As a guy who likes taking photographs AND likes using his gps, its only natural to want to combine the two to get geotagged photos. As it stands, most people (me included) seem to use a combination of
EasyGPS (for extracting and editing their .gpx files) and
Geosetter for geosyncing the images with their gpx file. Sure, Ive played with other software like
Prune (good-looking for linux users, unbearable for people who have seen Geosetter), and also a few Lightroom
plugins (still not quite finished).
Enter
MS Pro Photo tools - although its name suggests it does a bunch, currently its is just an image geotagging tool, albeit one that SHOULD make geotagging much easier than the EasyGPS/Geotagger route.
However, after wasting about an hour on it (including this review time), I've come to the conclusion that, despite the fancy name and pro website, the software just doesnt stack up.
First, major problems exist re: usability - it almost feels like a beta release rather than a v2. Some menu options exist but arent operational, the manual is basically nonexistant, and additional documentation is hard to find.
After trying to upload my RAW Pentax PEF files unsuccessfully, I found out through an internet search that you needed to download specific codecs. This isnt a problem, but should be more transparent.
When I finally found the codecs I was able to read Pentax PEF files and sync the images with my GPX file properly, but the software returned an error when I try to write the new gps data in the exif info on the PEF image. So, it seems to read PEF files but will only write to JPEG, which is a lousy option for photographers.
If this software was just starting up, I would be anxiously awaiting additional features and fixes to these significant problems. But this is a Version 2!
I sent an email to their team with these issues, since the website mentions they welcome feedback. We'll hear what comes of this. Heck, maybe its something I'M doing wrong...but for some reason I doubt it.
For all those who dont know, I started working with the Energy and Development team at
Garrad Hassan Canada as of December 1, and its been great. We're located right downtown at Hastings & Howe in the old Pemberton Building. When there isnt 10 inches of snow on the ground, I've been jogging home from (and sometimes even to) work.
Normally, you couldnt get me to jog anywhere - but something about weaving through the crowds downtown & knowing that, not only am I getting some exercise but I'm also saving money on transportation costs makes it rather enjoyable.
If all office buildings had showers, would jogging to work become a popular thing?
Yes thats right - the old
intro page, although pretty, was also pretty useless. It is now gone for good, to allow for more blog focus.
Lightroom is really great software. Just today, I realized its designed to allow efficient use of a second monitor for editing that works well connected to my flatscreen tv. Thanks guys!