Best GPS location tracking device

I recently saw an episode of Adorama TV with Mark Wallace on YouTube about adding GPS data to my photos using a Garmin Fenix wristwatch. I was wondering if anyone on here had found a cheap GPS device that allows me to import *.GPX track files into the computer so I can load tracking data into Lightroom and synchronize it with my photos.

http://youtu.be/0aVgBt​3ztXM

I just want the cheapest one I can buy that will do the job. The Garmin Fenix is to expensive. I already have a cell phone app but it kills my battery quickly so that's not practical.

I'm excited because I recently bought the all-new Garmin Fenix 2 and aside from using it for trail running, biking, hiking, and swimming, I'm also going to use it to easily geotag all of my photo trips too. For me, it's a no cost bonus since I was buying the watch for fitness and navigation purposes anyway.

If you want to use a watch form factor, then your best bet is to look at buying an older watch such as the Garmin 310XT, which can be had on the used market for dramatically less money. If you're just geotagging your photos with a GPS track, this will get the job done exactly the same way that a Fenix does.

Another option that's less elegant, but won't wear your iPhone battery down is to simply take one iPhone pic at each location that you take a photo with your SLR, and then synch that up in Lightroom or Aperture.

Hopefully this helps,
Bryan

Garmin's eTrex 10 handheld will run you around $100-$110 and do what you're asking. It uses NavStar GPS with WAAS, and Glonass (the Russian GPS) for faster fixes and better accuracy. I've been using Garmin handhelds for this for 5-6 years.

Jon wrote in post #16825903
Garmin's eTrex 10 handheld will run you around $100-$110 and do what you're asking. It uses NavStar GPS with WAAS, and Glonass (the Russian GPS) for faster fixes and better accuracy. I've been using Garmin handhelds for this for 5-6 years.

I found it on Amazon for only $82! thats awesome!! and 20 hours of battery!

catclaw wrote in post #16825928
I found it on Amazon for only $82! thats awesome!! and 20 hours of battery!

Looks like that might be a great option for what you're looking for!

Bryan

I have a Canon 1DX. It has the option of adding a GPS accessory. Has anyone used this option and is it worth the investment?

I have the GP-E2, which is one of the options for the 1DX; it sits in the hot shoe and/or connects via USB. But it's not as accurate as a hand-held GPS unit like the Garmin. It does embed the lat/long and bearing in the RAW EXIF fields (as you shoot, or after the fact, from a log file) which most post-processing solutions won't do. Considering it's 3-4x the price . . .

h2ofarmer wrote in post #16826303
I have a Canon 1DX. It has the option of adding a GPS accessory. Has anyone used this option and is it worth the investment?

I use it, and I really like it. I'm a total GPS junkie, however. It embeds the data right in my images, which I really appreciate. It is very hard for it to get a lock while moving at a fast speed (travelling in a vehicle). But, it generally locks well while stationary or moving slowly. Once it locks it tends to stay locked: even while moving in a vehicle.

Is it worth the price? I guess that depends on you. I do think it is a bit overpriced, but I "had" to have it so I bought it anyway.

h2ofarmer wrote in post #16826303
I have a Canon 1DX. It has the option of adding a GPS accessory. Has anyone used this option and is it worth the investment?

In my personal opinion, it's way overpriced. The work-around solution is to use a separate Handheld GPS (attached to your pack or on the dash of your car) or a GPS Watch and then simply embed the track file when you download the pictures....that is, if your software supports it. Both Lightroom and Aperture support this function, which I suspect the majority of folks use. It's not that time-consuming to do and saves you quite a bit of money. Hoever, if money is zero concern and you want to automate the process as much as possible, then the Canon GPS is the way to go.

Just my two cents,
Bryan

To all who responded to my post, thank you ... I do a lot of shooting in nature and one area can look much like the next so I will have to try it as it does seem useful.

I agree. This was great. Instead of the on board GPS, I'm going for the handheld unit, and I'll just sync the GPS locations with my images in Lightroom.

Waterfarmer, here is the link to the video that inspired this for me:

http://youtu.be/0aVgBt​3ztXM


That will show you how easy the hand held GPS option is.

Anyone tried the "GPS Logger" app for ios/android? It says it can export to the gpx format. (gpx data format is used in the adorama video)

Grimnar wrote in post #16827457
Anyone tried the "GPS Logger" app for ios/android? It says it can export to the gpx format. (gpx data format is used in the adorama video)

I believe the issue there is always going to come back to battery life on your phone.

aphphoto wrote in post #16827510
I believe the issue there is always going to come back to battery life on your phone.

Yes, that's the reason I'm looking at alternatives. Battery life on phone gets sucked away.

With the other options, you get 20+ hours of working time. And if you use eneloop batteries, you have virtually no cost to use.

You know what would be a great option on the high end canon camera would be a built in GPS so it if ever got lost or stolen like your IPhone you would be able to locate it.