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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Running with a Smartphone (iPhone and Android)}}
Most smartphones have a GPS built in and support various applications that allow them to function as sports watches. There are quite a number of advantages and disadvantages to using a smartphone compared with a dedicated watch, some of which can be alleviated with a companion SmartWatch (see below). Personally, I much prefer running with a dedicated sports watch, but I know many people that get on well with a smartphone.
=Smartphone Pros=
* If you already have a smartphone, this is the cheapest option. All you need is a good running app, and these are available for free or at a low cost (see below for details).
* The [[GPS Accuracy]] of Smartphones is generally better than a dedicated running watch. (See below for details and caveats.)
* Carrying a phone allows you to [[Running Safety| call for help]]. You can also use apps like [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/find-my-friends/id466122094?mt=8 find my friends] to allow people to track your location for safety.
* The phone needs a good view of the sky, so holding it in your hand, or strapping it to your upper arm works well. Clipping it to a waistband can reduce GPS accuracy.
* Close all other applications other than the running application. This does not appear to be a major problem, but it may help slightly.
* Even if your smartphone and your application are accurate, check that the exported data is also accurate, as I've seen some problems in this area. =iPhone as a Camera=I've come to enjoy using my iPhone as a camera, and I've tried a vast array of apps, with the following being my top picks.* I use the built in iPhone app for quick shots, or where I need HDR of a subject with movement* I find [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/645-pro-mk-ii/id518235205?mt=8 645 Pro] is the best all-around camera app. * For images where I want to blur, such as waterfalls or light streaks I use [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/slow-shutter-cam/id357404131?mt=8 SlowShutter].* At night or in low light conditions I like [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/average-camera-pro/id415577873?mt=8 Average Camera Pro] which can produce images with surprisingly little noise. * When I need good HDR I use the auto bracketing feature of [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/645-pro-mk-ii/id518235205?mt=8 645 Pro] and post process with [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/true-hdr/id340741871?mt=8 TrueHDR].* My favorite photo editor has become [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snapseed/id439438619?mt=8 Snapseed].* If I want to upload to Instagram, I use [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/squaready-smart-layouter-for/id440279995?mt=8 Squaready] to put on a border to prevent cropping to a square format.
