As a photographer, you often carry bags full of equipment. Cameras, lenses, light meters, and notebooks are constantly being moved around. You put things down to free up your hands for taking photos. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, you forget something. This is annoying and often results in financial losses.
Smart trackers offer a solution for finding equipment or preventing it from being lost in the first place. In this report, I’ll take a closer look at the Chipolo Smart Trackers. More specifically, I’ll be discussing the Chipolo Card and Chipolo Loop models.
Technical Specifications
Let’s examine the technical specifications of the two trackers. The Chipolo Loop has a round shape and is equipped with a flexible silicone loop. This loop is permanently integrated into the casing.
A major advantage of this model is its rechargeable battery. The Loop is charged via a standard USB-C port. According to the manufacturer, a full battery charge lasts for approximately six months.
The casing is protected against dust and water according to the IP67 standard. A rain shower while taking photos outdoors is therefore no problem. The volume of the integrated speaker is specified at up to 125 decibels. This is very loud and sufficient to hear the tracker even in a packed camera bag or under a pile of clothing.
The Chipolo Card has a different design. It is shaped like a credit card and is only two and a half millimeters thick. Unlike the Loop, the Card is charged wirelessly via the Qi standard. Integrated metal plates help to align the card correctly on the charging pad. Here, too, the battery lasts for about six months.
The card is also waterproof and dustproof. Due to its slim design, the volume is slightly lower at 110 decibels, but this is perfectly adequate for many situations. A side opening on the casing ensures good sound emission.
In the past, many devices of this type relied on button cell batteries, which led to high battery consumption with frequent use. The fact that both trackers now have integrated and rechargeable power sources significantly simplifies handling.
While the lack of replaceable batteries means that the trackers cannot be repaired after the internal battery fails, the manufacturer promises a very long lifespan. Furthermore, modern Bluetooth specifications support energy-efficient communication between the tracker and smartphone.
In the past, many devices of this type relied on button cell batteries, which led to high battery consumption with frequent use.
Features
Let’s talk about the everyday features. Setup is simple and straightforward. You press the button on the tracker, open the corresponding app on your phone, and follow the few on-screen instructions.
A very practical feature of both models is their universal compatibility. Many trackers on the market only work with a specific system. Chipolo takes a different approach. It’s extremely convenient to have just one model that can use either Apple’s or Google’s location network. So you don’t have to commit to a specific system when you buy it.
This means the tracker can also be used if you switch ecosystems or perhaps give it to someone else. If you switch from an iPhone to an Android device, you can simply take your Chipolo tracker with you. The networks access millions of devices worldwide, making it highly likely to be found in urban areas.
In addition to the major networks from Apple and Google, the manufacturer offers its own Chipolo app. This app expands the range of functions with several useful features. For example, you can double-press the tracker to make your smartphone ring if you’ve misplaced it. You can also set different ringtones for the trackers.
In addition, the tracker can be used as a remote shutter release for your smartphone camera. For us photographers, this is a nice extra feature.
In Practice as a Photographer
How do these devices perform in practice for a photographer? We have specific requirements for our equipment. The Chipolo Card is very discreet due to its extremely flat design. It not only fits in a standard wallet, but can also be stored in a notebook cover, for example.
I often use a small notebook for my exposure data, notes on the films I’m using, or sketches for photo ideas. If I lose this notebook, a lot of valuable information is lost. The card is completely unnoticeable in it and gives me peace of mind.
The card also fits easily into small compartments of a camera bag. If you work a lot with analog film, you often have countless small canisters of film in your bag. Any extra weight is a nuisance. Since the card and the loop are extremely lightweight, they don’t add any noticeable weight when carrying the bag.
The Chipolo Loop has a completely different purpose. The Loop Tracker can be attached to a camera strap, for example. Thanks to the integrated silicone loop, this can be done in seconds and requires no additional metal rings.
This is, of course, conspicuous to a thief, but useful if you happen to leave your camera somewhere. For example, on a park bench while changing film, in a studio, or in a café after a long photo walk.
A warning on your smartphone when you move out of range is very useful here. You receive a notification on your phone as soon as the Bluetooth connection to the camera is lost. This allows you to turn back immediately before you get too far away. Many users online confirm that these separation alerts work very reliably in everyday use and have prevented many a loss.
Thanks to its soft silicone construction, the Loop Tracker can also be easily attached to the zippers of your camera bag without rattling or making any annoying noises when you move. Of course, the tracker can also be discreetly stored inside a bag.
Conclusion
In summary, the Chipolo trackers are a very reliable solution for locating lost equipment. The combination of rechargeable batteries and support for both major smartphone networks makes them versatile companions.
The Card discreetly secures my documents and recordings. The Loop provides added security for my expensive camera, especially with the direct alert on my smartphone. Anyone looking to protect their equipment and seeking a neutral, uncomplicated system will find the Chipolo Card and Chipolo Loop to be very effective tools.
The Chipolo Card and Chipolo Loop are excellent options. The products can be purchased via the Website.
