It is very overwhelming trying to make a decision. I am a scuba diver and only want to see the down image (with good resolution) of the bottom contour while being able to record waypoints on a GPS interface. Seems you have to buy big to get the GPS...
1642159
Yes, I am doing a similar search now. The Garmen EchoMap 50DV has a very capable GPS with the photo-like sonar integrated, and I have found that unit with a full US offshore map set for about $670 - I believe the unit allows recording shots with GPS coordinates for playback later. The Lowrance unit with similar features seems more expensive. This sonar unit seems to be a great one for the image, and you could always mark on a separate GPS as you observe the bottom features.
1076552
I LOVE mine and I haven't even completely learned all of it's features. I chose it because my running coach (who also does tri's) has it and I knew that she could help me. I believe it would be a good choice, unless the mountain areas are poor GPS locations. Other than that, I recommend it!
21532
yep - i agree - i ALMOST ordered it last night...glad I didn't. even more interesting will be the price they'll have when it's offered by amazon direct - i am still trying to decide between the 765T and the 265 WT, which, by the way has become 7 bucks cheaper than last night !!!MediaHub - i feel like we will both end up with a good in-car nav - let's keep in touch here and try to make a good decision. www.gpsrmagazine.com has a great review/analysis of 265WT and 765T...
620584
I have the unit which I use for kayaking. The world map that comes with it is laughable. You will need to buy a chart for that area. It is a well made unit which I am pleased with however.
1711006
This product came with several maps preloaded, including the TOPO U.S. 100K. I ordered the DVD separately for the Topo U.S. 24K because it has four times smaller resolution. It contains everything you mentioned. I believe the DVD for the 24K was about $100+ extra. Once I got the DVD I initially could not figure how to load/download it to the 62st. Fortunately the Garmin support pointed to free software that I needed downloaded to my PC before using the DVD. Once the software and DVD were installed I was able to select a portion of the 24k map and transfer it to the 62st. I was disappointed with the resolution of the 100k but the 24K is quite detailed. Overall this unit has cost me more than I was planning to invest and has been less than impressive to use and fairly hard to learn. It took me a couple of weeks to figure how to translate the deed description of my property to GPS coordinates and then translate it further into the modified format used by Garmin. I also used Google maps to attempt to determine the coordinates for my property but note that again their format is different for how minutes and seconds of an angle are calculated. I ended up with four translations before I got to an accurate mapping of the 62st - it was quite frustrating for a while. Good luck. Perhaps you are more experienced with this type of equipment. It is my first, but I'm quite skilled with a map and compass. Using the unit through thick brush where I could neither see very far ahead or walk very far in a straight line was quite disappointing. Finally to locate one of my property boundaries it was actually necessary to revert to a compass and step off about 1/4 mile. Again perhaps this says more about me being a novice user than the actual unit and map.
1858595
it depends on whether you have an RV or not. If you have an RV, you want that large display.I currently have an onboard TomTom in my RV. But I chose to buy the large Garmin so I could see it and so I could use the audio and several other features.
2201740
I use the side imaging and down imaging to find out whats in an area before fishing it, not while. I usually am running about 2.5-3 mph and want to be able to view my depth finder while operating the outboard. I guess it all depends how you use it. What you really need is two, one for the front and console
1371456
From a usability standpoint, it's the best. Where you might have trouble is getting it setup the way you want it. It's not that hard to do, you just have to know what you want out of your gps. I have a network of geocaching friends that I can lean on or you can always call Garmin's support line. They've always been helpful to me.
2068376
Yes it is difficult, and not any easier under water I'm afraid. And, without the audible feedback you're not sure if you are focusing or taking a picture. You end up just shooting from the hip so to speak and hoping you bring up something memorable. I was unsuccessful both in the pool and surf despite having used the auto color correction. The only real benefit of this camera is not having to worry about it getting wet, which is a judge plus in inclement weather street photography.
