Which is the Best Photo Cataloging Tool?

[Maggi]

Hi ALL,

Any suggestions about photo cataloging tool?
I have about 8000 photos and slides.

Adobe PhotoShop Album, ACDSEE, Picasa, Picajet, ThumbsPlus, IMatch, Cumulus, IView, please help me to choose!!


Thanks in advance,
Maggie

[Scottes]

This is too broad of a question with not enough info.

Check the features of each to cut this list down. Do you need to catalog CD/DVDs? If so, I think that ACDSee and ThumbsPlus are out of the picture. Do you want to store EXIF info? Search EXIF info? Do you want to have each picture with multiple keywords, so you can search for any picture with a dog in it (for example).

How much are you willing to spend? How much time are you willing to devote to this catalogging task?


You really have to compare features until you find one or more that does what you need, then install and compare them.

[Maggi]

Thank you Scottes for the reply

I think I need EXIF info either as search one. And I think its must be with multiple keywords assigning capabilities.

And I already began to testing this list.

Thanks again.
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Maggie

[chris.bailey]

Add Extensis Portfolio to you list. Its not cheap but does have a lot of features though the interface is a little quirky.

Its available as a trial download.

[Scottes]

When you get down to some core choices and/or issues then it's time to bring this up again. Then those of us who use any of the apps can comment on your specific concerns.

For what it's worth, I like iMatch - but it's a little odd, doesn't do very well importing EXIF from 20D RAW images, and it seems like it will take a bit of work. It seems quite powerful, but if you wish to use that power it may take a bit of work on your part.

[tommykjensen]

Do you need to catalog CD/DVDs? If so, I think that ACDSee and ThumbsPlus are out of the picture.

ThumbsPlus can catalog CD/DVD's.

[tommykjensen]

I think I need EXIF info either as search one. And I think its must be with multiple keywords assigning capabilities.


ThumbsPlus can store both EXIF and multiple keywords.

[jcsorensen]

Try ThumbsPlus. Believe it is available for 30-doy free trial (full version) from www.cerious.com

Does catalogging of hard drives, disks, and CDs. Has some photo editing capability along with EXIF data and key word stuff.

[Maggi]

Many thanks to All. But I looked for a simple and at the same time comprehensive photo organizer. I tried Picasa, - it is free but too rudimentary. Cumulus,IMatch and Extensis too sophisticated products and its cost to much. Adobe Photoshop Album is break down with large foto collections. ACDSee is best viewer but not best cataloging tools, by my mind.

I think while I shall stop on PicaJet. I liked its interface and features and it has very affordable price. After some time I'll share with my opinion about this program.

Many thanks to Jcsorensen, Tommykjensen, Scottes, Chris.bailey!!
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Maggie

[commando]

I tried picassa when google made it free, and I didn't like it at all. It seemed like a toy to me.

[Maggi]

I think with your Canon 300D you can't commit your photos for free programs :) Try PicaJet or IView Pro.