image catalog software for Mac

[twalker294]

OK, when I was using a PC I used a program called iMatch to catalog my images on DVD. I would open the program, insert the DVD, and it would go through the DVD, create thumbnails of the images, and create a catalog of the contents. I did this with all of my photo DVDs and I could then look through the thumbs and find the images that I was looking for, insert the DVD that they were on, and then access them. Here is more information on iMatch that might explain it a little better:

photools.com IMatch

Now, the key to what iMatch did is that it stored thumbnails of the images rather than the images themselves. That way the database didn't take up an inordinate amount of hard drive space. I know that Lightroom will catalog offline images in the same way but unless I am mistaken, it has to actually import the actual files in order to do so. With raw files from my 40D at 10-15 megs each, this is not the best use of my hard drive space.

So, does anyone know of a Mac based image cataloging program that works like iMatch and stores only thumnails of the images? Or will Lightroom do this and I just don't know it?

Thanks so much
Todd

[twalker294]

No thoughts huh? I found Shoebox and I think it might do what I'm looking for but if anyone has any other thoughts they would be appreciated.

[rubaiyat]

To find software for the Mac look in:

MacUpdate

or

VersionTracker

There are many other similar sites but these are the biggest and best with MacUpdate my choice, because each search leads on to other recommendations by users.

You can start with iView Media Pro which was bought out by Microsoft and reissued as Microsoft Expressions Media.

Also try:

Cumulus

Extensis Portfolio

Bibble 5

Adobe Bridge CS4 is part of the Adobe CS4 Creative suite, this is a demo link.

Graphic Converter X

If you are tossing up between Aperture vs Lightroom read this review.

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by twalker294

Or will Lightroom do this and I just don't know it?

Lightroom will import while leaving the files in their original locations. No need to duplicate image files. It's an option in the top dropdown list on the Import screen.

[rubaiyat]

The question is this like iTunes and becomes a confusing muddle when the file is not accessible?

A cataloguing program should store a local preview thumbnail and I am not sure that Lightroom does that.

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by rubaiyat

The question is this like iTunes and becomes a confusing muddle when the file is not accessible?

I have no idea what this means.

A cataloguing program should store a local preview thumbnail and I am not sure that Lightroom does that.

It does. I do it with removable drives all the time.

[rubaiyat]

In iTunes when the file is located on an absent drive or volume, it lists it until you click on it, then just tells you it can't be found with no clues where to look.

One thing I really hate about the way Apple programs their stuff now. It is like you have permanent high speed cheap access to the web, every piece of external hardware is permanently connected (but not too many) and Spotlight actually works.

Good to hear Lightroom is not like iTunes, I guess because it is by Adobe.

[brian.austin]

Lightroom just shows the missing folder in red. The previews and catalog settings (keywords, locations, etc.) are still available when it's offline.

[rubaiyat]

For a comprehensive list of catalogue software options look here:

iWorkTipsnTricks.

[TonyK]

Bibble 5 is still only in preview. It has not been released and is now nearly a year late. Preview 3 is being promised soon, but as usual, no firm date has been supplied by BibbleLabs.

There was a time I raved about Bibble and how well it worked. The lack of support for new cameras and the un-ending development cycle for version 5 leaves me searching for alternatives myself.

Originally Posted by rubaiyat

...
Bibble 5
...

[Gna]

I use PhotoMechanic and a YYMMDDProjectname#### folder/file structure. Because of that I also use the OSX Finder's QuickLook function a lot: just select the files you like to peruse, hundreds if you like, and hit the spacebar. Or hit Command-Option-Y for a full screen image or a light table, to scroll through your images with very large 'thumbnails'. Only there are no thumbnails, OSX creates them on the fly. And it's application independent.
OSX's got it all.

Tada!

[ccmanz]

I have been looking at this program. PC But they have a Mac Version too.
The PC you can try it up to 25 Cat. They have some Video's on the Page showing
how it works. So far I like it.

You can also search by F-Stop, Shutter Speed Ect......


Catalog all your data on Disks, DVDs, and CDs with CDFinder! Mac

Catalog all your data on Disks, DVDs, and CDs with CDWinder! Windows