GPS Metadata For Your DSLR

It's becoming increasing popular to include location shooting information (GPS) in digital image metadata. Being able to insert GPS information with each digital image file ensures that the orignal location can be identified and shared in the future. Since the major camera manufacturers don't include this capability as a "built-in" function on their latest generation of DSLRs, there has been an increasing number of DSLR GPS solutions appearing on the Internet.

Many of these products rely on synchronizing the device's internal clock with the camera's timing circuit. These units are NOT attached to the camera and track your physical location while you're shooting by keeping a log in memory. When you return from your day of shooting and download your pictures, the software that comes with the GPS devices then writes the GPS coordinates into each image file based on the time recorded in the metadata of each image.

To this aging brain, this process seemed overly complex and easily corrupted if the times were not synchronized or something went wrong with either clock. I couldn't understand why a GPS device couldn't be attached to the camera and the GPS data be written to each image AS it was being shot. This would reduce the complexity to making sure the unit was attached to the camera and turned on.

Well, I found one. At least, I found a rugged unit that is designed to work with most Nikon cameras and Fuji's Pro S5. Since I'm a Nikon user for a good part of my work, I was delighted.

Geomet'r GPS Receiver

The unit is offered by Macsense and is called the Geomet'r GPS Receiver. It's about the size of an Apple Shuffle player. Best of all it attaches easily to the DSLR and has only one, non-confusing on-off button. The cost of the unit is $150. I ordered and received the unit within 5 days.

Geomet'r GPS Receiver attached to a Nikon D200

Shown above is the simple attachment of the GPS receiver to the accessory socket of a Nikon D200 (red circle). The on-off button is located on the socket connector (yellow circle). The unit also includes a velcorized bracket for placing the unit on the camera's flash shoe. I have gotten into the habit of attaching mine to my camera strap.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: Turn on the GPS Receiver. Give the unit about 30 seconds to figure out where in the world it is currently situated. Take pictures.

That's it. As each picture is taken, the GPS location coordinate data is included in the metadata automatically.

Lightroom Metadata Window

Shown here is the metadata portion of Adobe's Lightroom Library workspace. The GPS and Altitude information were entered into this image file when the picture was taken (red box). The GPS data is now permanently embedded information that will always travel with the digital file.

Notice the small arrow at the right side of the red box. Click on this arrow, and here's what you'll see:

GPS Image Coordinates Shown in Google Maps

That's right. Google Maps opens in your browser to show you the exact location of the coordinates recorded in the image metadata.

How cool is that?

Now any picture service that makes use of GPS metadata (like Flickr) will be able to display the location where the picture was taken. Send your best vacation or creative photographs to members of your family, and they will be able to see your pictures and the location.

Things you need to know:

• The Geomet'r draws its power directly from your camera's battery. This requires you to charge your batteries more frequently or carry spares. When not in use, TURN THE UNIT OFF or it will continue draining your battery.
• Like any other GPS unit, the Geomet'r will not work reliably inside a building. In these cases, I take a picture of the outside of the building to have one image from the session with the exact coordinates. I can add this GPS data to the indoor images later in my digital editing program.

I have found the Geomet'r to be extremely accurate, reliable and rugged. So, if you have been looking for this capability and own a Nikon or Fuji DSLR, check out the Geomet'r.

Footnote: As of this post, Nikon has announced an accessory GPS unit similar in size and function to the Geomet'r called the GP-I. However, the pricing information is not readily available. I have seen price estimates ranging from $200 US to $800 US.

Equipment Tip - Which DSLR should I buy?

Having the benefit of a career full of good and bad photographic experiences to draw on but answering to no camera sponsors, I feel I can be neutral about camera brands and focus on features that I would ask you to consider as you research buying your DSLR. Ultimately, your personal preferences and the size of your pocketbook will determine your selection. I will not be advising you to buy a Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Fuji or Sony DSLR. But do keep these facts in mind during your research.

To be perfectly clear, I am aiming my comments toward those purchasing a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera -- affectionately known as DSLRs. This class of cameras is used both by amateurs and professionals and is among one of the fastest growing segments of the photographic industry. Today's DSLR cameras generally share these minimum features:

• The ability to interchange lenses (i.e., normal, zoom, wide angle, telephoto).
• A light collecting sensor to capture the image (exposure) -- typically a CCD (charge-coupled device) - providing image files from 8 to 24 megapixels in size.
  
• The ability to view and compose an image while looking through the camera's taking lens to see precisely the image that will be captured (not through a viewfinder which is set off to the side and has its own secondary "window on the scene").
  
• A built-in light meter and computing power capable of measuring the available light and automatically adjusting the camera's light controls (aperture and shutter) to their optimum settings based on the photographer's pre-set requirements.
• The ability to review an image immediately after the picture is taken.
  
• The ability to store image files on one of the many data card formats available (today's equivalent to traditional film).
• A built-in flash for low light or indoor photography.

This picture of my Nikon DSLR (taken with my Canon DSLR)
illustrates the features common to DSLR cameras.

