ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger
The ATP GPS PhotoFinder is a GPS datalogger that features a card slot and USB connectivity to apply GPS coordinates to JPEG images. Unlike other GPS datalogging devices, this product can apply the EXIF data to the files without the use of a computer. It is a compact and portable unit that is usable by point-and-shoot digital camera owners as well as digital SLR users.
In further detail, the PhotoFinder has two key elements of connectivity. The first is a combined Secure Digital/MMC and Memory Stick card slot. When a card in inserted during downtime or at the end of the day, the PhotoFinder reads through the JPEG filed contained within and appends the EXIF metadata with GPS coordinates. The other port is a mini USB port that has two modes of functionality. In one mode, a USB card reader may be connected and other card formats like CompactFlash can be used with the PhotoFinder as long as they are formatted with the FAT32 file system (nearly all digital cameras format cards FAT32). The other mode allows the PhotoFinder to connect to a home computer (Mac/PC/Linux) and it will appear up as a 128MB USB drive. What is on that drive is the saved tracklog in a KML format that can be easily imported and mapped by Google Earth or other software applications that accept the format.
In use, the PhotoFinder is extremely simple to operate. When the unit powers on, it will seek out the signals from GPS satellites above. Once the channels are "locked," the device can and should be left on and operating as long as the user is out shooting. The time to lock will vary depending on the ready state of the GPS and the clarity of the satellite link. "Cold-start" times can be as quick as 45 seconds; "hot-start" is 1 second. A set of two AAA batteries will provide 7.5-8 hours of constant use.
When ready, all a user has to do following a day of photography is insert a card into the PhotoFinder or copy the tracklog into their favorite photo editor that can accept such data. Actually, the Geotagging operation using either method can be done at anytime as the PhotoFinder is simply matching the times it has recorded, with the time stamp the camera records onto each photo. Couldn't be easier!
- Geotags JPEG Images
- Latitude and Longitude information is appended to a JPEG file non-destructively and without recompressing the JPEG file. When image files are viewed or edited on a computer, this information is accessible by programs like Adobe Lightroom, Apple iPhoto, Google Earth and Picasa to name a few. Therefore, based upon a GPS-originated timeline, an accurate representation of a user's location for each image is able to be generated. A key requirement for this to work is synchronization with the clocks on the camera and the GPS unit. The PhotoFinder receives UTC (Universal Time) from the GPS satellite broadcast.
- Multiple Connectivity Options
- The PhotoFinder can directly accept Secure Digital and Memory Stick cards and with an adapter (not included), the device can read CompactFlash and xD Picture Cards. Furthermore, the PhotoFinder can connect to a home computer where the tracklog file can be backed up or imported into programs that can read and interpret geospatial data.
- SiRF III Chipset
- Utilizes the latest SiRFstar III chipset for GPS reception. It is greatly superior to previous GPS microcontrollers and has fewer issues with maintaining a lock in areas where there is not a clear view of the sky such as urban areas and deep woods. It has been proven to be the most reliable and accurate reception system available today.
- Updated Version
- Operates with firmware version 2.0 which is more accurate and reliable than previous versions.
| Memory | 128MB Built-in memory |
| Screen Size | 128 x 32 Pixel text screen with backlighting |
| Chipset | SiRFstar III |
| Connection Time |
Cold start: 45 sec Warm start: 35 sec Hot start: 01 sec |
| Channels | 20 |
| Presets | None |
| Waterproofing | Splash resistant |
| Output Connector | USB |
| Memory Card Slot |
Secure Digital/MMC/SDHC Memory Stick, -PRO, -Duo Other card types are possible with use of a USB card reader (not included) |
| Power Source | 2x AAA Alkaline or NiMH batteries |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3.25 x 1.75 x 1.00" (82.55 x 44.45 x 25.4mm) |
| Weight | Approximately 2 oz (60g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
38%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (5)
- Lightweight (4)
- Durable (3)
Cons
- Low quality (4)
- Poor interface with GPS (4)
Best Uses
- Travel (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-professional (6), Gearhead (3), Power user (3), Technically savvy (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
GPS coordinates and more with any camera
The real benefit of the use of ATP Photofinder it's that with it you never miss the place where the photos are taken, even with our phone!
