GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900
The GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900 is a photo tracking solution that integrates your digital photos with location information for online digital mapping and photo sharing. It also provides trip recording and playback functions. The Skytraq GPS Chipset allows you to precisely record and review your trip anywhere in the world.
All you have to do is synchronize your camera time using PhotoTrackr software then make sure the PhotoTrackr is with you and turned on while you are taking photos. After downloading your photos, just plug the PhotoTrackr into your computer's USB port. If you are a sports enthusiast, you can also get the SportTracks upgrade to track your exercise progress with PhotoTrackr.
- Compatible with all digital cameras
- Compatible with PCs and Macs
- Share your photos with family and friends with location mapping in PhotoTrackr software. (With integrated Google Maps.)
- Google Earth support (PhotoTrackr program is able to export GPS log files and pictures to Google Earth format)
- Keep track of your digital photos with satellite precision
- Display or playback trip routes with the PhotoTrackr software
- Lightweight & low power consumption
- Automated photo slideshow function
- Integrated with Flickr, locr, Picasa Web Album, and SmugMug for easy online photo sharing
- Geo-tagged function enables image-sharing in 3rd party Geo-photo sharing websites
- Capable of writing GPS info to the pictures and exporting NMEA and GPX info from the GPS log files
- Can support RAW with separate optional upgrade directly from GiSTEQ
- Multi-language support (PhotoTrackr software now supports Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish)
| Memory | 2MB flash memory for data logging, with 16 bytes binary data per record |
| Screen Size | N/A |
| Chipset | Skytraq |
| Connection Time |
Cold start: 29 sec Warm start: 10 sec Hot start: 01 sec |
| Channels | 65 |
| Presets | None |
| Waterproofing | N/A |
| Output Connector | USB |
| Memory Card Slot | N/A |
| Power Source | Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3.05 x 1.10 x 0.70" (77.47 x 27.94 x 17.78mm) |
| Weight | 0.53 oz (15g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 54 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
71%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (36)
- Durable (22)
- Easy to use (17)
- Reliable (14)
- Compact (12)
Cons
- Not functional (8)
- Difficult to use (7)
- Poor design (4)
Best Uses
- Travel (40)
- Landscape photography (20)
- Everyday (13)
- Landscape/scenery (9)
- Wildlife photos (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (25), Semi-professional (8), Professional (7), Photo enthusiast (6), Semi-pro photographer (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (29), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great with Updated Software
It still amazes me how slopplyness can give a product a bad name. I purchased this product even after reading the negative reviews on this site. The problem with this unit is that the ...Read complete review
It still amazes me how slopplyness can give a product a bad name. I purchased this product even after reading the negative reviews on this site. The problem with this unit is that the software provided with this unit is old and does not work. If you load the update after the installation the software works and so does the unit. Supplying dodgy software and then fixing it out in the field is normal today. (Microsoft have done it for years.)
I wonder why the supplier or reseller can't put a generic sticker on the product that says "INSTALL UPDATE AFTER INSTALLATION ". Or " DOWNLOAD LATEST INSTALL FROM SUPPLIERS WEB SITE BEFORE INSTALLATION " Most of us can normally find our way on the internet. This would save a lot of frustration and allow for happy users and the supplier and seller who would sell more units. The manufacture should spend a bit more time money and effort on getting a dumb user to vet the install process before dumping it in a box.
This product works after the update. The documentation should also give installation pre requirements like . "Have a google account and know what your password is". I do like the option to store the trip data and then use it after PP or raw conversion. I used this unit over the weekend and it works a treat. I would recommend this to a friend on condition he/her update the software during or after the installation and if they did they would have a very nice unit.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
OK for the price
The Mini does a good job of tracking and logging your location. I typically get 12 hours of use from the built-in battery, and I like the size and lightness of the unit.
The Mini does a good job of tracking and logging your location. I typically get 12 hours of use from the built-in battery, and I like the size and lightness of the unit.
As for the hardware itself, the unit is likable enough, except for the cap which can be easily lost, and the battery life is not nearly as good as GiSTEQ could have produced as with their other products. I tether the cap with a small cord and don't understand why GiSTEQ didn't do the same.
So the bad part is the crazy software. The interface is disjointed and illogical. I wish they would rewrite the software to be simply geotagging with RAW support built-in. You must first create an album folder, this album copies all the images into it and creates thumbnails, etc. I use other workflow software so I throw away these extra files.
Also, my relatively new macbook hung almost every time during geotagging, so now I simply export the track files to GPX and use the free GPSPhotoLinker to geotag both my JPG and RAW files.
