How to use SnapBridge with multiple cameras simultaneously

Using SnapBridge to transfer location data to two cameras simultaneously

Nikon’s SnapBridge app allows you to embed the location data from a connected smartphone’s GPS into your photos – even with two cameras simultaneously. I have been using this feature for quite some time, even though it is not documented in Nikon’s official online manual.

According to nikonimglib.com, SnapBridge supports coupling with up to five cameras, but only one can be actively linked at a time. This is generally correct and applies, for example, to the app’s remote shutter release. If you want to use this with two cameras, you have to switch actively between them. You can only use the remote shutter release once you’ve done this.

The situation is similar with geotagging – however, you don’t want to constantly switch between the paired cameras when taking photos. I therefore proceed as follows:
1. Start SnapBridge
2. Pair the first camera
3. Select ‘Switch camera’ in the settings and pair the second camera.
4. As long as SnapBridge is not closed, the app now delivers the current location data to all connected cameras simultaneously.

Why I capture location data with SnapBridge

As much as I appreciate my Nikon cameras, there is still room for improvement when it comes to geotagging. Currently, only the top of the range Z9 and D6 cameras are equipped with an inbuilt GPS sensor. With my cameras – currently the Z7II, and before that the D800E and D850 – I have always had to use external GPS devices.

For many years, I worked with the di-GPS M3-MTK geotagger until it no longer worked with the Z7II due to the lack of a 10-pin port. I decided to replace it with the di-GPS Eco ProSummer M geotagger. Although this device captured location data reliably, it caused problems in practical use. During production days, I had the little device plugged in permanently on the side of the camera and often got stuck on the backpack when taking the camera in and out. Over time, this damaged the camera’s accessory port. Following this experience, I switched to SnapBridge and now capture the location data for my shots via my smartphone. Of course, it would have been ideal if Nikon had equipped each camera with a GPS receiver from the start.

Tips for accurate geodata with the SnapBridge app

The more accurately your smartphone records your location, the more accurate the geodata of your photos will be. These settings will help you achieve best results:

Settings in the SnapBridge app
Activate ‘Location data’ in the camera tab of the SnapBridge app

Set the accuracy to “High” under ‘Location data’. This provides the best results, but increases the battery consumption of both the camera and smartphone. Therefore, test whether this setting is suitable for you. For example, in my practice, I need about two batteries per day per camera.

The ‘Power Saving’ mode under ‘Location Data’ can be enabled to pause location data transfer when the camera is not used for a while. This will reduce battery consumption, but should also be tested. In my experience, when re-enabling the mode, the location data from the previous location is transferred and it may take some time until the transfer is updated and the current location is transmitted.

Settings on Android devices:
Grant SnapBridge permission to use location access, if you haven’t already done so.

You can find this option under Settings > Apps. Tap on the SnapBridge app and then select ‘Allow all the time’ under Permissions > Location.

Select ‘High accuracy’ in the Settings under “Location”.

Enable “Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning” in the settings under ‘Location’, even if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are currently not connected.

Settings on iPhone:
Grant SnapBridge permission to use location services, if you have not already done so.

This can be found under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Tap on the SnapBridge app and then select ‘Always’ or ‘While Using the App’.

Under ‘Privacy & Security’ in the settings, activate the option ‘Improve Location Accuracy’.

General tips:
Keep Wi-Fi enabled, even if there is no active connection, and ensure a stable internet connection.

Disable power saving mode, as this restricts background activities and location updates.