The ATP GPS PhotoFinder ...Read complete review
The real benefit of the use of ATP Photofinder it's that with it you never miss the place where the photos are taken, even with our phone!
The ATP GPS PhotoFinder is easy to use, you only need to set your Timezone and be careful that your camera has the right time on it. When this is done, the operation it's really easy.
The unit saves a log of the GPS position every 5 seconds. When you put your SD card or connect your external reader through the USB connection the time on the EXIFF data of jpeg images it's read and position interpolated for every image and saved on it.
The GPS receiver is fast enough to get GPS signal when going to take photos, but it's a battery eater, so use it with Ni-Mh batteries.
One of the benefits it's that you have all that's needed without the use of a computer, so you are free to use any program or operating system as all the the data it's put on the images by the ATP Photofinder.
The 128 Mbyte memory of the unit assures you that you'll never lose your data, even in long journeys!
For those not shooting JPEG images, they can create and process the images later as long the EXIFF data is saved on the processed images. .
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Wait, or have a lot of patience...
[...].I REALLY wanted this to work.It did work for a few dozen images, as advertised, but entire experience was a challenge and a lot of ‘OK, what if ...Read complete review
[...].I REALLY wanted this to work.It did work for a few dozen images, as advertised, but entire experience was a challenge and a lot of ‘OK, what if I try this.’[A couple of online forums have dozens of persons writing of exact same problems with this unit and non-existent technical support at ATP. In fairness, I did not try to contact support after reading online comments; however, company website (ATP) did provide some insight that was not included in manual.]Early in process, B & H exchanged the first ATP unit for a second one because I really thought the electrical connections were faulty. Would explain a lot, but matters only got worse. The second unit intermittingly powered up, and twice, with fresh batteries out on my only one of two ‘picture trips,’ turned off for no reason.- Firmware 2.0 (I thought I was safe after reading earlier reviews with firmware 1.x)- First unit had a hard time making consistent contact with batteries. OK, now I will try different brand batteries and see which ones work best. (Energizer must be a bit larger. They worked most of the time.)- I learned too, unit did not provide enough power to recognize my compact flash card connected with external card reader. OK, now I had extra cords, cables and USB hub.- Reviews concerning LCD display are spot-on. I was willing to overlook; however, display turns off so quickly you really can’t tell what you are doing. Really. OK, I’ll memorize the steps in order.- Must select proper time zone on unit (great feature on unit so your camera can keep its real time). OK, I’ll hold a flashlight at an angle to the screen so I can see. ‘Creative’ I thought, until my finger slipped and I selected wrong time zone. (Bad feature. No confirmation.)- OK. I’ll just re-tag with correct zone selected. No. Unit will not re-tag photos if they have been tagged once. (Guess it makes sense, but what do I do now?)- OK. I was smart enough to copy original images to computer hard drive before I started process. (So much for ‘on the spot tagging.’ Do NOT attempt unless you have backup copies first!) I looked for software to modify (change) metatag information. None that sounded easy enough to run, unless I was a command line expert. Again, makes sense. Easy-to-change meta-tag information kinda’ defeats the purpose. Back to original images…- OK. I have a SD card, I’ll copy original images to it and then try the internal-unit-tagging feature. After ‘card not inserted correctly,’ it was on the ATP website I learned my card was larger than 2GB and would not work. That was before a couple of hours that included running to the store to ensure fresh Energizer batteries, re-inserting the card (no error message this time), having unit display correctly how many pictures were on the card but failing to tag any. - OK. I DID have new batteries, so on a whim, I went back to the first group of original images I was able to successfully tag (about 8 out of 10), and thought now that I had the process down, I could tag them all. A mater of principle by this time. Unit tagged fewer than it did the first time (about 6 or 7 out of 10). What was really puzzling, unit skipped some images it tagged earlier while getting a few it missed before. I repeated the process to ENSURE I selected the correct time zone. A different number of successful tags. By this time, I did not even try to figure out which ones it got and which ones it skipped.- OK. Can I overlook it all it all, because I REALLY wanted this to work for the picture trip up-north? No. The actual software tagging process was/is inconsistent. Time to give up.I have never done a review before. Felt compelled. If you are adventuresome, have patience, extra cables and methods to copy your pictures to a backup location, I hope you have better luck than me.The rest of you, wait for version 5.0, or start looking at other GPS units that create a log, and for which there is software much easier to control and verify tagging process along the way. Garmin has some nice ‘hiking’ models with card slots, logging features and extremely high user reviews. Yes, three-four times the cost, but I’m guessing 20 times less hassle.OK. I learned a lot![...]