Exporting the GPX requires installing and using their software and requires a number of steps to export. At least I don't duplicate image files like the GiSTEQ software. The software exports waypoints and tracks separate from each other which I think is very strange.
So for the price, I get good GPX tracking for 12 hours. Not bad, but it could have been a lot better. I'm considering returning my unit.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 54 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Hard to install
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
PhotoTrackr works great and I can track non-photo trips also. Windows instructions are poor so plan to experiment some. Don't use the disk since it is out of date and will delay implementation (Download drivers and program from GISTEQ website) The biggest problem is that the phototrackr only looks like a USB device, it installs as a COM port. This seems to be typical for european GPS devices. (You will likely need most current driver downloaded) Since MAC users usually don't like challenges, I would only recommend Windows/Linux users purchase this device.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Value for money
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
A lot has been said about this device... and depending where you fit the computer scale it is either easy or difficult to work out.
I would suggest (and what I have done) to download the latest software from the GiSTEQ website:
1. the driver
2. the software
3. switch on device and plug into USB port
4. Operating system detects device and readies it
5. launch software
6. follow the prompts...
I only use the tracker, download the tracks and then use Lightroom to geocode the images with Geoffrey Friedl's Geo Support plugin... simply fantastic...
.. and fantastic value considering the cost of it all around the $60 mark...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Difficult To Use
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
THIS DEVICE DOES WHAT IT's SUPPOSED TO. HOWEVER THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE INSUFFICIENT AND THE LEARNING CURVE IS TREMENDOUS. IF THE MANUFACTURER GAVE MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTION IN CLEARER TERMS I WOULD RATE THIS AT 5 STARS.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Difficult setup
- Difficult To Use
Best Uses
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
The positions are registred but the program sends messages asking to change the api code, I do it again and again and it´s the same, so no maps are loaded and I can´t download the photos with the locations on them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
I just bought this unit a few weeks back. In general I am happy with it. It recorded my movements wherever I drove and transfered fine to the computer. I was able to view where I went and play it back in motion which was pretty cool. The only issue I had was trying to get and use a key for the google map api.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short battery life
Best Uses
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
Works to tag jpg photos. Don't bother to upgrade to the professional.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to use with update
- Lightweight
Cons
- Unusable Boxed Software
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Geotaging
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
It still amazes me how slopplyness can give a product a bad name. I purchased this product even after reading the negative reviews on this site. The problem with this unit is that the software provided with this unit is old and does not work. If you load the update after the installation the software works and so does the unit. Supplying dodgy software and then fixing it out in the field is normal today. (Microsoft have done it for years.)
I wonder why the supplier or reseller can't put a generic sticker on the product that says "INSTALL UPDATE AFTER INSTALLATION ". Or " DOWNLOAD LATEST INSTALL FROM SUPPLIERS WEB SITE BEFORE INSTALLATION " Most of us can normally find our way on the internet. This would save a lot of frustration and allow for happy users and the supplier and seller who would sell more units. The manufacture should spend a bit more time money and effort on getting a dumb user to vet the install process before dumping it in a box.
This product works after the update. The documentation should also give installation pre requirements like . "Have a google account and know what your password is". I do like the option to store the trip data and then use it after PP or raw conversion. I used this unit over the weekend and it works a treat. I would recommend this to a friend on condition he/her update the software during or after the installation and if they did they would have a very nice unit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not Durable
- Poor Design
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
Very difficult to setup. I know this will work, but this product is not for my type of people.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Must read instructions
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
At first I tried to use this from what I thought would be an obvious implementation. It looks like a USB device. It uses the USB port, but it runs as a COM Port. After some initial confusion at trying to access the device, I referred to the instructions and found every point of confusion was addressed within the instructions. I did pay the extra [$] for the RAW access and it works wonderfully. I read someone's review that said the images were turned pink. I have had no such experience. Another person said that there is no indication that the unit is working. There is a blue led light that shows that. To save a waypoint, you press and hold the button for 2 seconds... the blue light will flash quickly. Make sure to charge the battery by keeping it plugged into your computer as stated in the instructions. You should be very happy with this device. To summarize: At first I thought the device and the software were sub-par; but since I worked more closely with it, I found that it is everything it says... and it works reliably every time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Not Functional
Best Uses
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
On a basic level this device appears to work. Its main problem for me has been with its software.
