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.

For more information

• Technical data and descriptions of the importer
• Manufacturers web site with software download

Tags: equipment , geo , geotagging , GPS , hardware , technology , test

The proven Canon Speedlight 220EX goes into well-deserved retirement. It follows - in May it will be on the market - the compact Speedlite 270EX model. Compact and lightweight, it is the ideal destination for flash users of compatible EOS SLR cameras and PowerShot models. Even newcomers to the world fire the flash with "external assistance" will make the new flash well.

A number of new features offer enhanced features for built-in flash and a convincing quality you get from a flash unit for entry-level not normally expected. These include the zoom reflector for efficient light distribution and the swivel reflector to bounce on the ceiling - perfect for a subtle lighting effect with soft tones and achieve greater spatial effect. The optimized circuit enables a fast and near silent charging with similar loading times as its predecessor - a remarkable achievement, since the power is supplied only by two AA cells. The maximum guide number is 27 And manual flash control is possible via the menus on compatible cameras.

The new flash unit will be available from May 2009 for 149 EUR (MSRP).

Tags: flash , Canon , art , accessories

Since the displays to the always high-quality cameras and larger, should be for my new digital camera a decent protection for the display ago. In the past I've had my monitors the cameras are always provided with protective films.

These protective films but have the disadvantage that their optical properties are very good. Even with high-quality films, the reproduction characteristics of the displays were limited visible. Furthermore, the protective effect is limited to minor scratches, because the film is soft and a table Did not stand up safely.

More by accident than by structured'm searching I then stumbled on the protective glass of the company GGS. The "LCD protector," as she calls him GGS consists of six layers of glass laminated together which measure just 0.5 mm. The optical glass is toughened and anti-reflective coating to 90%. The glass is glued only at the edge, so that no bubbles and the display is not clouded by an adhesive.

The assembly was correspondingly simple: clean the display, put on protective glass and press down. The result was impressive. The properties of the display remained fully intact, the glass makes a very strong impression. The nose is not in danger. The glass is clean and has rounded to spot. In return let finger and nose prints much easier to remove.

For me is clear: No more film.

Tags: equipment , report , recommendation , test , Accessories

Current digital cameras have always higher sensor resolutions. At the same time, the processors are improving the cameras to provide higher burst speeds. A problem arises from this: The images must go somewhere.

The recently announced Canon EOS 50D for example, creates 15 megapixel images at a rate of 6.5 frames per second. In order to banish the resulting amount of data on the storage medium, this camera supports UDMA mode. This allows the image data directly, bypassing the processor to write to the memory card - provided they support the UDMA mode.

Unfortunately this is not exactly obvious. UDMA CompactFlash is designed for only since Version 3.0 of the CompactFlash 2004. Here is a speed of 66 MB / s (UDMA 66) is determined. The current normalization from the year 2006 (CF 4.0) provides 133 MB / s (UDMA 133) before. Therefore, I went again in search of memory cards that support these standards and to make the speeds of the actual camera housing possible.

After I started the search, I quickly had to realize that currently do not have that many CF cards are available that bring the required performance, so any support UDMA. Here is a compilation:

1. Lexar Professional UDMA 300x CompactFlash
   Lexar is known for high-performance storage devices for professional use. The memory cards are currently available up to 16 GB, 4 GB version costs about 50, the 8 GB memory card around 90 €.
2. Delkin CompactFlash Pro
   Delkin's memory media were previously unknown to me. Information from the manufacturer on its website to find.
3. Fujifilm 310x
   According to a press release should Fujifilm's claims to "fastest memory card in the world" since July 2008 be available in stores. I unfortunately could not find in any reputable shop. The price should be around € 145 for the 8 GB card.
4. Transcend 300x UDMA CompactFlash
   Again clearly the common memory cards are the manufacturer Transcend. Also, this model offers the high performance segment. The 16GB model for € 135, to have 8 GB card for about 80 €.
5. Sony CompactFlash 300X
   Significantly more expensive than the competition show the CompactFlash card from Sony. For the 2 GB Sony takes about 65 €, 4 GB for around 105 EUR.
6. RAM high speed 320X Compact Flash Components
   However, is completely unknown is the manufacturer of these high speed models. The price is approximately level with the Transcend device. If the speed is correct, this should be the fastest currently available cards on the market.

The speed rating (eg 300x) is relative to the speed of a single speed CD-ROM drive, thus corresponds to 150 kb / s. Why exactly this speed was set as the underlying base addition, I really do not. Other models are not known to me, I take notes but welcome.

Each of the different memory cards and their interest rates in different cameras, which is Rob Galbraith CF / SD Performance Database is recommended. English-saving skills are necessary but at least for navigation.

Tags: camera , memory cards , technology , test

The Wintec WBT-201

Specifications

• Chipsatz GPS receiver with a new "Atmel / u-blox Antaris ® 4" GPS Chipset
• Position data loggers
• Storage capacity for over 131,000 waypoints
• Photo via PC software "X Time Machine"
• 1-4 Hz technology
• WAAS / EGNOS possible
• Password protection log data
• By cable and Bluetooth available
• Rechargeable, replaceable Li-Ion battery (BL-4C format)
• about 15 hours running time in the GPS mode
• Running time approximately 12 in the log mode
• Mini-USB connector
• Bluetooth interface
• Very small, light and handy

The Wintec WBT-201 or G-Rays 2, a GPS data logger - but what does that do to please with photography? This small and handy device with only 40g including the battery weight is on all of my photo tours in my pocket, so just in case! The GPS satellite receiver is so good that it even without direct line of sight in a bag in the trunk or under the car seat works fine.

The device records the position in configurable parameters (by time, Bewegungsabhänging etc.). oder Bluetooth auf ein PC übertragen werden. These waypoints (GPS coordinates and elevation information) is stored in internal memory and can later be transferred via USB or Bluetooth to a PC.

This way I can for a photo tour of the entire distance on a map to understand (eg Google Earth).

Now the photograph comes into play: With special software, now can create waypoints with the photos are combined. This allows the recording positions of the images could also be adopted later. The geographical information obtained will be directly stored in the extended image information (metadata), known as EXIF information. Thus, these data are always associated with the photo and can be read again with any supporting software.

From my photo blog you have to have the opportunity to visualize the locations of recording images. The data were collected with this little helper.

Which software is best suited for this purpose will be the subject of further articles in this portal.

Tags: EXIF , Geo , GPS , tools , position sensing