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 17 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-17
Pros
Cons
- Hinders Functionality
Best Uses
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
Instructions on how best to use this piece of equipment were deficient, especially when it was was printed in too many languages.
I never felt like I had a full understanding of its purpose, and I relied on the GPS system I had ordered with it to use on my Nikon.
I have nothing negative to say about the equipment, only because I never got the chance to use it correctly.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Functionality
Cons
- Low Quality
- Poor Interface With GPS
Best Uses
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
I bought this product specifically for a trip to Europe. I played around with it for 6 weeks before the trip. Unfortunately, when I arrived on my trip, the unit started exhibiting bizarre behavior. The unit would cut off unexpectedly, when I tried to restart it, nothing would happen, even if I changed the batteries. The only way I could get the unit working was to go back to my hotel and plug the USB cable into the computer. (I have no idea why this would help). As a result, the days I spent wondering around London and Paris (the reason I purchased the unit) were not GPS tracked. My unit has firmware 2.2. ATP technical support is almost non-existent. Their new "GPS PhotoFinder Pro" seems very interesting, and may correct many of this product's problems, but unless they offer an attractive upgrade path, I would be very unlikely to purchase another ATP product.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Poor Interface With GPS
Best Uses
- Outdoor wide open spaces
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
So far I am not impressed. When it acquires a signal it works great and I love it. It has a very difficult time acquiring a GPS signal and then holding on to that signal once it is acquired.
Pros
Cons
- Low Quality
- Shuts off unexpectedly
Best Uses
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
I can't figure out how to give this item 0 stars: as others have noted, the unit eats batteries, shuts off unexpectedly, and generally performs poorly, at least in large cities, where it frequently lost contact with satellites. It could not geotag around 50% of the pictures I took on a recent trip to Europe.
Also there is no obvious way to alert customers if/when there is a firmware update, something that might improve the products reliability.
The concept has promise but the product does not live up to it. Don't waste your $$.
Pros
- GPS Tagging Easilly
Cons
- Having Unresolved Issues
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Auto
- Boating
- Travel
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
I the GPS Picture Tracker for my trip to South-America.
before i left i did some testing to check how it works, the results were great.
* I Took a walk with the dog in the park.
- had the entire trail we walked in (throw Google Earth)
- Uploaded the tagged photos to picasa and then saw them on Google Earth & Google Maps.
so far it did great.
now for the probloms.
* ATP Software for manualy tagging photos *
-- crashes
-- when working OK, very slow.
* ATP Picture Tracker *
- Power Issues
-> Eat up battery´s - 2xAAA 900NimH Last around 3H.
-> Having some power issues, turn itself off without any noticable alert, i think it might be when there is no GPS located for a while.
-> when battery is low looking for a GPS signal and then shut´s off without showing the Red (Low-Battery) Light.
- Reliability Issues
-> Sometimes seem to stuck in write mode which drain the battery & lose GPS data.
