Canon 10D file numbering

[sethkaye]

Just got my 10D and learned through both practice and the manual that the camera saves 100 images at a time in individual folders it creates on the CF card. I have the camera set to chronological numbering (so as to ensure unique file names throughout the workflow) and I find this multiple folder scheme incredibly cumbersome.

Once back at my computer I tend to view my images straight off the CF card, and I find I'm forced to switch folders multiple times to view all of the images using the included Canon File Viewer Utility. To make matters worse, if I delete images off the card, thereby making room for more images, the new pictures will go into yet another new folder.

Is there a way to disable this functionality? I would very much like to have only one folder of images to work with. Thanks.

[Roger_Cavanagh]

No, there is no way to change this behaviour. All you can do is choose to have numbers continuously updating or reset when you insert a CF card.

The best thing you can do is buy a copy of Downloader Pro from www.breezesys.com. This will copy all images files from a CF to your PC using a folder structure that can be customised to suit you. I use a hierarchical year/month/day structure, but there are many different options.

I would suggest that you do not get into the habit of using CF cards as anything other than a temporary storage device: copy all pictures from the CF to the PC, review them on the PC and delete the stuff you don't want, archive original files to CD or DVD, stickj the card back in the camera and reformat it.

I'd also suggest you consider another converter rather than the Canon FVU. My two recommendations would be BreezeBrowser from the same stable as Downloader and Capture One DSLR Limited Edition. Bets place to get this is through http://www.pictureflow.com/CaptureOne/Pages/C1-LE-Purchase.html.

C1LE is my favourite, but is 99 bucks compared to BB's 45.

Regards,

[sethkaye]

Thanks for your input. That was most helpful. Now that I've moved up to a 10D from some very fine but, shall we say, lesser digital cameras I may indeed find the need to modify my workflow.

I'm impressed with BreezeBrower's features, and it's reasonably priced, but I'm on a Mac, so my choices in that area are slightly more limited. I'd e-mailed their support staff recently and, alas, they confirmed that no Mac version is in the works. I'm anxiously awaiting Photoshop 8 when the Adobe Camera Raw plug-in is included (doesn't seem worth $100 when the 10D isn't officially supported). I've also read positive things about PhotoMechanic, which is apparently due for a Mac update later in the year.

I'm open to any suggestions, though...