20 feet of the exact altitude.

A Single Problem: Neither EasyTag device had any difficulty getting a location fix in any city, with a single exception. The wired receiver failed to do so during most of the time when I was shooting on the sidewalk paralleling the Niagara River near the falls. The area is bordered by a very high hill and this obstruction was the likely cause of the reduced reliability. Any GPS receiver requires a clear line of sight to at least three satellites for data collection and triangulation. That can fail or be much slower than average when obstructions such as tall buildings surround the location.

Only a few of my photos from this location (like the one above) include the geo data. Perhaps I should also have tried the Bluetooth EasyTag receiver while shooting by the waterfalls but did not think to do so. I was later advised by staff at EasyTagger that this newer device employs a more sensitive (SiRF4 vs. SiRF3) chipset; hence, it might have been more reliable in that challenging location.

Excellent Reliability Overall: It's important to note however that even the wired unit experienced no difficulty whatsoever in other cities or in other areas of Niagara Falls. For example, it worked perfectly when I was shooting from a bridge by the falls that's about 30 feet higher than the roadway beside the river. Overall, I rated reliability and speed excellent with both the wired and the Bluetooth EasyTag receiver.

Pros and Cons

After a couple of weeks of testing, I was impressed with both of the EasyTag GPS kits. The following are the conclusions that I drew, including both the benefits and drawbacks.

Pros:

* Well-built, nicely-finished and packaged but surprisingly affordable

* The Bluetooth B1 kit eliminates the wired connection; other Bluetooth kits are available for pairing two or more Bluetooth receivers on two or more cameras, if desired

* Long battery life: 8-10 hours for the wired unit and 5-7 hours for the Bluetooth B1 unit

* Until the battery is exhausted, it does not consume power from the camera's battery, a significant benefit over some competing GPS kits

* Unlike most photo GPS units, includes a built-in 2-axis magnetic sensor compass

* Compact, lightweight (1.8 oz.), rugged

* Unlike most photo GPS kits, includes a hotshoe extender and a belt for attaching the head unit to the camera strap

* Simple to use in most respects; fast and very reliable in most locations

* Great accuracy re: location; barometric altimeter is unusually accurate

* Continues geo-tagging images indoors, though not with 100% accuracy

* Provides route tracking (tracklog) capability - useful with Google Maps or Google Earth -- a feature that's not common with most other GPS kits

* Unlike many photo GPS units, allows for the use of a remote release accessory (wired, wireless or infrared) while the GPS cable or the Bluetooth receiver is attached to the camera

Cons

* Owner's manual requires a file download

* Full battery charge requires up to 4 hours

* Receiver's LED status light can be difficult to see in bright locations

* Compass calibration is a bit tedious but probably not required again unless you travel to a new location thousands of miles away

* No hotshoe lock is available

* The compass may not be accurate if the GPS receiver unit is attached to the camera strap

* The route tracking data download and display process is not as simple/intuitive as other EasyTag options; see the instructional video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6ErJfm6zC4&feature=related

The Bottom Line

After geo-tagging images with various devices, I'm definitely hooked on the concept and I take full advantage of it when traveling. While testing the EasyTag products, I was particularly pleased with several of its benefits as discussed in the Pro section above. The built-in battery may be the most valuable aspect. This feature ensures that the unit will not deplete the camera's battery while I'm out shooting for many hours.

Based on my experience, either EasyTag GPS unit would be ideal for owners of Nikon DSLRs. These devices offer maximum value with more functions/options -- and a lower price -- than most of their competitors. If you're a frequent traveler who shoots a lot of photos that you plan to upload to photo sharing sites, you'll probably find geo-tagging to be real benefit. While location mapping may not be essential, it's definitely nice to have and it's a cool extra that your friends will appreciate while viewing your albums.

EasyTag GPS Specifications

Chipset: SiRF 20 channel support; Star III for the wired unit and Star IV for the Bluetooth unit

CPU: ARM 32-bit with watchdog timer to automatically reset the device when a problem occurs

Altimeter: Integrated barometric for recording altitude

Compass: Built-in 2-axis magnetic sensor; not supported by the Nikon D200

Indoor Use: Automatically geotags photos taken indoors with the last known GPS location

Data Recording: 2GB MicroSD card for storing up to 3 years of routes/paths travelled; card reader is included

Tracking Sensitivity: -159 dBm

Battery: Built-in, rechargeable; USB charger cable included; automatically switches to the camera’s battery supply when the internal battery is low (except with the Nikon D7000)

Remote Release: 2.5mm pass-through allows for the use of such accessories

Data Cable Availability: Supports 8-pin/10-pin circle/square data cables for Nikon DSLs

Size/Weight: 56mm x 35mm x 24mm; 40g (1.8 oz) plus cable or Bluetooth receiver

Price: Wired unit, $120 ($145 in Canada) plus cable, $10 ($16 in Canada); Bluetooth B1 kit, $150 ($165 in Canada)

Availability: World-wide from http://e-geotag.com/ and in Canada, from www.easytagger.ca