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4 Waterproof GPS Cameras To Help You Find Your Shooting Locations

If you have been looking for a rugged, waterproof GPS camera, you’re in luck. Since February  2011, we have seen 4 new waterproof cameras with such feature.

1. Panasonic Lumix TS3 ($399)

This 12.1 Megapixel camera is housed in an improved metal body and is waterproof up to 40 feet. Apart from a GPS, the Lumix TS3 is also equipped with an altimeter, a barometer and a compass. Like the previous rugged models, the HD video is better than it’s rivals.

 

 

2. Olympus TG-810 ($399)

This 14.0 Megapixel tough camera has a GPS, a manometer (which measures water and air pressure) and an electronic compass. It is crushproof (up to 100 kg) and waterproof up to 32.8 feet. But for some reason, even Amazon don’t stock up this model right now.

 

3. Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS ($399)

Pentax WG-1 GPS camera could also handle a 100 kg weight and 32.8 feet of water pressure like the Olympus. Apart from a GPS, the 14.0 Megapixel camera also has a special macro mode (thanks to 5 LEDS that light up you shots) . Don’t confuse this with the Optio WG-1. The WG-1 is a GPS-less twin.

 

4. Fuji XP30 ($239)

This 14.2 Megapixel camera is the cheapest GPS equipped waterproof camera available for this year. It is waterproof up to 16.4 feet.

 

Who Needs A GPS Camera ?

Here are 3 situations where you’ll find it useful :-

1. Geocoding Photos : These new GPS point and shoot cameras could mark the location of your photos with precise coordinates. These information can be very useful for land surveyors, scientists, real estate agents or law enforcement officers.

2. Time Sequence Photos: Some people needs to create a photographic time line of changing seasons, growing crops, or other landscape elements in areas where leaving a mounted camera is risky.

A GPS camera could help get accurate coordinates to where you should take future photos. You will then be able to repeatedly return to a very close location to take all of your shots.

3. Easy searching and storing of photos: GPS is ideal for travelers who take hundreds of photos. With an in-camera GPS, your photos are automatically stored by location, making it easier to search or share the location and direction of where your photos were taken.

Having said that, bear in mind that these GPS cameras are imaging units, not a dedicated GPS. So there are a few weaknesses. For example, they need clear skies to get a signal. And unlike your vehicle’s GPS, they will probably have trouble locating a signal inside a moving vehicle.

(photo credit: kennymatic)