i am going to buy a new gps for my elk hunt in CO this year. i'm trying to decide between the Garmin Oregon 450T and the garmin gpsmap 60csx. i am sure both will be fine to download maps, way points ect. the thing is if i'm going to pay this kind of money what else can i use them for after the hunt? i know the Oregon had a built in camera and tracking system from where you took the picture which i like. i think both can be used for turn by turn direction in a vehicle? if you have either could you tell me the pros and cons? any other info on what you can use them for?

I am familiar with both. My Dad has a 60csx we got for him a couple years ago. He really likes it and the interface is very user friendly.

I have spent a fair amount of time playing with the 450T to help my uncle learn to use his.  

The mapping quality of the 450T is improved over the 60csx. Suppoedly so is the battery life. The other advantage I like a lot if the wireless transfer of waypoints between units. This is handy in elk camp and the 60csx does not have that option.

I am not a big fan of touch screen GPS units though. They are difficult when your fingers are cold and make selecting location on the map with the cursor a pain.

From the sounds of it though you will not be doing a lot of that type of thing. So with all that long winded talk. Look hard at the 450T and practice practice practice with it.

I have the 450T.  Ferret is spot on with everything he wrote.

Yep, 450T.  You can save money and get the 450 and download maps for free or even better, place a google earth image into the unit.  Don't really need the camera IMO either.  I'd save some money and put it on a better sleeping bag or tent if it was me.

I had the 60 (lost it) and now I have the smaller Dakota.  I wasn't much on the touch screen but it actually isn't bad at all.  Love the wireless transfer.  The only negative with the Dakota is size.  It's a little small at times but I felt the 450 was a little  big.

BTW, my buddy has the 450 and rigged it up with Velcro and straps it to his wrist.  Seems to work better than hanging it around your neck or taking it out of a pocket all the time.

I think you can download maps off the CO website of the area you will be hunting if its public land, but I would look into the google earth overlay or pay for Birdseye

I have two 60 cxs and they have been great. But the tech has come a long way. So if I were buying today I would get the 450 T. Practice before you go-take it with you everywhere including in your car and become really familiar with it.

I have had several different Garmins, with my latest being the Oregon 450. I have downloaded free topos on it to go with the 1:100000 that is included with the unit. The better topos are dead on, and this winter I have used the unit a lot while snowbirding in Arizona. It is very accurate and works in deep holes where the sun seldom shines. Like ferret says, the touch screen is kind of quirky, but overall, it is a great unit. I recommend it highly.

I have the farming Dakota. It's similar to the oregan but on a more base level. I really like it. Pics up signal pretty quick and has a fairly long battery life. It's seemed to be very accurate. I used mine for blast sights where I was using explosives and I never had a bad coordinate

To use either unit as a vehicle nav unit you need City Navigator maps and install them in the unit. About $100.There are other versions of the Oregon that does not have the camera. Saves some battery.

I have the 62s and think it's one of the best !

a fellow co-worker brought in his 550T today and i got to play with that, was blown away but it is rather expensive.

Ken,
Save your money and just get a good compass and topo maps of the area you are going to hunt. By the way where in Colorado are you going. As I have lived there for a number of years my advice to you is be prepared for anything. I've seen snow in July and the lightning storms can scare even the bravest of souls.

Grouse

Yep, I live in "hurricane alley" but nothing compares to a lightning storm in a tent at 11000 feet.

But back to the subject at hand, get a GPS and back up with a compass.  You can't go straight to anywhere in CO.  Trying to count steps/distances and changes of direction takes more practice than a newbie needs to deal with.  I once walked 2 1/2 miles to end up 1/3 mile and 900' below the trailhead.  Just a newbies opinion though

I have the 62stc and love it but always back yourself with a compass and maps.