Archive digi pics

[kfc888]

Which is the best way to archive my digi pics in my computer according to the dates pictures were taken (EXIF)? Thanks.

[Dchemist]

I archive my images by date they were taken -- I also rename the images so they contain, at least, the date they were taken and usually some form of a keyword in the name (I do not use the EXIF). The images are stored on an external hard drive (these are cheap with large capacity) and I always save a copy on a CD or a DVD depending on the number and size of images. That way I have two copies of the image -- one on the computer and one "off-line". It is not perfect but if the computer crashes I at least have some chance of recovery. I hope this helps,
Dennis

[dbump]

I don't know how you transfer images to your computer in the first place, but many automated programs do some of the work for you. For example, Breeze Downloader:
http://www.breezesys.com/products.htm#dp
will create a folder structure based on the Exif date/time.
Take that a step further--use Microsoft's free SyncToy:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e0fc1154-c975-4814-9649-cce41af06eb7&DisplayLang=en
to mirror your folder structure on your primary drive to a backup drive, as Dennis suggests.

[JohnnyG]

I load all images in a folder named by the date in this format: 2006.02 09 This way I can sort the folders by date. I then do my RAW to .jpg conversion with makes a "converted" folder sub to the main. Like this: 2006.02 09\converted

I then copy all contents on the main folder which of course takes the sub with it, to another pc on my network. I then have the folders in two pcs.

Monthly, I copy the folders to a DVD for permanent archival. Sometimes if I've had some heavy picture taking I will archive to the DVD sooner.

[Terrywoodenpic]

Probably the best system for archiveing Photographs and all other media is sold by iView
http://www.iview-multimedia.com/
I use the media version which is cheaper But I will upgrade to the pro version as the media version will not show Canon raw.
I store my pictures un sorted on the hard disk in files the size of cd's then I burn a Cd copy.
The actual sorting is done on iView, where you can quickly sort by subject or any other catagory.
It take only seconds then to find any picture where ever it is. the program stores it's own thumbnail of ever picture and a link to the actual location.
A double click brings up the actual picture.
There is a huge number of things you can do direct from the Programme.

The only rival to the programme I have tried is Photoshop album but it is not quite so all embraceing.

I view can handlle any sort of file Still movie music
This is part of their blerb....
Unlike programs that duplicate your files, iView Media lets you deal with hundreds or even thousands of files regardless of where those files are saved - and ensures you can search and find what you want in moments.

iView Media has become the standard for anyone who needs to control their growing volume of pictures, movies and sounds. iView Media provides a visual database of file previews, complete with metadata and annotation displays for each file which are easy to organize, catalog, manage and export - in minutes instead of hours.

iView Media helps you capture, annotate, organize, search, edit, reuse and present digital files in a way that suits you.

You will often see it at lower cost on Ebay or amazon.
You can see by this I am a convert.

Terry

[kfc888]

Thanks guys for pointing me how to archive my digi pics.
At present there are about 2000 family photos keep in 1 folder. They were taken with different cameras and imported at different times i.e. early taken photos might transferred to that folder just few days ago. That is why I need a program that can re-arrange my photos according to the time and date the photos were taken.