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 The Fujifilm FinePix XP30 GPS waterproof camera was announced a few days before this site was up and running and subsequently missed getting its own post as a newly announced camera.
 As I prepare to put together a general overview and comparison list of the features of all the new waterproof GPS rugged cameras, along with a complete list of all the cameras on the market that include GPS built in, I thought I should first put up a dedicated post for the Fujifilm XP30. The XP30 is the only new rugged GPS waterproof camera not yet discussed here.
Fujifilm’s XP30 GPS camera is available now, is priced lower than other recently announced rugged waterproof GPS cameras, and definitely deserves consideration.
I kind of like its early Apple iMac influenced color selection. The syrupy green is particularly striking, but I don’t know if I’m quite ready yet to own a green camera.
I’ll list the XP30′s main features below along with links to more about the other new waterproof GPS cameras, but I’ll avoid getting into details of the comparisons now because I’ll be adding the promised Rugged GPS Camera Comparison post to the site very soon.
Fujifilm FinePix XP30 GPS Waterproof Camera Main Features
- GPS built-in
- Waterproof to 5 meters (16.5 feet)
- Shockproof up to 1.5 meter (5 feet) drop
- Freezeproof to −10° C (14° F)
- Dustproof
- 5x optical zoom, 28 mm – 140 mm equivalent
- 720p HD
- 14.2 megapixel resolution
- 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 pixels
- CCD shift image stabilization
- Panorama mode
- Available in Orange, Green, Blue, Black, and Silver. The official Fujifilm XP30 news release indicates the XP30 is also available in white, but none of the photos released by Fujifilm show a white version and I can’t find one for sale anywhere. The reference to white may be an error.
- Common price as of this post: $239.95
Dan Savage [email]
Images: First – Fujifilm’s FinePix XP30 GPS camera in green. Second – Top of the XP30. Third – Back of XP30 GPS camera. Fourth – Fujifilm looks to Apple’s early iMacs for color inspiration. Fruitilicious colored cameras are popping up all over these days.
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The upcoming waterproof and rugged Panasonic Lumix TS3 GPS camera info is here, along with a discussion about HD video issues relating to still cameras.
The Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS rugged waterproof camera post is here, and it includes a quick comparison between the Optio WG1- GPS and the Lumix TS3 GPS camera.
Information on Olympus’ new waterproof rugged camera, the Tough TG-810 GPS camera, can be found here.
 Catching up with the new waterproof Panasonic Lumix TS3 and Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS geotagging cameras, Olympus has just announced the addition of built-in GPS to one of it’s new waterproof cameras in their Tough lineup.
The soon to be released Tough branded Olympus TG-810 GPS camera offers many of the same features as the new Lumix and Pentax waterproof GPS cameras. It’s particularly pleasing to me to see so many rugged waterproof cameras being introduced with built-in GPS. If you don’t mind the data merging process and extra steps that are necessary, a standalone GPS datalogger is still the most versatile and best choice for geotagging. However, when enjoying wet and/or potentially violent activities, having GPS built in to a waterproof “tough” camera definitely provides advantages.
I’ve not yet seen a standalone GPS datalogger that claims to be waterproof and impact resistant. And even if there were rugged GPS dataloggers, I’m less likely to want an extra little piece of gear dangling around when whitewater kayaking, climbing sheer rock columns, or engaging in other adventurous outdoor activities.
Built-in GPS geotagging capabilities are inevitably coming to all camera categories from all the major camera manufacturers in the near future, but the rugged category is the one where it will be most appreciated by me. Building GPS into waterproof and impact resistant cameras like the Olympus Tough TG-810 is a brilliant progression in the world of photography.
 Main Features of Olympus TG-810 GPS Camera
- GPS with nearby landmark information in camera
- Waterproof to 33 Feet
- Shockproof up to 6.6 ft. drop
- Crushproof up to 220 pounds of pressure
- Freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Dustproof
- Dual Image Stabilization (sensor-shift and digital)
- Electronic Compass
- Manometer (water and air pressure for depth and altitude monitoring)
- 720p Video
- HDMI output
- LED Illuminator – Assist for Macro, Underwater, and Low-light closeups.
- In-Camera Panorama Photos
- 3D Photo Mode
- Autofocus Tracking (including a pet mode for dogs and cats)
- 3 inch 920,000 dot LCD
- 28mm 5x Zoom Lens (28mm – 140mm)
- Price: $399.99
I’ve written about the upcoming waterproof Lumix TS3 GPS camera here. The Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS camera post includes a comparison of the main features of the new Pentax and Lumix. Soon I’ll create a more detailed overview post with all of the currently available Waterproof GPS cameras comparing their features side by side.
Dan Savage [email]
Images: First – Olympus Tough TG-810 GPS camera in silver. Second – Top of black TG-810. The 810 will be offered in silver or black. Third – Front of black TG-810. Fourth – The Olympus TG-810 features a 3 inch screen with 92o,ooo pixels.
 More significant to me than any other feature mentioned in the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS GPS press release, is the fact that the SX230 can be used as a trail logger in addition to geotagging photos.