It does not work with RAW files. When run through phototrackr it paints the images pink and crops out the majority of the image on its own. Apparently this has occurred to others and has been brought to GISTEQ's attention but is still unaddressed though their product claims to work with RAW files. Their response to me was "there is not an immediate fix, we will address the display issue in future release". I run a MAC OS10.4.11
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Portable paper weight
Cons
- Not Functional
- Poor Design
Best Uses
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
Do not waste your money on this. No support at all from Gisteq, software just keep crashing on my Mac.. worst [$] spent ever...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Syncs with Google Earth
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Limited up time
- Lousy customer service
- Not Functional
- Poor usage instructions
Best Uses
- Absolutely none
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
I've been trying to get this to work for over a year now with no success. It records for a few hours and then quits. I sent it back to the company for repair and they returned it saying it's fine; but it's not. I've tried various different modes and they all fail. So much promise and so poor execution. Customer service stinks.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- None
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Not Functional
Best Uses
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
I don't give this any stars for a rating, but the website requires at least one.
Software doesn't work with Canon RAW images.
I followed their wizard to sync camera's time; imported pictures and software said it couldn't sync because my camera was seven hours in the future. What?!?
Couldn't ever see my pictures linked to a map because I have to create an API with Google. What?!?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Not Functional
- Poor Design
Best Uses
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
It looked so easy. I synced my camera time to the master clock. I shot some pictures. I copied the pictures to my hard drive.
the GisTEQ software was looking for a COM port, but the device is USB. No help file. No FAQ. Finally discovered COM3 had the device on it.
I added some pictures. Oooooh, this software doesn't work with RAW files. Did I want to upgrade for more money? No?!? I had to click cancel 89 times - one for every RAW file I didn't want to buy the software for. Ouch!
Converted my files to JPG and tried to match them to the GPS file. No, the GPS device said pictures taken at 1:00 pm, but pictures were taken seven hours from now. Why did I sync my camera time?
Then I got the message I have to agree to terms and get a certificate from Google.
Forget it. This was a waste of money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
I photograph birds that are banded and need to know the LatLong for where I take the picture, as I recently purchased the Trackr I am still learning about it, the instructions that come with it leave much to be desired as I find them kind of confusing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
Great for tracking all your location photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
This is a great and inexpensive way to know where you took each of your pictures. The software could still use some improvement, but it works well. This is an extremely durable unit with great battery life. The PhotoTrackr is extremely easy to use! You shouldn't be taking pictures without it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Hardware is durable
- Hardware is easy to use
- Hardware is good
Cons
- Software is poor
- User interface is poor
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
First of all I am using this product with an Apple computer running MAC OS 10.6.5. The setup and interface may be more well developed when using the device with a computer running a Microsoft operating system.
Overall the product works as advertised and is a very interesting gadget. The product consists of a hardware device, the actual GPS tracker, and software loaded on your computer to configure and download data from the hardware tracker. The hardware seems to function as advertised. I have not been able to verify that the 'waypoint' function works and at this time cannot tell if it is a software or a hardware problem.
I consider the documentation and the user software interface to be poor and I do not think I have actually learned all I need to know about the product even though I have invested a significant amount of time in doing so.
The application software is provided on a mini-CD which is worthless if you are a MAC user since a mini-Cd cannot be used with a slot loaded CD/DVD player. However, the application software is available on the manufacture's website. The only problem with that is you will have to look around the website to figure out what software you should download.
There seems to be no way to verify that the device is actually working. Since it is a device that in normal operation you will turn on and _assume_ it is working for a potentially extended period of time while you travel and take photos, it could be very disturbing to find out that it is not working at the end of you photo shoot and/or vacation.
I will still rate it with four stars because it is a really neat device and I know it can work, I just need to figure out how to make it work consistently with a high degree of confidence.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
Works great, if you down load the updated driver and program. The web address is in the paperwork.
Make doubly sure you get your camera down to the second with the program. All in all it works as advertised.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Traveling
Comments about GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr Mini DPL900:
Being fond of older Nikon cameras D100, F5, F100, I wanted a way to tag my photos. I bought this back in March of '10 after moving out to Durango. [...] After struggling on how to use it to write the GPS data to the Metadata of RAW(NEF) files and tired of having to pay upgraded software fees I found after much searching that if you export the .GPS data and then use some free software I found Geosetter it would do exactly what I wanted it to do. Start up time is faster than my Garmin about 1/2 sec compared to sometimes upwards of a minute. It is not as streamline as my GP1 attached to my work camera D3X, but it works and I can use it on any camera I have.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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- Lanyard
- PhotoTrackr Software CD
- Quick Start Guide
- 1-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
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