What do you use to download images?

[AndrewRoss]

I'm just setting up my computer again after doing a fresh install of Windows, and I'm wondering what everyone here is using to download or ingest CF cards. I've been using Downloader Pro to download CF cards, rename files and add some basic metadata to the images.

Downloader Pro works fine, but I'm looking at some of the other options to see if there is a better solution. I'm trying to implement the workflow recommended by Peter Krogh's DAM Book, so I was wondering if anybody has any opinions about the "Import from Camera" script for Bridge that he recommends.

I've tried Photo Mechanic a few times in the past and it didn't really appeal to me, so that's not one option I'm considering.

Cheers,

Andrew

[AndrewCassino]

I'll probably be the lone voice crying in the wilderness on this one, but the transfer of files from memory card to computer is a perfect example of when the KISS principle should be applied. In other words, do not attempt to perform file renaming, metadata tagging or ANYTHING else at this point in the workflow - limit the task to solely to copying files from the memory card to at least two (if not three) hard drives, preferably on separate computers, and making SURE the files were copied 100% and are readable. With that task accomplished, you can safely use "ingestion" programs to conduct other operations, resting easy in the knowledge that if anything screws up, you have multiple copies of your original files available to you.

I'll leave it to others to suggest ingestion software, as I dislike everything I have tried (since everything I have tried has screwed up at one point or another); my point is to keep the task of copying the image files completely separate from other ingestion tasks!

Andrew

[ChrisPurves]

Hi Andrew:- I agree with Andrew Cassino. I just drag and drop the files in windows explorer into a file for each project. Then make sure I have them before putting the cards back into my bag. I am researching programs to keep track of my files. I've looked at lightroom but haven't had a lot of time to use it a lot.
I just got my new computer and have been setting it up for the last two days. Installing photoshop tonight, then will have time to try the newest version of lightroom and then some of the other programs.
Not enough time to keep up any more. Everything seems to have such a steep learning curve.

Cheers
Chris

[NillToulme]

I won't download without Downloader Pro. I love it.

Nill

[AndrewRoss]

Originally Posted by NillToulme

I won't download without Downloader Pro. I love it.

Nill

That's what I've been using, and I agree it's great. I've used it for a few years and haven't had a single problem. (knock on wood )

I will probably continue to use it, but I was just wondering if there were any other options worth looking at. I know a lot of people here love Photo Mechanic, but I tried it over a year ago and lost some images during ingest. I tried it again last month on my new system and after editing the IPTC data in PM my RAW files looked really weird in Capture One. While doing some research I found a post somewhere from someone else who had a similar problem.

Anybody else have any input?

Cheers,

Andrew

[Mike_Guilbault]

Check out ImageIngester Pro at ImageIngester - One-click (or zero-click) image ingestion