-> The cause for the previos is, I assume (based on my experiance) a currupted file created (can be fixed on a computer only using check disk to the usb drive), when occurs - GPS Data Collaction can be continued only after a while (when the time is changed and it´s making a new GPS Log file)
- GPS Info Sync Issues
-> Sync options are available with support for Timezone Shift, before you start you have to choose how you work. (I Set all my camera´s clock´s to GMT - From the GPS Tracker)
* Summery *
- Very nice product, not reliabe enough.
- Might require hard work to sync the GPS info.
- In other cases is very easy to use (when there are no problom)
- I Contacted the support of ATP, waiting for reply regurding those issues.
At the moment is a nice toy, But DO not buy it if you plan to depend on it for GPS Tagging of photos or keeping track of the trek´s you have done.
If possible wait for the next version.
Lavie.
Pros
- Great Concept
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Hinders Functionality
- Low Quality
- Poor Interface With GPS
Best Uses
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Travel
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
...
Pros
- Improves Functionality
- Well Made
- Works Well With GPS
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Geocaching
- Geotagging
- Travel
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
My device came with firmware 2.0 and didn't work with the D80. After contacting Jeff Chang of ATP, who provided great customer support I upgraded the unit firmware to version 2.2. Now it works very well with the D80. There are still minor bugs that will be fixed and there is currently no RAW support but the unit rocks with fw 2.2. The feature set is exactly what the market needs especially for travelling photographers who don’t want to travel with a laptop or too many bulky items. I almost purchased a Nikon D300 for its ability to hook up a serial GPS with the Nikon MC-35 cable and actively geotag photos but then I saw the ATP GPS Photofinder and it saved me from spending close to $1800 for the D300 and accessories just to geotag! Don't get me wrong, the Nikon D300 is awesome too and is in a different camera class vs. D80. I just don’t want to have to carry the heavier D300, the MC-35 cable, the Garmin serial cable and the Garmin Etrex Legend GPS! Amazing! All I carry and need is my Nikon D80 and the ATP GPS photofinder to geotag! Thank You ATP and thank you B&H for bringing this wonderful device to the market as well!
Pros
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Weak GPS reception
Best Uses
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
I bought mine from [...] (same price as BH)...and will be returning it. The idea is great but the actual product is awful.The GPS receiver is very weak. I can walk around with mine outside--no nearby obstructions--and the unit will NOT find a signal. Meanwhile my Magellan Maestro will quickly acquire a 3D lock almost instantly in the same location.So...assuming it actually gets a signal and logs some data, the "tagging" function is really difficult to use. Essentially the backlight on the display turns off a few seconds after the last button push; the display is unreadable with the backlight off and the user is left to guess about the status of the process.I like the concept of the unit but I think this model is a horrible waste of time and I'll be returning mine, very disappointed.
Pros
Cons
- Low Quality
- Poor Interface With GPS
Best Uses
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
I try to use GPS PhotoFinder many times, but it's doesn't work in 90% time. After 20-25 minutes of searching GPS PhotoFinder makes hot, like lizard egg in sand and switched off, because alkaline battery is empty. Rarely GPS PhotoFinder find the geogr. coordinate, but when i made about 500 pictures per day, i have maybe 20-25 with GPS-tags... From the other hand, i use in same time&places Garmin GPSmap 60CSx - builded on same chip - without any problems...
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
To all those that complain it doesn't work with their dSLR camera, if you read the product description pretty carefully you'll see it only works with JPEG files, not RAW files.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Improves Product Function
- Lightweight
- Not computer dependent
- Really portable
- Universal
Cons
- Battery eater
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Insurance and legal work
- Sporting Events
- Technical work
- Traveling
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
The real benefit of the use of ATP Photofinder it's that with it you never miss the place where the photos are taken, even with our phone!
The ATP GPS PhotoFinder is easy to use, you only need to set your Timezone and be careful that your camera has the right time on it. When this is done, the operation it's really easy.
