GPS data often missing

[WmAWeevil]

I have a Stylus TG-870 ("Tough"). I took a bunch of vacation photos. Many have GPS coordinates in the metadata, but many don't. Do I need to leave the camera on for a certain time for it to find the location and store it? That's the only reason I can think of that so many coordinates are missing. Thanks for any insights.

 

[PhotoHobbyist113 139]

My Canon 260HS has GPS feature also. It takes several minutes to lock on GPS after enabling GPS function. Leaving the GPS function on prevents that wait, but drains the battery much faster.

 

[WmAWeevil]

My Canon 260HS has GPS feature also. It takes several minutes to lock on GPS after enabling GPS function. Leaving the GPS function on prevents that wait, but drains the battery much faster.

Thanks, good to know. I turned on GPS and just left it on, and battery life was still great - but I was constantly turning the camera on and off. I suppose it takes the same amount time to grab the GPS signal when you turn the camera on, as when you turn GPS on. That must be the problem. I just tried now indoors, and after maybe 5 min. 2 photos I took did not show GPS coordinates. I'll have to experiment outdoors.

 

[PhotoHobbyist113 139]

Thanks, good to know. I turned on GPS and just left it on, and battery life was still great - but I was constantly turning the camera on and off. I suppose it takes the same amount time to grab the GPS signal when you turn the camera on, as when you turn GPS on. That must be the problem. I just tried now indoors, and after maybe 5 min. 2 photos I took did not show GPS coordinates. I'll have to experiment outdoors.

When I turn on GPS on my Canon 260HS the GPS is active even when I turn off the camera. It periodically wakes up logging a GPS "track".

 

[WmAWeevil]

When I turn on GPS on my Canon 260HS the GPS is active even when I turn off the camera. It periodically wakes up logging a GPS "track".

There goes my theory. Unless this camera acts differently. At least battery life didn't take a hit (which could be evidence that the TG-870 doesn't keep GPS awake). I have to experiment.