GPS Digital Camera

The primary advantages of a GPS digital camera are obvious. Using GPS technology, a photographer can have fairly specific location data recorded along with their images. Just as date stamps helped in jogging the memory for years so can location information. It's good for professionals and average consumers/casual users as well.

In addition, for those who take a large volume of pictures these geotagging cameras could really make finding photos easier.

There are, at least currently, some drawbacks to a GPS digital camera however. Clearly, operating the GPS feature consumes battery power, so battery life is negatively influenced. In addition, a camera with true built-in GPS will be bulkier and heavier. Then of course, the cost of such a camera is also higher than for a similar model without GPS. The other primary problem at this time is simply the limited availability of built-in GPS. Right now, there are only a few higher end cameras that offer true built-in GPS.

Here are some of the current ways of using GPS information to tag your photos.

Use a separate portable gps device to record location information while photographing. Then using special software, transfer that information to geocode your photos on your computer after the fact. It's a bit cumbersome and more complex if you aren't as comfortable with the technology. (There is a video tutorial on this below)

Use an add-on device, such as those shown below to get the GPS function. These are designed to work with a wide range of cameras.

Buy a GPS digital camera. Right now this mean buying a mid-range to higher end camera.

Use free downloadable programs such as GPicSync by Google to geocode your pictures after the fact.

For casual users; use a camera phone with built-in GPS to take your photos. Clearly, this option reduces the number of photographic features you have to choose from as camera phones still don't offer many of the features found on stand alone digital cameras.

Use the Eye-Fi Explore memory cards. Are they more expensive than other memory cards? Absolutely. But they allow geotagging and wireless transfer.

Before you buy a digital camera which the salesman indicates has GPS, be sure you understand what you are getting.

Is the GPS built-in?

Does the camera just offer a port to attach GPS?

Do you have to buy the GPS as an optional feature?

Photo Credits
Introduction: Locify. (no derivative work allowed)
Advantages and Disadvantages of a GPS Camera: raneko.
What are the Options: Dawvon.