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Post by kwpapke on Apr 16, 2016 13:02:50 GMT -8
I made the switch over a year ago and there's no going back. In this little video I show you how to bring just your smartphone (and maybe a charger battery) into the backcountry.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Apr 16, 2016 13:58:18 GMT -8
Over the 5 years or so that I've been using an iPhone (and a Samsung Note 2 for about 7 months, which I did not enjoy - 16gb memory), I've pretty much learned most of what you showed in this video. Still, the video is a good summary of the current state of use of an iPhone or other smartphone for GPS, camera and entertainment while backpacking for most anyone who didn't "learn the hard way."
I figured out that my iPhone had become a "goto" device for GPS by comparing the results I got using both the iPhone and my old dedicated GPS simultaneously. The iPhone GPS consistently outperformed my old GPS, even without cell tower triangulation (airplane mode ON). This is not to say that there are not still uses for dedicated GPS systems. For backpacking, however, the weight advantage of the iPhone, plus consistent performance at least equal to the lower cost dedicated GPS systems is decisive, IMO.
I once owned 3 or 4 "point and shoot" cameras, which were also supplanted by the iPhone. Let's face it: I always have my iPhone on my person - that alone is enough to win the camera battle on the basis of availability/accessibility/familiarity. As you pointed out, when the pictures became better for most cases than those other "point and shoots", the game was over. Of course, there will always be a place for the better, more expensive cameras for amateur and professional uses.
I have given both of my old 160gb iPod Classics to my daughter, who still loves them and goes through them like candy (she's on her 3rd, as of last month). I keep telling her that Apple quit making them, so her next "iPod" will be a bit more expensive, or she'll have to "downgrade" to my old 120gb, the only remaining one I have. I don't need them because I always get the largest available iPhone: I'm currently using a 6 @ 128gb. With streaming, that's all the access to music (and videos) I need. (Rumor mill: the word is that, with the newest iPad Pro models having 256gb memory available, this is expected in the iPhone 7 in the fall. I'll be one of the first in line to get one - I use my iPhone for a lot of stuff.)
Finally, your point about having an "accessory battery" is well taken: I probably have a dozen or more, and the tech just keeps getting better. I never go out for any length of time without a backup battery, and I have a choice of a lot of different sizes for each situation, though it's important not to go overboard. If I'm going to be out for no more than a couple of days, I will probably not need much more than a single recharge, though that can vary depending on type of use. Heavy use of any of the 3 major areas means either taking a larger battery - or taking the dedicated device, like a Kindle, instead of using the iPhone as a reader. (I often go out just to get away to "reset" or "get away" for a bit - reading can be a reason alone.)
Anyway, nice video, and certainly a more cohesive and enjoyable "read" than this post.
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franco
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Post by franco on Apr 16, 2016 14:22:21 GMT -8
If one has photography as a hobby or a strong interest in taking photos rather than happy snappy, a phone will not do the job. For most people (including people like me that can't be bothered taking a real camera) a phone will do. This is a photo I took the other day ,above my house : try that with an iPhone
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Post by Lonewolf on Apr 16, 2016 16:03:28 GMT -8
Your Iphone isn't IP67 with a sapphire screen.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Apr 16, 2016 16:43:37 GMT -8
There is a presumption on this forum - that surfaces quite often as a sort of "competition" in testosterone levels - that everyone backpacks for the exact same reason and in the very same way. Let me inform you, should you be under the influence of such a notion, that it is categorically not true. Most of the time, I'm not "out there" to prove anything. I'm just "having fun". If you're doing something else, as the video makes clear, you might need different equipment.
IOW, HYOH. I understand what you are saying about the nature of "dedicated equipment" or "professional equipment" for specific purposes, but this is not what this particular subject is about, at least as I understand it.
(Exception: TDale is apparently on a bender today, or coming off one from last night, so no one should take his posts seriously, IMHO.)
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Apr 16, 2016 21:41:54 GMT -8
The one aspect of gps performance I'd like some better experience with is the accuracy of, say, my 62cSx versus my iPhone 6s Plus in the marginal reception conditions of a very heavy overhead cover or an extremely restricted sky view. I'll have to keep that in mind for poking at when I'm out.
It's just the leap in accuracy with the 62 as it got better at compensating for reflected signal paths versus older models makes me wonder at how a less specialized phone GPS chipset might perform ETA see below. The tough compare is I'll have to be way out of range of a cell signal as the iPhone airplane mode disables the GPS radio along with all the others.
Given how much I like my iPhone screen versus the tiny 62csx screen (though, sure, neither beats the full 1:24k map sheet for view)? Fingers crossed.
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Post by dayhiker on Apr 17, 2016 2:19:42 GMT -8
Nice Video.
I did not know that airplane mode allowed one to use their gps - does it turn off the cell phone signal?
The screen is nicer but that is a big part of the battery drain. The maps from GAIA are great so esp. when I am away from PNW I probably ditch the gps.
I have seen some good photos with the iphone, but it does not handle contrast as well as my camera or low light or raw etc. so I am keeping it.
I have a nano ipod for music & audio books,, very light don't have to worry about battery drain on iphone, same for kindle - except wt., and you take one too.