24749
It works well for scuba diving. I prefer the video quality to the GoPro and Contour because of the video stabilization. You will need to purchase the ADA-RD1 with the flat port for underwater. Happy shooting
376614
Thanks, Valdvogel...you gave me just the info I needed. Of course, the first inclination is to purchase an expensive NUVI, but it's good to know that an earlier hand-held works even better! We already have a GPS (Staples brand) that works great for road directions, but it uses wrong coordinates for geo-caching. It's just too difficult to"translate" the coordinates for every cache! Thanks again!
2111443
I bought the Vacron VVA-CBE05A, which is the same as this camera, except for a flip down screen and I have heard it has a slightly better lens. It can do show trip mapping acquired with the built in GPS once connected to a PC. It requires the accompanying Vacron software, which came on a CD with my camera.
1928094
For a good review of what this camera can and can't do at diving depths, see: http://www.digicamera.com/reviews/olympus_stylus_770sw/ My 2cts: Except in clear tropical waters you need an external strobe, not to avoid white-out, but to avoid backscatter from particulates in water. (I've got some great images from tropics just using the built in strobe from a housed point-and-shoot digital, but an external strobe is a necessity in northern/central CA.) I could see taking this on a trip, if I'm going to be only shallow (unlikely in tropical waters) and wanted to avoid the hassle of taking my whole housing/strobe set-up. However, if you're planning to get a strobe and genuine scuba-depth housing (as mentioned, Olympus does make one for this model), you have to ask what's the point of paying extra for what this camera comes with already, as well as its limits (compared with higher quality cameras/lens not designed to skinny-dip). If you snorkel, kayak, surf, play in the water a lot, etc., it may still make sense. If you want that versatility, but still will use a housing/strobe for diving, consider the 720, which allows you to go 10ft and would save you some money. Another thought (now wearing my PADI instructor hat): There's a lot of task loading in learning scuba (esp. if you're doing it in cold Alaska water!), and I would advise against adding underwater photography too soon. Although I have a hard time diving without a camera, I think new divers should wait until they're quite comfortable in the water (for their own safety), and have very good buoyancy skills (for the safety of the marine environment).
1348631
I can only speak to my experience with the unit, so here goes ... It took forever for it to determine my location in the field. The altitude reading was waaaay off, and I was never able to get the computer tracking program to work on my pc. So I saved my money and got a real GPS, Garmin Oregon, and I am very happy I did. I should have done that in the first place!
355814
I use my 5915 for geocaching. I wanted one device that I could use everyday in the car (nav, music, pda-functionality) and then could pull out for the occasional cache. I really like the program GPSTuner for offroad navigation (no affiliation, just a happy customer). I also bought a little silicon case on ebay to protect it on the trail. If you do a lot of hiking, etc, then a dedicated, more rugged GPS is probably a better bet though.
1567531
I am also looking for the best unit; especially for rural areas as we do a lot of hiking. We have been depending on cell phone GPS navigation but it sure doesn't work well in the Far West nor on a recent hiking trip to the Great Smokys and Blue Ridge Mountains. I am thinking of the Garmin nvi 2797LMT 7-Inch or the Garmin nvi 3597LMTHD 5-Inch. Not sure what one I will pick but there are 100's to choose from and reviews are all over the place. Wish Amazon provided for comparisons. Try Best Buy for details, they do a much better job of showing all features and allow comparisons. Then search the web for that unit and get the best price (not always on Amazon).
1343062
IMO terrain view is the only view to have ... updates when you get them are to both terrain and standard maps as far as I can tell. On a dark road, I find the terrain view gives me a better idea of what to expect ahead during the times I have to drive slowly. Now, I like to look at views when its safe, but at night there's nothing to see, except what's via the Garmin. I traveled up an unfamiliar windy mountain road on a trip a few months after purchasing my 3790, and "saw" the canyons and rivers running nearby. I'm not talking about side views, but a pseudo topographical mode that gave me enough information to feel I wasn't entirely "in the dark" going thru an area I might never pass by again. But that's just me. :)