Garmin’s Oregon 550 and 550t rugged outdoor navigation GPS devices add to the functionality of the previous 400 models with a 3.2 megapixel digital camera. A built-in 3-axis compass and an enhanced sunlight-readable touchscreen are the other key additions.

The specification for the two 550 models is the same except for the preloading of 100K topo maps for the entire U.S. in state-of-the-art 3D elevation perspective with the Oregon 550t. The Oregon 550 has a worldwide basemap in shaded relief.

The addition of a 3.2 megapixel autofocus digital camera with 4x digital zoom is an excellent choice by Garmin to add value to the Oregon line. Conveniently the camera will automatically geotag all your photos to use for future navigation or for positioning in any location aware software. Unlike most digital cameras you might carry with you this one is built into the waterproof (IPX7) Oregon casing. Pictures can be shot in landscape or portrait orientation and there is a reasonable chunk (850 MB) of internal memory for storage.

Even if you are standing still and not holding the device level, the new 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass will continue to provide an accurate heading. By cleverly reflecting any light falling on it to boost screen brightness, the new transflective color TFT touchscreen is brighter and easier to read in bright sunlight.

The 16 hour charge life of the Oregon 550 models is worthy of note. A battery charger is included for when it finally runs out.

If you want to make use of your Oregon 550 on the road you can purchase optional City Navigator mapping with detailed street maps, millions of preloaded points of interest and onscreen turn-by-turn directions to your destination. The optional Auto Nav kit takes care of care of the rest with a suction mount and car charger.

In the Box; Oregon 550/550t, AA battery charger, 2 AA NiMH batteries, carabiner clip, USB cable, owner’s manual on disk and Quick Start manual.

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