Geotagging of Photos (PCW November 2007, Hands On) is very useful, particularly for anyone traveling. It also makes life easier for anyone who uses photos to record the condition of equipment during surveys or who collect photographic evidence.

However, one concern is the use of a separate GPS unit which would need to be checked regularly during photo shoots to ensure it is functioning correctly (GPS is locked on, batteries ok, memory not full etc.).

Anyone on an extended field trip may find the requirement to download both the photographs and GPS track information regularly, and then run a separate program to merge the position data into the photo information file a limitation.

In my search for a reliable and easy to use geotagging system I came across the Geopic II from Customidea (www.customidea.com), at the recent Nikon Show.

It's easy to use, overcomes the above limitations and fits on the camera hot shoe and connects directly to the camera via the 10-pin accessory socket.  The principle advantage of this unit is its ease of use since it records the position data directly in the photo information file at the instant the photo is taken.

Peter Bryon