Posted by Andy Richards on March 18, 2007 at 10:44 AM
I know this topic has been covered before, but I have some more recent information for anyone interested in using a handheld GPS unit to upload GPS data to their EXIF file while shooting. I suppose its a legitimate question to ask why you would want to do that. I am a "toy" guy. Is it useful? I don't know. But if you already own a handheld GPS (I do), it might be fun to play with it.
I am Nikon user so I don't know what is available for other manufacturers. The D2x and D200 advertise the capability to attach a handheld GPS. Nikon advertises a cable (MC-35, I believe), but it has been an extremely frustrating experience trying to obtain one. I recently found a third-party solution. A company (in China, I think) called pc-mobile, has been manufacturing cables for PDA's etc. for some time. They recently began marketing a cable to fit the Nikon D2X/200 bodies. I ordered their "kit" for two different GPS units I own from http://www.pc-mobile.net/nikongps.htm.
I received my cables from pc-mobile (took about 10 days). I have now tested their cables on two different Garmin handhelds, the E-Trex (which Nikon advertises works) and an older, Map12 unit. Both worked fine, after I figured out that you have to make sure the unit is set to NMEA output. If you already have a compatible handheld (they have a chart of many different models and which cable to fit), the cost is under $100 for the whole thing. They list a number of Magellan and Garmin Units. The E-trex can be purchased for under $100.
There are 2 or 3 cables, depending on your desired set up. One is the cable to fit the D200/2x (it plugs into the socket where you plug in an electronic cable release). This is the most expensive cable @ about $60. The second is the cable for the GPS (which plugs into the D200 cable--this allows you to interchange handhelds if you have more than one) -- $15. The third cable, if you want it, is a cable release. There are two sockets in the camera cable, one for the GPS unit and the other for this cable release. It replaces the Nikon release which you obviously cannot use because the dedicated socket is being used by the GPS cable. I don't remember the exact cost, but around $10 to $12. The cables are small, so its not as much of a big deal as I may have made it sound <g>.
Once the unit is set up to output NMEA, you plug it in, turn it and the camera on, and the LCD will flash GPS. When the unit acquires the satelites, the LCD goes solid (stops flashing) and you are ready. I took several test shots with both of my GPS units and both inputted the data into the EXIF file. I got Lattitude, Longitude, Altitude (I haven't played with it to see if there are more options). I am pleased with the result--particularly at lower cost than the Nikon solution.
It's immensely useful technology for anyone doing field work, especially if there's a need to link data, location, and visual details. Geologists do it all the time now, especially when you crank the capabilities of google earth into the equation. One I work with is working with the combo, both for planning field seasons and for reporting and scientific journal articles. Kind of puts a whole new spin on it to be able to tie your photos very accurately with the bigger picture you get on GE.
I'm bidding a contract right now that will require me to use the capability, so I greatly appreciate your report on alternatives to the elusive (perhaps mythical, from all the luck I'm having) MC-35.
Posted by Rob Theoret on March 18, 2007 at 6:56 PM
@ Andy Richards.
Hi Andy, just adding my 2 cents worth. I have been using my Garmin (etrex Vista) for almost a year now, and I am very pleased with it, It has saved me many miles in my travels.
I use the (MC-35) Nikon connection with my D2X (both of them) and I find that it is very usefull. Living with the Canadian Rocky Mountains at my back door (I am in Calgary, Alberta) I tend to do a lot of back country traveling in the mountains, and my Jeep is set up with my GPS all the time. So when I leave the Jeep, cause I can't go any further and have to hike the resr of the way to where I am going my GPS is always with me.
As far as using it with my camera, I find it very usefull in recording the locations of where I have taken the photos that I come back with. A good example is, I was going traveling in the back country and happened to catch some good shots of some Mountain Sheep (females that where very pregnante). I wanted to be able to come back to the same spot that I had seen them to do some follow up photography. Call it lucky, or thankfull for my GPS information on the photos I was able to go back to the very same spot and catch some great photos of the new born sheep (2 to 3 weeks old).
If I haden't recorded the spot where I had seen the sheep, I dont think I would have been able to go back and get the shots of the young ones.
I should note that I use the mapping software from my GPS to draw some location maps of where I go, and when I'm ready to go back I just put my GPS in GOTO mode and I can get back to the original spot where I was, when I took certain photos.
So to answer your question. Yes my GPS and camera set up are very usefull to me. Some times it doesn't work, cause the animals are not always at the same spot, but I have found that most of the time it works for me. PS. Also works great when locating birds and nests that I want to go back to and follow the progress.
Posted by Andy Richards on March 18, 2007 at 9:07 PM
Hank: The "elusiveness" of the MC35 is what put me onto this. I have been trying to find one since I bought the in December 05. I was able to find one a company in Europe was selling for $250! Nikon's website touts it, but it is "backordered" everywhere. I finally got tired of the game and e-mailed Nikon. I did get a response from Nikon Technical Service in New Jersey. The guy was very polite and did try to help me --- but ultimately, his hands were tied and there was nothing forthcoming from Japan. I really wonder if they have any intention of manufacturing any more of them (though I do understand ther probably isn't high demand for them in terms of numbers). Anyway, the Nikon guy gave me 3 or 4 links to different third party solutions others were using. There is one guy who has manufactured a unit that is just a GPS receiver and fits on the camera hotshoe. Looks like a really nice setup, but in the $200 range. Another guy has some DYI plans. I wouldn't even think about messing with the electronics on a $2000 camera! So this seemed like the best solution.
