Product Comparison: Garmin GPSMAP 62 vs Garmin eTrex 30

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Garmin GPSMAP 62 Handheld GPS Navigator

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Garmin eTrex 30 GPS

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General Specifications

About the Product

GPSMAP 62 features a 2.6" sunlight-readable 65K color screen that supports BirdsEye Satellite imagery (subscription required) and Custom Maps. Rugged and water resistant, GPSMAP 62 features a quad helix antenna for unparalleled reception and sleek new design.

eTrex 30 takes one of the most popular and reliable GPS handhelds and makes it better. Enhanced ergonomics, an improved interface, paperless geocaching and expanded mapping capabilities makes eTrex more versatile and user-friendly, while maintaining its toughness and durability.

Brand

Garmin

Model

GPSMAP 62

eTrex 30

Origin

USA

Key Specs

Type Of Tracking

GPS

GPS / GLONASS

Sensors

Barometric altimeter, Compass

Barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass

Screen

2.6" TFT color display

2.2" TFT color display

Messaging

1-Way

SOS Button

Type Of Tracking
Messaging

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Garmin GPSMAP 62 Handheld GPS Navigator

As far as GPS goes, I can't imagine having a better unit.
This GPS unit has a very strong antenna, which allows you to maintain satellite reception even under heavy tree cover.
Gps functionality works well.
Nice and easy to create waypoints and routes in Basecamp and load them to GPS unit.
At around 3000m above sea level it started to completely freak out and show record my position at 0°N and 0°W.

Garmin eTrex 30 GPS

Tons of functionality, great accuracy, and performance.
It is very accurate, often getting reported accuracy of 7 feet, even indoors!
The GLONASS system is usable as well as the GPS system. What that translates to, is more satellites to track, meaning an extremely fast time to first fix.
Great product to follow a route and much important by the compass. Use it for powered paragliding navigation.
The GPS accuracy is good. Speed measurement is quite accurate. Tracks look good. Typical accuracy is 3 m while cycling.

Size & Weight

Height

6.3 in.

4.0 in.

Width

2.4 in.

2.1 in.

Depth

1.4 in.

1.3 in.

Weight

7.9 oz.

5 oz.

Map Features

Preloaded Maps

Basemap

Map Coverage Area

USA

Global Coverage

Map Updates

SD Card

3D-Map View

Other Functions

Waypoints/favorites/locations - 2000, Routes - 200, Track log - 10000 points, 200 saved tracks, Custom maps compatible

2000 Waypoints/favorites/locations, 200 Routes, Track log 10000 points/200 tracks, Automatic routing, Custom maps compatible

3D-Map View

What customers say about "Map Features"

Garmin GPSMAP 62 Handheld GPS Navigator

You don't have to spend any money on maps, however I will probably spend about $60 on a good topographical map, just to take advantage of all the features this GPS has.
The 24k maps are great and I was happy to save the extra money.
For maps and outdoor navigation in extreme conditions, the GPSMap is probably the best Garmin unit for this purpose.
I downloaded a free map set with very little difficulty that seems to work well.
When moved to the GPS the aerial maps almost exceed the capacity of the unit, so the area of the map is very small if you want to get the most detailed images.

Garmin eTrex 30 GPS

Since this device supports custom maps, I was able to load it with all North American OpenStreetMap road maps, and North American wide terrain maps.
The ability to load custom tracks, routes, and maps from the internet is fantastic as well.
This GPS is extremely easy to use. I love how easy it is to set way points and to check my trip computer to check my elevation and distanced traveled.
The maps are clear and easy to zoom in and navigate around with.
I mainly use it for geocaching and biking and it's great for both. The different profiles are great.

Features

Compatibility

PC, iOS

Interfaces

USB, NMEA 0183 compatible

USB, MicroSD card slot

Battery Life

20 hours

25 hours

Internal Memory

1.7 GB

Power Source

2 AA batteries

Protection

IPX-7 Waterproof

Accessories Included

Wrist strap, USB cable

USB cable

Extras

Area calculation, Automatic routing, Hunt/fish calendar, Sun and moon information, Picture viewer

Support for paperless geocaching, WAAS-enabled, Area calculation, Geocaching-friendly, Sun and moon information, Hunt/fish calendar, Picture viewer, Custom maps compatible, MapShare, Garmin Connect™ compatible, Wireless Sharing

Internal Memory
Battery Life

What customers say about "Features"

Garmin GPSMAP 62 Handheld GPS Navigator

The screen reads clear under the sun.
Very accurate, easy to use, intuitive menus and logical button placement.
Using lithium batteries gives me at least 14 hours of use. Ni-Cad about 10.
Battery life is not 2 days, unless you use 'battery save' mode, which turns off the screen when idle.
The number of key presses to do many things related to waypoints is at least 50% larger. Deleting a waypoint requires much more work.

Garmin eTrex 30 GPS

Two cheap AA batteries last forever in it tho - The device was on for 8 hours straight yesterday, and the battery indicator still shows a full charge. Impressive.
And the battery life which was less than 24 hours with past models, is now into the days.
Of course, now that they have a memory card slot, I put the Topo map and waypoints on the memory card so it can be transferred.
It is compact, the batteries last pretty well.
It works great for sharing rides with other Garmin eTrex cyclist has kept us on the route.

Warranty / Certifications

Certifications

FCC, CE

Manufacturer warranty

1 year

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download