Reddit reviews WBT-201: Wintec WBT-201 Bluetooth Data Logger GPS Receiver (Auto on/off, WAAS, Bluetooth, USB, Push to Log, Data Logger with Google Earth Integration)

The basic idea is that any GPS logger that exports a .gpx file can be used with any digital camera. As long as the clock on your camera is correct, during post-production you sync the .gpx data file with your photos using Lightroom or other software. Your location data is matched to your photo based on time (at 4:05:42, you were at such-and-such coordinates).

Lightroom 4 has .gpx import built-in. For Lightroom 3 or earlier, you can use the donationware plug-in from Jeffrey Friedl called GPS Support. If you don't have Lightroom, Mac users can use MyTracks (works with JPGs, not sure about RAW files).

In early 2011, before a trip to London, did some testing with GPS loggers (I don't own an iPhone). The main problem I had was getting the logger to sync with my Mac. If you are a PC user, you'll have no problem; the units generally come with a small-size CD with PC software on it. On the Mac, you have to download third-party software that will sync with your unit. Most (all?) Garmins will sync with Google Earth directly. For other units you can use the free HoudahGPS or the inexpensive and very elegant MyTracks.

I began with a handheld Garmin 60C. It sync'd great and is accurate, but the battery only lasts a few hours, not long enough for a whole day. And the unit is enormous; carrying this big thing around London was not something I wanted to do.

So, I ordered the iGotU (US$60). The plastic on the logger broke pretty much immediately. I sent it back.

Then I spent a little more and got the QStarz BT1300ST, which is a beautiful little unit. The battery lasts all day, and it's small and has a nice keychain attachment. I was able to get it to occasionally sync with my desktop iMac, but it never sync'd with my MacBook. It appears to be highly accurate, but since I couldn't reliably sync it with the MacBook I would have with me in London, I decided to try another unit.

I then got a Wintec WBT-201, it is almost as small as the QStarz, and I can reliably get it to connect to all my macs. Unfortunately, it does not appear to be terribly accurate. During a walk along the south side of the Thames River, the unit had me crossing the river zigzagging from the north side to the south side several times, as if I were swimming across the river again and again.

Since then, there are new versions of HoudahGPS, and I even have a new MacBook Air with a new operating system. I really ought to try syncing the QStarz again, it's a tiny little unit. It's entirely possible that it sycs fine with the MBA, I just haven't been traveling in quite a while, so I haven't tried it.