Rob: I do have the mapping software with my Map12. I don't know whether I'll use it or not. I haven't used it much. I do have DeLorme mapping software on my computer and I know I can download GPS information to it. I also have been fooling around with Google Earth. It wil be interesting to be able to input GPS coordinates there and see my shots from the air. I am looking forward to using this rig.
Kent, not to worry. Your secret locations will be safe. My GPS doesn't work underwater, or inside grain silos <G>
Discussion
6 repliesI am Nikon user so I don't know what is available for other manufacturers. The D2x and D200 advertise the capability to attach a handheld GPS. Nikon advertises a cable (MC-35, I believe), but it has been an extremely frustrating experience trying to obtain one. I recently found a third-party solution. A company (in China, I think) called pc-mobile, has been manufacturing cables for PDA's etc. for some time. They recently began marketing a cable to fit the Nikon D2X/200 bodies. I ordered their "kit" for two different GPS units I own from http://www.pc-mobile.net/nikongps.htm.
I received my cables from pc-mobile (took about 10 days). I have now tested their cables on two different Garmin handhelds, the E-Trex (which Nikon advertises works) and an older, Map12 unit. Both worked fine, after I figured out that you have to make sure the unit is set to NMEA output. If you already have a compatible handheld (they have a chart of many different models and which cable to fit), the cost is under $100 for the whole thing. They list a number of Magellan and Garmin Units. The E-trex can be purchased for under $100.
There are 2 or 3 cables, depending on your desired set up. One is the cable to fit the D200/2x (it plugs into the socket where you plug in an electronic cable release). This is the most expensive cable @ about $60. The second is the cable for the GPS (which plugs into the D200 cable--this allows you to interchange handhelds if you have more than one) -- $15. The third cable, if you want it, is a cable release. There are two sockets in the camera cable, one for the GPS unit and the other for this cable release. It replaces the Nikon release which you obviously cannot use because the dedicated socket is being used by the GPS cable. I don't remember the exact cost, but around $10 to $12. The cables are small, so its not as much of a big deal as I may have made it sound <g>.
Once the unit is set up to output NMEA, you plug it in, turn it and the camera on, and the LCD will flash GPS. When the unit acquires the satelites, the LCD goes solid (stops flashing) and you are ready. I took several test shots with both of my GPS units and both inputted the data into the EXIF file. I got Lattitude, Longitude, Altitude (I haven't played with it to see if there are more options). I am pleased with the result--particularly at lower cost than the Nikon solution.
Kent in SD
I'm bidding a contract right now that will require me to use the capability, so I greatly appreciate your report on alternatives to the elusive (perhaps mythical, from all the luck I'm having) MC-35.
Hi Andy, just adding my 2 cents worth. I have been using my Garmin (etrex Vista) for almost a year now, and I am very pleased with it, It has saved me many miles in my travels.
I use the (MC-35) Nikon connection with my D2X (both of them) and I find that it is very usefull. Living with the Canadian Rocky Mountains at my back door (I am in Calgary, Alberta) I tend to do a lot of back country traveling in the mountains, and my Jeep is set up with my GPS all the time. So when I leave the Jeep, cause I can't go any further and have to hike the resr of the way to where I am going my GPS is always with me.
As far as using it with my camera, I find it very usefull in recording the locations of where I have taken the photos that I come back with. A good example is, I was going traveling in the back country and happened to catch some good shots of some Mountain Sheep (females that where very pregnante). I wanted to be able to come back to the same spot that I had seen them to do some follow up photography. Call it lucky, or thankfull for my GPS information on the photos I was able to go back to the very same spot and catch some great photos of the new born sheep (2 to 3 weeks old).
If I haden't recorded the spot where I had seen the sheep, I dont think I would have been able to go back and get the shots of the young ones.
I should note that I use the mapping software from my GPS to draw some location maps of where I go, and when I'm ready to go back I just put my GPS in GOTO mode and I can get back to the original spot where I was, when I took certain photos.
So to answer your question. Yes my GPS and camera set up are very usefull to me. Some times it doesn't work, cause the animals are not always at the same spot, but I have found that most of the time it works for me. PS. Also works great when locating birds and nests that I want to go back to and follow the progress.
Rob Theoret
f-stop photography © 2004-2007
Rob: I do have the mapping software with my Map12. I don't know whether I'll use it or not. I haven't used it much. I do have DeLorme mapping software on my computer and I know I can download GPS information to it. I also have been fooling around with Google Earth. It wil be interesting to be able to input GPS coordinates there and see my shots from the air. I am looking forward to using this rig.
Kent, not to worry. Your secret locations will be safe. My GPS doesn't work underwater, or inside grain silos <G>