Garmin’s $500 Oregon 550 is a hand-held GPS navigator that can snap photos with its onboard 3.2- megapixel camera and, naturally, geotag them. Given the new GPS enhancements to iPhoto and a broadening interest in geotagging, it’s worth a look.
The Oregon 550 is a waterproof device that’s perfect for outdoorsy types. Its camera offers a 4X digital zoom and 850 megabytes of internal memory; it also includes a microSD slot for additional photo storage. Every photo is automatically geotagged with the precise location where it was taken.
The Oregon 550 has a 3-inch touch screen that Garmin says is readable in bright sunlight and also includes a built-in compass.
The device employs a barometric altimeter that can help you determine altitude.
The device comes loaded with a worldwide base map and enables you to add maps (via the microSD slot) that meet your navigational needs, including street maps that offer turn-by-turn directions and maps for rivers, lakes and oceans. With summer coming up, both offer a good way to get out without getting lost.
