2009 Jul 05 2009
GPS data logger Columbus V-900
GPS data loggers are used by photographers like to go to record the positions of recording images. Not everyone is suited for data loggers alike. In my market observations to me an interesting representative of this genus is encountered.
Equipment is located in my many years of GPS data logger Wintec WBT-201 I am very satisfied with its performance. For a longer trip but my parents turned the requirement to record at least 11 days of continuous data. An interim analysis would not be possible during this time. Since the memory of the Wintec WBT-201 at the back would create a maximum of three days to track-laying, an alternative had to be found.
Gerät “Columbus V-900″ auf dem deutschen Markt vertrieben. For some time now by the company in Columbus, the GPS device GPS Sales Germany expelled "Columbus V-900" on the German market. The nearly 10 millimeter thin enclosure is shown with a polished metal surface below and above a piano black finish, very classy and a little reminiscent of the Apple devices (iPod). The decisive argument, however, was the possibility of the device with a Micro SD card to run up to 2 GB. Thus, the recording is of almost 25 million possible waypoints (about 280 days). The internal battery will keep it around 24 hours through.
Now the device has mentioned the 11 days test behind him and so is the time of evaluation come. While recording a data volume of about 40 MB is met. Used on the 2 GB memory card, then, was still "plenty of air." The recording of the path is a comma-separated list (CSV) and can not therefore without further editing in GPS applications are used. Here at last is the bundled software "time album" was used.
Time album is a Java application and therefore can be run directly without installation on Windows, Mac or Linux computers. The only prerequisite is an installed Java Runtime Environment. This may at http://www.java.com be downloaded and installed. The English software is kept clear but spartan. It offers the possibility of images or recorded voice memos with the recorded distance link and then export to Google Earth. In addition to export the data in NMEA format. Unfortunately, the export can take place but only for a loaded CSV file. Since the device creates after each turn-off or a new file, it is exported without any further editing is not possible for a longer distance.
To link the path with the images I have the free software GeoSetter in connection with the exported used NMEA data. It allowed the maximum use of functions. Against the background of the impressions of the device I want to do a little comparison of the two systems:
Comparison of Columbus V-900 <=> Wintec WBT-201
Columbus V-900
- Pro:
- Voice Recording
- Very large data capacity (up to 2 GB)
- Replaceable disk
- Long battery life
- Cons:
- Battery not replaceable
- To read the data are taken from the memory card and must be read with a card reader
- Spartan software
- Very limited configuration options
- To deactivate Bluetooth after only 15 minutes of operation
Wintec WBT-201
- Pro:
- Good adaptation to use with detailed configurability
- Removable battery
- Use as a GPS receiver for navigation
- Software for mobile devices, and special applications
- Cons:
- Limited memory
- Reduced battery life
Conclusion
Together, the two devices is a very good reception performance even in reduced visibility to the satellites. The resounding argument for the Columbus V-900 is its recording capacity. Its weaknesses lie primarily in the software. During the design award clearly goes to Columbus, the Wintec scores with its compatibility and good software for Windows, Mac, Linux and some mobile platforms.
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6 Comments
Hi,
I just came across your site as I'm looking at how best to use the Wintec 201 in my workflow. I notice that you are also using Lightroom as I am Could you tell me your workflow when tagging pictures. I'm traveling to Iceland next week Sun want to practice tagging as soon as possible so i get my process in place before I go.
Thanks,
Andy
Hi Andrew,
-Format) from the camera and converting to Adobes DNG format. I'm using Lightroom to import my pictures (RAW format) from the camera and converting to Adobe's DNG format. metadata (Ctrl+S). Afterwards I'm saving the tags from Lightroom to the DNG metadata (Ctrl + S). The next step is to geotag the DNG. For this I'm using the freeware Geosetter . When all information's are saved to the file metadata, you can import the location data into Lightroom by Menu option "Read metadata from file". Unfortunately there is no direct implementation for geotagging in Lightroom.
Markus
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Hi Andrew,
-Format) von der Kamera zu importieren und dabei in's DNG Format zu konvertieren. I use Lightroom for my images (RAW format) from the camera to import and convert it into the DNG format. Metadaten (Strg+S). Then I save the keyword information from Lightroom into the DNG metadata (Ctrl + S). In the next step, I mark the DNG files with the geographic information. For this purpose I use the free software Geosetter . If the data is stored in the files, you can play back in Lightroom with the menu option "read metadata from file" to import. Unfortunately, there is no direct way for geotagging in Lightroom.
Markus
Hello, can you relate the Columbus V-900 in Switzerland? Thank you
Hello,
great comparison. It is always difficult to decide on a product if the seller of his "as the best" anpreißt.
However, I wanted to ask why the Wintec "only for 3 days" has storage capacity. In the description for Wintec is that one can define the logging interval itself. Suppose every 10 seconds a log which would be about 15 days. Or I've got a fallacy?
Which is the "appropriate" part, if one wants to be the only route back down to show?
Thank you and again, great site.
Greetings Helmut
Both receivers can be used for "use as a GPS receiver for navigation." Incidentally, there is for the Columbus V-900, a new software version that runs on Linux, Mac and Windows. I just phoned with distribution in Berlin and I was told that it soon became a Nikon GPS comes to the hot shoe will be. Only then, perhaps even as new information for a report. Greeting
Wintec once and never again! WBT-201 was also times in my possession. With its reception performance I was very pleased, but after a year was every 3 months its Bluetooth module is defective. Today there is already a successor of the WBT-202 which was not purchased from me but from the above reason, I've bought the Columbus V-900. I am very satisfied with this: good reception performance, software for Mac, MicroSD slot. The other can now also be made to the information collected for OSM Poi's voice notes.