In no other press release for the new GPS cameras coming out this year from other manufacturers have I seen trail logging mentioned. One must presume that the feature is not being included on those cameras, though it might be something that’s added in a firmware update later.
Congratulations are in order for Canon figuring out that it’s not so hard to turn a GPS camera into a GPS datalogger since they already have a GPS unit built in. However, I think a rugged camera such as the upcoming Lumix DSC-TS3 or Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS would be better suited for use in GPS trail logging. You could attach those cameras to your gear and let them get knocked around with less concern. But I’m still pleased to see the trail logging feature being offered and promoted with Canon’s first GPS camera. Let’s hope including this feature is the start of an accelerating trend as GPS cameras become more common. It’s such a shame to leave that feature out of a device that has the technological capacity to offer it.
 I’m not sure what kinds of fabric or materials will seriously inhibit reception of the relatively continuous GPS signals needed to record trail log data with the SX230. Through my whitewater kayak skirt and a kayak’s dense plastic body, I was able to get a signal at times as I wrote about here with the Holux M-241 GPS logger. You can often get weak signals and usable performance with that device when it’s shielded from the sky. In general though, with the M-241, material and obstacles of any kind that block line of sight to GPS satellites do inhibit performance.
The same issues with obstacles and material degrading GPS signal strength will plague all GPS cameras during geotagging and trail logging. Casio has a unique workaround with their Hybrid-GPS system on the new Exilim EX-H20G. I wonder if one day soon little wired antennas that could be optionally attached will be provided with some GPS cameras. You could snake the antenna up and out of a bag or backpack to continue accumulating data as you move around. This would also help keep the camera aware of its location for instant ready shooting when you powered up for stills.
Canon SX230 HS GPS Features
- GPS of course
- Trail Logging
- 12.1 megapixels maximum resolution
- 28mm Lens, 14x zoom with optical image stabilization
- 1080p / 24 frames per second HD video with slow motion features at lower resolution.
- 8.1 frames per second stills at 3 megapixel resolution
(maximum shots per sequence unknown)
- Optional: A waterproof case is being made for the SX230 GPS and its companion model the SX220 (without GPS).
A dedicated waterproof camera would be my preference because of the bulk, expense, and somewhat clumsy interface waterproof cases add, but it’s nice that Canon is offering the option.
Here is a link to Canon’s waterproof info page.
 The PowerShot SX230 HS GPS is available in black, red and blue, though what Canon calls red appears more like a pink or fuchsia in the prerelease images.
With so many GPS cameras coming to market, it’s about time for a complete list of all the GPS cameras currently available combined with those scheduled for imminent release. That will be the content of an upcoming post here at Learning to Geotag.
Dan Savage [email]
Images: Top – top of Canon’s PowerShot SX230 HS GPS with its GPS hump evident. Middle – front of SX230 with flash extended. Bottom – SX230 body color options.
 The Casio Exilim EX-H20G is a new-to-market GPS camera that offers a unique and very appealing technology that Casio calls autonomic positioning. Casio refers to their new position identifying system that blends autonomic positioning with GPS technology as Hybrid-GPS.
Hybrid-GPS uses an accelerometer and a direction sensor to estimate the distances and directions moved from the last confirmed GPS position once the camera is unable to continue determining its location via GPS satellites. That allows the camera to continue geotagging photos with estimated positions even when you’re inside or at a location where the camera has no direct line of sight to 3 GPS satellites. 3 satellite signals is the minimum requirement to secure a position. The camera switches back to more accurate GPS location detection once you move back into range of enough GPS radio signals.
The camera also searches for GPS signals every 10 minutes when it’s turned off. Casio suggests this helps speed up position locks once powering up by keeping the camera always somewhat aware of its location, assuming the camera is not being carried in a manner that prevents it from receiving GPS signals. Checking your location every 10 minutes could also theoretically allow the camera to function as a trail log generator. I haven’t yet found information that confirms or denies that the new EX-H20G has the capability to record and save a trail log.
One can manually shift GPS coordinates with geotagging software to correct errors that occur when you go inside or are blocked by obstacles outside. But it certainly would be nice to have reasonably accurate positions already recorded and tagged on photos that are taken out of range of GPS satellites as Casio claims the Exilim EX-H20G makes possible.
 Another dramatic feature of the EX-H20G is a built-in map service that lets you see where you are on the camera’s LCD. This could turn the EX-H20G into a legitimate navigation device in addition to being a camera and geotagger.
I’m very interested in seeing the mapping feature in action. Map services could be an important step in GPS camera feature progression. Maps would be an immediate and easy to understand tangible benefit to drive casual photographers towards GPS capable cameras. I hope the new high-end camera I’m considering purchasing doesn’t have to wait beyond its next generation to have GPS and mapping features added.
Of course iPhone and other smartphone users are accustomed to having GPS mapping technology and geotagging in their pockets already, but they are stuck with photographs that are limited in quality by the tiny speck of a lens built into those devices.