I just purchased a battery charger for the iphone so taking it would be more practical for gps, and I would have a second chance if I notice the power draining too quickly.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Apr 17, 2016 5:36:17 GMT -8
As I understand it airplane mode varies across manufacturers. Just found an Apple support page that says prior to iOS 8.2 airplane mode turned off GPS. Now the disabled list doesn't include that feature. support.apple.com/en-us/HT204234"You can set your iPhone and Apple Watch to mirror the Airplane Mode setting of the other device. In the Watch app on your iPhone, tap Settings > General > Airplane Mode and tap Mirror iPhone. When Airplane Mode is on, you'll see in the status bar of your screen or on your watch face. In Airplane Mode, these wireless features are turned off: Cellular (voice and data) Wi-Fi Bluetooth If you have a device with iOS 8.2 or earlier, Airplane Mode will also turn off GPS." The current version of iOS is 9.3.1 ETA:Sure enough when I engaged airplane mode and went to maps I still had a location indicator.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Apr 17, 2016 7:11:29 GMT -8
I carry a GPS when kayaking. I leave my iPhone on shore. My GPS is water proof to 3 M, and I discovered my phone can't even handle a dunking.
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Post by kwpapke on Apr 17, 2016 7:23:59 GMT -8
If one has photography as a hobby or a strong interest in taking photos rather than happy snappy, a phone will not do the job. For most people (including people like me that can't be bothered taking a real camera) a phone will do. This is a photo I took the other day ,above my house : try that with an iPhone I do speak to that in the video. Telephoto shots are not possible with a naked smartphone, but telephoto accessory lenses have really come down in price and weigh far less than bringing a full-blown DSLR telephoto lens. There will always be a case for serious photographers lugging 10's of pounds of camera gear into the backcountry. The point I was trying to make in the video is that for most of us a smartphone will handle 95% of the shots. Make sense?
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Post by kwpapke on Apr 17, 2016 7:28:52 GMT -8
Nice Video. I did not know that airplane mode allowed one to use their gps - does it turn off the cell phone signal? The screen is nicer but that is a big part of the battery drain. The maps from GAIA are great so esp. when I am away from PNW I probably ditch the gps. I have seen some good photos with the iphone, but it does not handle contrast as well as my camera or low light or raw etc. so I am keeping it. I have a nano ipod for music & audio books,, very light don't have to worry about battery drain on iphone, same for kindle - except wt., and you take one too. I just purchased a battery charger for the iphone so taking it would be more practical for gps, and I would have a second chance if I notice the power draining too quickly. Yes, going into airplane mode turns off the power-hungry searching for a cell tower, but if an app is using Location Services the GPS chip remains powered up. Yes, the big iPhone screen consumes power, but if you press the Sleep button after consulting it for your location, it's remarkable how little power you can use. I dunno, my iPhone 6 with HDR enabled gets pretty good contrast. If you haven't tried that lately you should check it out. Why bring the iPod? As I point out in the video, listening to audio consumes pretty much zero battery power. Just make sure the screen is off while listening.
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Post by kwpapke on Apr 17, 2016 7:31:21 GMT -8
I carry a GPS when kayaking. I leave my iPhone on shore. My GPS is water proof to 3 M, and I discovered my phone can't even handle a dunking. My iPhone survived a dunking. With a cheap waterproof case, it will survive long periods underwater. Here's the video of my bare iPhone 6 filming as it fell into a stream in Oregon -- almost a year later it is still working fine:
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Post by dayhiker on Apr 17, 2016 10:44:03 GMT -8
"Why bring the iPod? As I point out in the video, listening to audio consumes pretty much zero battery power. Just make sure the screen is off while listening."
Why Not?
The shuffle is less than 1/2 oz. ! (The nano is 1.1, so not too much either, I got the name mixed up, nano implies to me the smallest)
I will try the music thing, but the other reason is space on my phone, I only put a few songs. I do play them when using it for in town hikes with a fitness app it seems like it runs down quick but I also have bluetooth headphones then. I close the apps but not sure if the screen goes off so I will try it with both.
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Also dim the screen, if you can.
telephoto? which do you use, I almost got one at BHphoto until the user review said the pic is not good in enlargements.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Apr 17, 2016 12:30:49 GMT -8
Bottom line, as is the case with all hiking/camping gear: know what you have and how to maximize it's use. If that doesn't fulfill your needs, get the equipment that does. Seems no different than cooking gear or anything else. A modern smart phone is a pretty powerful and useful device for sure. I prefer a slightly larger solar panel battery pack for the easy recharging.
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franco
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Post by franco on Apr 17, 2016 14:06:47 GMT -8
"The point I was trying to make in the video is that for most of us a smartphone will handle 95% of the shots." Ues, that is why in my post I wrote :
For most people (including people like me that can't be bothered taking a real camera) a phone will do.
Still, those tele attachments are not all that cheap by the time you get the cradle needed for it and you need to focus them manually. On top of that it is already hard to take a bird in flight with an ergonomically designed camera , I would safely say that it is harder with a phone and a lens sticking out of it. Again most people don't take photos of birds in flight or a deer jumping in the air 300 feet away, but some do.
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