Event Software?

[Chris250]

Hi Guys,
I am a Photographer based in Dallas Texas and have recently been working for a software development company in North Texas shooting digital images (D30) for use on their web-site. The computer nerds were very interested in the camera as well as the software that I use (Bibble, photoshop 6) and we started chatting about software apps etc.
Anyway, we eventually got onto the subject of event software and the current offerings, retail prices etc.
They were a little suprised when I informed them of the cost of a professional software package and of course they are now interested in developing a program if it is commercially viable. They understand that this is a limited market (hence the current prices) but they seem to think that if an affordable package was available the market would expand dramatically. What do you think?
is there a market out there? what features would you like to see?

I gave them a list of features that I could think of such as:

1) fast thumbnail review.

2) ability to process NEF(Nikon),CRW(canon) as well as TIFF and JPEG.

3) "Idiot Proof" interface with simple controls for Image adjustment and printing functions.

4)Frames and overlay functions.

5)pre-set print size choices.

6) compatabilty with popular printers:
Oly P400
Epson ink jets
Kodak Dye subs

7) Slide show Function.

8) affordability!!

Am I forgetting anything? Your input is appreciated.

Thanks guys
Chris

[petehalsted]

You know exanding the market and making a lower cost entry point into the business is not necessarly in our best interest.

[Jim_Roshan]

You should also ask this question on the forum at www.IAPEP.com. There are a lot of event software users over there to. Also add the Sony line of printers to your list. ...and Mac platform would be nice to.

[ January 26, 2002: Message edited by: Jim Roshan ]

[Roger_Martin]

Add photo sorting by bib# to the features. If it automatically scans my digital images and sorts them into folders $500 would be cheap.

You might add plug ins for gallery web page making.

[Bill_Dewey]

First off, my wish list:

1. Add green screen capability
2. Expand your #'s 4 and 5 to include pre-set packages along with the ability create your own packages
3. Ability to drive multiple printers
4. Work in tethered mode for all Pro DSLR's
5. Work in Windows, Mac and Unix variants

Now, to reality. I have been in Software Development for over 30 years, and there are very good reasons why a package like Express Digital costs what it does. Look at how comprehensive your original list is, and how it crosses many current offerings. Then add just the things I have listed, again current functionality. Roger's request is currently well beyond technical feasibility, in anything under 6 figure software and hardware of the same class. Realize that this request, sort by number, requires an incredible amount of intelligence to distinguish just one type of image, the number, from anything else that might look similar, not an easy feat.

You don't mention what you mean by "affordability". If you consider 1 man year of development, not much for a project of this size, plus a man year of QA, you will sink a minimum of 200-250k burdened rate into producing the program. Consider how many copies you would need to sell to recoup this cost and you get an idea of why this stuff is expensive. Don't get me wrong, if these guys can build such a beast in the $500 range, count me in, heck I'll even Alpha and Beta test for them :-).

If you or your friends have any questions, feel free to drop me an email.

[ October 30, 2001: Message edited by: Bill Dewey ]

[DavidSchneider]

The cost of any event software must include support as well as development. There are no doubt plenty of software developers who can write decent event software, but can they support it? If there is no one there to support the software (and when do you usually need support - 7:30am on a Sunday in your time zone). Low end software with no support when needed is no bargain.

And the point made about low priced software bringing in low end and part time photographers into the field is well taken. I lost shooting a horse show not because of what we produce as the show director had seen us at another show. We lost it because some low end guy the year before screwed things up and the show director got so many phone calls he didn't want any photographer at his show this year.

[NorbertBissinger]

There is no need for other Event Programs, the ones available are all good.

What I want is: that Adobe builds a hot Folder into Photoshop plus an extension of the available shortcuts. A print counter would also be wellcomed. With this we would have the best Special Event Program.

I have PC Pro but never use it. I do everything in PS.

Norbert

[ October 30, 2001: Message edited by: Norbert Bissinger ]