It’s interesting how lower-end cameras such as this new Casio are starting to get extremely valuable new features long before higher-end models.
Ironically, high-end users can sometimes be slower to embrace progress, and the camera manufacturers likely don’t want to rock their lucrative high margin, high-end camera sales until the often slower thinking and more skeptical professionals and prosumers realize new technology is a good thing.
Anecdotal, but I remember a professional photographer acquaintance of mine who not so many years ago confidently proclaimed he would never be upgrading to a digital camera because they were less efficient and not suited to his work. He shot promotional stills for television productions. Of course he now uses the latest and greatest digital camera and raves about it. And his clients would not accept work shot any other way.
On the other hand, I suppose it’s not such a bad thing to have technology vetted and more fully evolved on the low-end first. The mapping and GPS features that are inevitably coming to high-end photography equipment should be more mature and capable by the time they’re finally added.
Announced in September of last year and now available for purchase at $349.99, there’s still no thorough review of the Casio Exilim EX-H20G available online. Learning to Geotag may be a little too new to be on the radar of most camera companies, but when I do start receiving test cameras in the mail, I’ll be sharing the results of putting more of these devices to use with my real world projects.
Update: That was quick. Casio has dropped the retail price to $299.99 for the Exilim EX-H20G. The deluge (well, more than a trickle) of new GPS cameras coming to market probably contributed to this substantial price reduction.
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Engadget has put up a good hands-on general overview that includes a video of the camera in someone’s hands. More extensive reviews should be coming from photography sites soon.
Casio Exilim EX H20G (with Hybrid GPS) camera review at Engadget
This second link will take you to one of Casio’s detailed information pages for the camera.
Casio Exilim EX-H20G Official Product Page
Dan Savage [email]
Images: Top – navigation map on the back of the Casio EX-H20 GPS camera, Bottom – front of 14.1 megapixel EX-H20G with GPS “hump” visible at the top of camera.
 Proof that geotagging is building steam can be seen in the lower cost consumer compact cameras starting to offer geotagging capabilities built-in. Though I’m not actively seeking a new pocket camera, the features coming to entry level cameras are definitely intriguing. It would be fun to see some of these new features on high-end cameras as well. I’m sure we will in time.
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Announced this month, two of Sony’s upcoming Cyber-shot cameras feature not only built-in GPS capabilities, but also compasses to indicate the direction the camera is pointing when each photo is taken. Though I’ve had a few occasions when checking geotags on maps when I had to think a moment to figure out which direction I was facing when taking a shot, I don’t fall into a category with my photography where I would need or be desperate for a compass heading in addition to the geographic location data.
The DSC-HX7V (pictured above) and the Sony Cybershot DSC-TX100V (pictured below) also feature 3D capabilities and 1080 video recording, 1080 interlace for the HX7V and 1080 progressive for the TX100V. The cameras are launching with list prices at $299.99 for the DSC-HX7V and $379.99 for the DSC-TX100V. The pricier DSC-TX100V offers higher resolution video (progressive over interlace), a touchscreen back, and a slimmer profile than the DSC-HX7V.
 Also interesting with these new cameras is the Auto HDR setting and “foreground in focus/background blurred” Aperture Simulation modes. I’ll be curious to see how well these features are implemented. In the HDR mode, multiple exposures are taken for one picture and combined in the camera to create a single image with improved dynamic range. This will certainly not replace more time intensive, tripod mounted, dedicated software processed serious HDR photography efforts, but it would be nifty if this built-in feature kind of worked for quick shots on the go. With the aperture simulation mode, a couple of different exposures are combined in an attempt to create the focus effects possible with more substantial hardware.
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Built-in GPS capability eliminates a couple of complications in the geotagging process, but I wonder if any of the new and upcoming cameras with geotagging capabilities will support the creation of track logs.
By using a dedicated GPS datalogger as I do now, I can create a constant time line of all my movements when the device is turned on, not just time snapshots of the particular moments that I trigger the shutter on the camera. With a dedicated GPS logger I end up with a trail log in addition to the information needed to tag photos. And even if a camera’s GPS datalogging feature could be left on, would you want to have your camera dangling from exterior clothing or a pack all day to make sure it was able to access the GPS satellite signals?
I leave my little Holux M-241 dangling on my mini backpack almost all the time and I barely notice it’s there.
Also, with a dedicated GPS datalogger already on and logging, there is no need to wait for your position to be found before taking a picture. My datalogger often takes a minute or so to acquire a position upon first powering up. I’m sure there will be a time lag in acquiring an initial position when powering up a camera’s built-in GPS function as well.
Though a GPS enabled camera would certainly come in handy on occasion and I would be very happy to have a GPS feature in my camera, I would still likely choose to bring a dedicated GPS datalogger with me for the majority of my shooting days.
The weight and size of data loggers hardly make them a burden to carry, but the extra steps required to merge data from a separate GPS logger may feel more burdensome to some than others.
Dan Savage [email]
Images: First – Sony Cybershot DSC-HX7V. Second – DSC-TX100V with sliding protective front cover lowered.
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