Windows XP App for Archiving/Cataloging Pix

[m021478]

I am trying to find an application that will allow me to automate my digital image archiving/cataloging scheme. I would like to find a program that could do the following:

1) Recognize a CF card inserted into my computer which contains new digital images ready to be archived/copied/cataloged.

2) Automatically copy those images from the card to a predetermined folder on my computer.

3) Access each images' capture date to use in creating dated subfolders inside of my predetermined image folder, and use the capture date of each image to rename the copied images based on the date it was taken (along with a unique 3-4 digital serial number at the end of the file name to prevent errors related to having files with the same name in the same folder)

Other possible features I would be looking for in such an application:

1) The ability to automatically have the program create a second copy (for redundancy) of the copied images.

2) The ability to 'Eject' the card and, if desired, erase the images from the card.

Can anyone recommend an application for Windows XP that could do something like what I am asking?

Thanks!

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Downloader Pro from Breeze Systems (http://www.breezesys.com/) sounds like just what you need. It wll do everything you mention except, possibly, make the second copy at the same time. It has extensive options for naming the folders into which you download, as well as the filenames. I have it insert a "job code" into the filename each time I download, either the place or subject I was working with. And once all images are downloaded successfully, you can delete them from the card with a single click.

-Eric

[boku]

All true, but I would advise against deleting images in the card with your computer. The safest way to accomplish this is to put the card back in your camera and reformat it.

This is common advice. I use Downloader Pro as explained, but I never erase the card in the computer. Never.

[david75]

Downloader Pro can make a second copy of the images   It's a great software.

[budjames]

My vote for BreezeBrowser Pro too! It's great! It's fast and has the best batch renaming utility that I've ever seen.

Another great program from the same company is DownloaderPro. This recognizes the card in your reader and you can rename files with all kinds of metadata info, date, or manually adding text to the file name template. You can also save the renaming templates.

Bud James
North Wales, PA

[RonBoyd]

There is an article in the current (Sep/Oct 2006) edition of "Digital PhotoPro" magazine called "Simple Camera Importing" (Page 118). The article claims that "Robert Stucky (Adobe) has written an automation script for Adobe Bridge called "Import from Camera." While the name of the script identifies its main purpose, Import from Camera is much more than just a simple "ingestion" script. This powerful script can also:

Batch rename your photos using flexible and customizable templates.

Preserve the original file name in each photos metadata.

Append (or replace) metadata templates containing, for example, copyright and ownership information.

Copy duplicate (backup) versions of each photo to the designated secondary path."

The article goes on to say that "The Import from Camera dialog box is accessed via Bridge's Tools menu; however,you'll have to configure the script before you can use it the first time." (and then describes the procedure)

I have not read the article nor do I have personal experience with the script so this is merely a FYI post.

Ron

[dtrayers]

Downloader Pro can make a second copy of the images   It's a great software.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

David is correct, and DL Pro will also make a DNG copy as it downloads.  Enabling this feature does slow down the import, though...

[a href=\"http://www.breezesys.com/Downloader/features.htm]DL Pro Features[/url]

[Nick Rains]

No-one has mentioned Photo Mechanic. It can do everything on your list with ease.

www.camerabits.com