Archive/catalogue of both RAW and TIFF images - your system?

[IkonFoto]

Okay, I just realized that my photo collection is about to out grow my hard drive, and decided it's time to start archiving onto CD.

I currently keep all RAW files, and convert and edit only the best to 16-bit TIFF. If I need a JPG or 8-bit TIFF for printing I make those from the 16-bit file, but do not store them). I download to dated folders (i.e., 2004-06-24) in in 2 directories (RAW and TIFF). I'm a little confused about the best way to organize the archiving.

I've downloaded demos of iView Media Pro and Fotostation Pro 5 to compare (any comments on either software package would be appreciated). Should I add both the RAW and TIFF files to the catalogue? Just the RAW and make a note where there is a TIFF?

Can anyone post their archive/catalogue method?

Thanks,
Heather

[IkonFoto]

I thought I'd answer my own question after some software demos.

I ended up choosing IMatch over the others, for a combination of the intuitive (for me, anyway) screen navigation and ability to categorize images in many ways.

I ended up opting to add every image, RAW and all TIFF versions, to the DB, because ultimately only the thumbnail stays on my hard drive and it takes up very little space.

[tommykjensen]

Do You have a link for IMatch?

I am looking for archiving/management software too http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=35460&highlight=

[tommykjensen]

*bump*

EDIT: Please have a look at the thread I link to in precious response.

[tommykjensen]

Ok, found IMatch myself..... I am trying to stay calm while testing but how the *beeeep* do I switch of those coaching popups? Every time I click on a new button, menu or whatever a "coach" message appears and I don't want those they are more annoying than helpfull.

[chris.bailey]

I now keep all of my pictures on a LaCie external firewire drive (240GB). In fact I have two, the second a direct synchronised copy of the first. That means I have all of my pictures (6,500+) on line and safely backed up. If I change computer, my I just plug in the external drives and off I go. I organise mine in directories of month and year so

2004
- Jan
- RAW Inbox
- JPG Inbox
- Work in Progress
- Processed
- Feb
- RAW Inbox

etc etc.

I keep an archive of each month on CD or DVD and keep those in my office.

I have tried no end of image browsers and reckon that XP file explorer with the RAW image display add on is about as simple and usable as any. Photshop CS's browser is also pretty good.

[jonnyhorizon]

another simple tool that i find useful is
ez photo renamer
http://www.esmarttools.com/buy.htm
...