1020 as a Camera/GPS Only?

[essentialjpm]

A family member of mine needs a new camera and navigation unit (the less bulky the better to travel with). I was looking around at new standalone camera and GPS units for her and it kinda clicked in my head I could get her a phone that serves both functions.

I've read about how good the 1020 camera is, so that's less of an issue than navigation. I can get them used on eBay for $200 or less, which is less than a good camera and Garmin would cost.

This would be an offline phone, outside of WiFi, so I'm more concerned with full offline mapping solutions (US & Canada would be required). I know Google Maps is the gold standard, but they don't offer full offline maps on any device. Are there any easy to use and very good offline navigation apps for Windows phone/1020? I heard that Nokia Here maps were good and could be downloaded fully for offline use, but I've also read they aren't the greatest experience.

Is the 1020 camera still good enough to be used as a full camera for a active person (lots of nature pictures)?

Any suggestions would be welcome ... even if it's a recommendation to just continue along the path of buying her a separate camera and navigation units.

Thanks.

 

[gpobernardo]

Hello, essentialjpm, welcome to Windows Central!

In my opinion, the Lumia 1020 camera is still the best one can have in a smart phone. Head over to the Photos/Videos Taken with your Lumia 1020 thread here and check out some of the shots our forum members have been uploading almost since Day 1 of the L1020.:wink:

As for navigation, what one will experience in the L1020 is most probably almost the same with most of the other Windows Phones. I just tried offline navigation using the native Maps app (not HERE Maps) in my L1020 a few seconds ago, and I was able to get directions even if it was in Airplane mode. I guess the only pre-requisite is to have all of the needed maps downloaded into the phone.

I don't use HERE Maps, but that's only a matter of preference.

I use Waze, but I don't think it will work offline.

Hence, I think the L1020 will meet the mentioned requirements.:wink:

Battery life is not as great as the L1520 and the L1320, though... so your family member may need to keep the phone plugged into some form of charger while travelling (power bank, car charger).

 

[theefman]

The only negative in your proposed solution is the 1020's speed of capturing photos, but as long as the person isn't on the Serengeti capturing fast moving Antelopes the 1020 as a camera is still unmatched, IMO. As for navigation, I prefer Navigon but for free Here Drive+ should work just fine as well in offline mode. And though they are hard to find for battery longevity see if you can find a camera grip, which also helps in holding the phone steady for those nature shots.

 

[essentialjpm]

Thanks for the replies.

The photos in that thread look great gpobernardo.

I'd say she takes mostly still shots, so the speed shouldn't matter much, and i'll see if I can find a grip.

Also, paying for a navigation app is also fine, maybe i'll have her try the free solutions first, and if they don't work as well then buy Navigon. Either way looks like it could work out. I'm going to keep my eye on eBay for a good deal to pick one up.

Thanks.

 

[gpobernardo]

Please do let us know when such a favorable deal comes by your way.