Those are all the features a camera requires to be classified as a DSLR. However, most manufacturers add significant enhancements to these basics in their more advanced models. But be forewarned, the more enhancements incorporated the more the camera will cost.

• Higher resolutions - capturing more pixels of information for each picture taken (6 to 8 megapixels is normal for the lower priced DSLRs while 10 to 24 megapixels per image is the range for the higher end DSLRs).
• More photographer controls to override or enhance the camera's automated exposure system.
• Higher images (frames) per second rates allowing high speed photography at 8 frames or more per second.
• More selections of shutter speeds (from extremely slow to very fast).
• More flash photography options including connections for external flashes.
• Enhanced information displays including histograms (graphic representation of each exposure).
  
• Some cameras now offer full 35mm frame coverage to match traditional film 35mm cameras and provide a larger area of coverage as well as a larger final image file size.

When researching your DSLR purchase, make sure the camera you are considering has the capability to display a "histogram" superimposed on the preview image (Nikon camera sample shown above) after each picture is taken.

The list goes on and on with more features on the next generation drawing board. For example, it won't be long before GPS technology is fully incorporated into DSLRs. When this happens, the exact location of each picture you take will be "written" into the digital image file. Using services like Google Maps, you'll not only be able to share your pictures online with your family and friends but you'll also be able to provide a map to the exact location. Pretty cool.

But for now, you need to decide what features you are looking for in a camera and the price range you can afford.

Start the process by knowing that all name brand DSLR cameras are GOOD. If you've always loved Simon and Garfunkel's Kodachrome then you might be predisposed to Nikon cameras. Or, if you've noticed a long line up of gray colored telephoto lenses being used by photojournalists on the Super Bowl sidelines, you might be leaning towards Canon cameras. Of course, there's always the cameras that your friends are using and recommending.

In these cases as with other respected brands like Pentax, Olympus, Fuji and Sony, the basic DSLRs they offer are very good digital cameras. Knowing that it's hard to make a bad choice, I would suggest you do the following:

• Put together a list of "must haves" and "nice to haves" for your dream camera.
• Determine in advance the most money you want to spend for the basic camera.
• Visit a camera shop that has several camera brands.
• I find that camera shops have more technically savvy sales staff. So let your salesperson know the type of pictures you want to take with your camera. Share your list of "wants". Then take a close look at the cameras these helpful folks recommend.
• Don't stop there. Ask to see some of the comparable cameras from other manufacturers. You need to get the "feel" of the cameras. You will have to live with your purchase for several years. So make certain the camera is comfortable in your hands and that the various controls are easy for you to reach and manipulate.
• In the same manner, check to make sure the information displayed in the viewfinder and on the camera's LCD displays are easy for you to read and make adjustments from.
  
• Take your time. With your mind overwhelmed with information... go home... take a day or two to absorb this information... and do some Internet research. This "cooling down period" should bring an adequate dose of objectivity to your final purchase decision.
  

I would also suggest that your list of digital camera "musts" include at least the following:

• 8"x10" prints are typically the largest size most often printed by first time photographers. With this in mind, a camera capable of shooting pictures in the 8 to 10 megapixel range will provide ample image information to provide sharp prints up to 11"x14" in size.
  
• The capability to show a "histogram" on the camera's image preview screen immediately after you take each picture.
• The ability to allow you to select between auto, manual, aperture priority and shutter priority modes.
• The ability to store images in RAW format.
• A flash "shoe" that allows you to eventually mount an external flash on your camera. (All suggested cameras will likely come with a built-in flash.)
• A manual depth of field preview button.
• The ability to accept a shutter release cable.
• Most cameras automatically include computer connection hardware, software and a battery charger, but check to make sure.

The good news is that even the least expensive DSLRs contain most of the items on my "must" list. Spending more money will provide advanced features and greater image file sizes (more pixel density in each digital image for larger prints) which you may or may not use -- depending on the growth of your photographic interest. (That range of photographic interests currently translates in dollars to cameras priced from approximately $500 to $6,000.)

Overspending is easy. Just be aware that even the lower priced DSLRs from major camera manufacturers take excellent pictures and afford you exceptional flexibility in the types of pictures you can take.

Whatever your camera decision, please be loyal to the store that spent their valuable time educating you. Too often have I seen camera buyers consume hours of store personnel time to see every available camera while picking the staff's brains for technical insights, only to discover later that the buyer went somewhere else to make the final purchase. If the store personnel have truly been courteous and helpful, reward them with your purchase. Believe me, even if you pay a little more for the camera, your loyalty will be repaid generously every time you need help or support. These folks will quickly become your most trusted photographic friends.

If the terms "histogram" and 'RAW format' are new to you, and you are wondering why I consider these features a must for every photographer, please review my "Hub's Camera Blog" for a detailed explanation. It's important. URL: www.hubbardcamera.com

In the next post, I'll provide my TIP for your second most important camera accessory purchase.

As always if you have questions or comments, just let me know.