Downloading images from multiple cameras

I have 2 cameras, XSi and 60D. Before acquiring the 60D, I used EOS Utility to download my images from the XSi. My options were to download the new images to a YYYY_MM_DD subfolder inside the XSi folder (because I also have a Powershot folder and a video cam folder) and rename the images to XSi_XXXX.jpg or XSi_XXXX.CR2.

When I connect my 60D, it uses the same download options as the XSi. If the change the options to suit the 60D, then the XSi settings is jeopardized. In short, it seems that the EOS Utility uses only one setting for whatever camera you use it for.

Is there a way around this? If not, can you suggest a downloader that will solve this problem?

I need a downloader that has the following options (like the EOS Utility):

• keeps track of the downloaded photos
  
• customizable folder creation to indicate shooting date (YYYY_MM_DD)
  
• automatically renames files upon download
  
• and most important, keeps a separate setting for each camera. If the setting can be used for my Powershot as well then all the better.

I've only rarely used EOS Utilities, and that just for tethered shooting, so I can't give you "knowledgable" help.

I looke at the preferences, and I see nothing that will ba camera-specific. So it looks like you are "stuck" -- you play around with whatever options are in the preferences...

I'd imagine that each time you download, it will create a subfolder (under the parent folder) for that particular batch of images, although I don't know if that is something you can play with in the preferences to get the "desirable" settings.

As far as apps that give you more control and leeway, will yes there are, including Lightroom, but I'm not sure how many will recognize a particular camera and set up a folder accordingly. Lightroom can do the download directly from your camera though (assuming your various camera and computer drivers all cooperate) and, with the Lightroom Import dialog you can easily specify destination folders and file names that can be camera-specific. This is a very quick task. I make such specific settings when I am shooting with more than one body on a given shoot, either using separate folders or separate file names using the camera ID.

But of course Lightroom is a much bigger app with all kinds of "stuff" and it costs $300 retail.

So, as for alternatives, I don't know first hand. There is one that I've seen mentioned here but I don't recall the name.

I did a quick Google search for "photo download software" and nothing lept out at me, but at least there were plenty of results, so you might check things out:

http://www.google.com …urceid=ie7&rlz=​1I7ADRA_en

I use windows explorer and multiple card readers.

Breezesystems DownloaderPro. Accept no substitute .

It allows me to maintain a hierarchical structure by date while renaming files with job-specific and camera-specific information automatically.

Checked out Downloader Pro and it does what I was looking for and more.

I'll still try searching for an alternative as I'm not sure if I can justify spending for it. My wife is already complaining on my "expensive" hobby especially now that I have just bought a new body. I'm still trying to egg her into trying out my XSi so she too can get hooked like me. LOL. If you see my XSi kit on the For Sale board, then you'll know that I wasn't successful in convincing her. Hahaha....

tariktik wrote in post #13021344
Checked out Downloader Pro and it does what I was looking for and more.

It's seriously awesome. I've been using it for ~2 years now and it does just about everything I could ask of it.

Hmm, well, if I wasn't looking to spend enough to get a full-featured package, then I'd probably just satisfy what the Canon software provides and work with it. But, you mentioned working with Bridge for this -- if you use the Adobe Downloader I'd thinks there would be some good options for you, although maybe not everything on your wish list.

I personally are beyond a "wish list" or even a "bucket list". I play around with a "Kick the Bucket List", but that's a whole different story!

I've been using Downloader Pro for about six years now and I highly recommend it. Another option is ImagIngester though I suspect these programs might be overkill for your needs: http://imageingester.c​om/

Also take a look at Alan Light's Digital Image Mover: http://www.alanlight.c​om/dim/Dim.htm
DIM is free, but you'll probably have to read the manual to figure out how to configure it for multiple cameras.

Another vote for Downloader Pro. I have used it for years and it is great.

I guess everyone loves Downloader Pro. I too liked it when I looked at the features.

@PixelMagic - thanks for suggestions. I'll take a look at DIM.

Depends on how you want to run your workflow, but if you want to limit the number of applications you need to hop between, then LR should do the trick. Good thing about LR is, since its a proper DAM application (Digital asset management) you can manage all your images from it regardless of how they are stored on your HDD/folders.

I dowwnload images from my cameras into camera-specific folders and then ignore the folder structure, doing all the organising in LR Library.

EOSAddict wrote in post #13024519
I dowwnload images from my cameras into camera-specific folders and then ignore the folder structure, doing all the organising in LR Library.

I do a combination. I sort the photos chronologically through my folder/file structure, and if I'm working on a specific job/task/topic I do all of that organization through Lightroom (labels, flags, keywords, collections, etc.). DownloaderPro does the former automatically

Lightroom's import feature these days is pretty powerful, though - I wouldn't be surprised if it does 90% of what DownloaderPro can accomplish.

Imageingester Pro will do just about anything you want on import and supports multiple cards/cameras.

It does a bit of time getting your head around all the options though.

Another vote for Image Ingester. The ability to use macros for adding metadata is nice.

LR can add custom metadata sets on import too