The unit saves a log of the GPS position every 5 seconds. When you put your SD card or connect your external reader through the USB connection the time on the EXIFF data of jpeg images it's read and position interpolated for every image and saved on it.
The GPS receiver is fast enough to get GPS signal when going to take photos, but it's a battery eater, so use it with Ni-Mh batteries.
One of the benefits it's that you have all that's needed without the use of a computer, so you are free to use any program or operating system as all the the data it's put on the images by the ATP Photofinder.
The 128 Mbyte memory of the unit assures you that you'll never lose your data, even in long journeys!
For those not shooting JPEG images, they can create and process the images later as long the EXIFF data is saved on the processed images. .
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
- Few funcitons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
I registers nicely but transfering to pictures is somtimes quite difficult. Raw support i limited so i have to shot RAW + JPEG and import gps data from JPEG to DNG later.
Would also be nice with just a small program where you could easily transfer data to other formats. QUite easy to make for the manufaturer. There should also be a feature to change date and time for logging in case of something beeing wrong whit the time on the camera. So one could move the route to a different time, or copy the route for use several times.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Color - why green
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
After reading negative review after negative review I was a little apprehensive about purchasing the unit. I've had it in my hands for just a few hours now, and I've successfully mapped a couple of dozen images, created a KML file of an afternoon drive in the country, and examined the contents of the raw log file. I think it's important to 1.) read the instructions carefully - they're obviously translated from another language - read between the lines! 2.) Temper your expectations. This is not a full functioned GPS - it's a data logger with an added picture tagger. And, it's relatively cheap. The screen is hard to read, the batteries are difficult to install. Picture locations need a little fine tuning, but most were within 20-30 feet of the actual location. Oh well... I like it. It's cool! (oh, it worked fine with jpeg images from my 20D)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
this worked fine with my cheap point and shoot sony dsc-w80. However no matter how i tried i cant get it to work with my canon 40d. I tried to copy pictures to sd card and no luck, and i tried to use the card ready method through the usb cable and still no luck. The screen is way too small and the circuit board is so crooked some of the letters are out of sight. Unless you have brand new batteries there is no chance of it finding a proper GPS signal. Battery lasted about 6 hours of walking around.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
I used to work for an electronics company as tech support. The more complicated (and newer technology) devices always gets the most complaints. GPS devices had the highest complaint. BUT 99% of the time the GPS complaint were almost all user error. I would test them extensively (including driving with "bad" GPS side by side with known good GPS for few days - and found mostly no error.)
So take early GPS negative complaint with a large grain of salt.
Good Luck.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not Durable
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
I recently bought it. Full test ing is yet to be completed.It is NIce Gadget which can be very useful but unfortunately it does not work with all cameras.That is why the company has provided the list of usable cameras (no DSLR listed). I have tried it with the cards of NIkon D 40 and Panasonic FZ 30 but no success, means no geo tagging. Thus make sure before buying -it works with your camera . The company honestly says that it will work some cameras not all. Another issue is its batteries last only 4 hours thus one has to carry several sets with him, ( company also says 4 hours-no false claims). When surrounded by buildings it takes upto 30-40 minutes to acquire sattelite signal. Before buying read its manual and listed cameras.
- Recommended:
- rechargable batts of High capacity.
- Similar:
- Garmin Csx 60 Map
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not Durable
- Not Functional
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about ATP Electronics GPS PhotoFinder - Standalone Image Geotagger:
As stated in the title, this is a great idea but the execution of the idea leaves too much lacking. The manual documentation does not actually fit the product, the adapter supplied does not connect the device to a computer, the LCD screen requires a scanning electron microscope aided by a magnifying glass to read. The overall product is of poor construction and full of gaps. Take advice from one who bought this, "don't".
Displaying reviews 1-17
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Merchant response: The older version we sold (v1.6) was troublesome. The newer units (v2.x) have vast improvements and the next arriving shipment will contain a model that is “up to snuff” with the company's claims.