I’m a traveling geek, moving through places, space and time, some locations weird and unique, other locations normal but still great locations to take the camera out an take some shots. When I produce images of these places I’ve always wanted GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates to share the locations with others, and to have a record of exactly where these places were. The EasyTag is a decent and reasonably priced device that uses the space-based global navigation satellite system that provides reliable location and time information in all weather and at all times and anywhere on or near the Earth when and where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is maintained by the United States government and is freely accessible by anyone with a GPS receiver like the EasyTag
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Features and Specifications of the EasyTag
- Real time GPS/geographical information written directly into the EXIF file (RAW, JPEG, TIFF support)
- SiRF Star-III chipset with 20 channels
- High-performance ARM 32-bit CPU with watchdog timer to automatically reset the device when a problem occurs
- Integrated barometric altimeter to record altitude
- Built-in 2-axis magnetic sensor to record direction (compass)
(Not supported by the Nikon D200.) - MicroSD slot for the included 2GB memory card which stores up to 3 years of routes/paths travelled, not just the location where the photo was taken
- Automatically geotags photos taken indoors with the last known GPS location (e.g. before walking inside)
- Very high sensitivity for quick signal acquisition: tracking sensitivity: -159 dBm
- Built-in rechargeable battery that lasts 10 hours with continous use
- Automatically switches to the camera’s battery supply when the internal battery is running low
- Passthrough for remote/shutter releases (2.5mm jack): wired, wireless and infrared timers/triggers supported
- Supports 8-pin/10-pin circle/square data cables and is compatible with the
D3S
D3x
D3
D700
D300s
D300
D2xs
D2xs
D2HS
D200
D90
D5000
Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro - User-friendly quick 30-second calibration
- Supports Flickr, Panoramio, Picasa, Locr, etc.
- Supports Adobe Lightroom, Apple Aperature, etc.
- Size (L x W x H): 56mm x 35mm x 24mm
- Weight: 85g
In Use
Working with the EasyTag Geotagging device fits the bill of adding embedding geographic data to the metadata of images as I travel. The EasyTag is a small and light weight device. Its size makes it easy to manage with you normal camera gear. The device sits on the hot shoe. It is compatible, by way of direct data cable connection, with Nikon D3s, D3, D700, D300S, D300, D2XS, D2X, D2HS, D200, D90, D5000 and Fujifilm S5 Pro Cameras.
It will also work with any other camera as a standalone device. When the EasyTag’s Toggle switch is set to ‘All’ the device stays on recording its location into a txt file. The record of path/route traveled is then, using free software, synchronized using GPS/geographical data and the photo’s timestamp. The GPS information is then embedded into each individual photo.
When I took a picture on my camera, a Nikon D90, with the GPS Device turned on, a screen appeared over the image preview which added data to my image consisting of latitude and longitude coordinates, as well as altitude, and bearing or the direction one is traveling. Users have to make sure the device has a signal first though, that was the first mistake I made with the EasyTag.
I was traveling around, all over my small part of the world just having fun with my camera. Having the EasyTag geotag my photos was interesting. I was taking pictures of scenes is parks, coffee shops pizza parlors, and of people who were asking me what the device was on my camera. Normal shooting outside, or inside, the EasyTag was mostly non intrusive.
The EasyTag was on the camera tight enough to survive a crowded situation, or just sitting on your hip with the camera as you walked. If you are out though and you need to use a flash, on camera, or off, you will have issue. You can use a rubber band, Gaffers tape or Velcro to latch the device on the camera strap. I wish the EasyTag had a key ring or something as an alternative to just using the hot shoe. When placing camera in the bag i found it sensible to take a moment and remove the device from the camera. The Easytag does not weigh a lot, but feels like it has a sturdy build and will not fall apart.
EasyTagger’s Download Section has provided decent links to free software on the device. The site even had a piece of software I was already using. Software-wise, there is something for everyone, and everything is mostly free. Want to share your photos with the world? Need to quickly resize photos for email or Facebook? Can’t preview RAW photos? You can find what you need there.
It’s a nice device to use over all. I like having the geotagging capability when I desire. This device is for the traveler, the photo walker, and the nature folks, or anybody for that matter who wants to log locations. It can be used anywhere, where you could get signal.
More to come in the field review!
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