Cataloging

[FocusPuller]

Any advice on cataloging-only software? I use Nilon Capture NX and Photoshop Elements (when necessary), and do not want or need a cataloging program that also edits. If iPhoto were half-again as versatile, without the photo-enhancing features, it would be perfect for me.

Aperture, iView, Lightroom, all seem like overkill to me.

Thanks for any suggestions.
--
-FP

 

[twedd]

iView is probably the best catalogue only software. It's edit facilities are afterthought only. Portfolio is overkill, it's really meant for large scale collections and is rather unintuitive. Canto Cumulus is somewhat similar to Portfolio.

Cheers,

Terry

 

[geoduck]

If iView is overkill for you, then I am a little surprised that iPhoto won't serve your needs. Though I mostly use iView nowadays, I only used the cataloging functions of iPhoto and still think the interface is excellent.
I am curious about what in iPhoto doesn't meet your situation?

 

[CarlR]

If iPhoto would show a tree of the directory structure in would be much better.

 

[geoduck]

The Finder can show you a directory type of structure. iPhoto works on the more elegant and powerful metadata model. You can create a multi-tiered structure of albums according to the architecture you create. Your actual files are stored in the Finder under whatever folders/files you desire--mine is according to year/month/day and I have set up aliases to match my needs. iPhoto doesn't touch this but allows you to assign as many different "pointers" to your data as you need without impacting your actual data. And if you want to see the Finder structure iPhoto will reveal the original file as well.

This is the way to go. I suggest you take one of the iPhoto tutorials on the Apple site--you've already paid for the tool.

 

[FocusPuller]

I guess I am wary of Microsoft's plans for iView, or "Expression Media", and uninterested in ultmately having to upgrade to the full, unwanted feature set. I don't want to be forced into running a typically bloated Microsoft application I don't need, and which will probably shortchange the MacOS version.
--
-FP

 

[FocusPuller]

I do like iPhoto, am using it now, but it's just not comprehensive enough as a cataloger for me. Right now I use it for camera intake and keywording. But then I process Nikon NEF files in Capture NX and then maybe Elements and then make master tiffs for creating jpg's for e-mails, web pages, etc. How do I keep track of all those versions of one picture elegantly in iPhoto?
--
-FP

 

[geoduck]

Version control ups the ante in application sophistication and iPhoto don't do that. iView has some version management, but it is underwhelming to me. I have established a loose set of naming conventions that I follow that keys me into different versions and purposes for each image I replicate. Less than perfect but it works.