I use ID Imager-Pro. With the Pro version you can use either the SQL Lite database or MS SQL Server. They also have a 'Personal' version, but I recommend the Pro version. The program is quite full-featured and includes versioning and editing capability. There is also a forum.
Take a look at the website for much more info than I can post here. I have been using it for a year and have found it to fit my needs for both my scanned images and digital capture images.
--P
Posted by Carson Wilcox on February 27, 2011 at 9:24 AM
Charlie, I have used breezebrowser, however it really isn't a DAM tool but it is a good viewer, just doesn't do all that is needed for asset management.
Preston, I took a look at IDImager-Pro last night and while it looks that it has every thing I need, it does seem to be a bit complicated with a steep learning curve. Is that the case or perhaps my quick look was not enough?
At first look IDI looks pretty complex, and it is because it covers a lot of bases. However, you can start with simple tasks like importing some images and assigning catalog labels to them, create a simple 'stored group', create a simple 'portfolio', etc. The help files are excellent for getting started.
Another quick note: If you will be using IDI on a standalone PC, get the SQL-Lite version. MS SQL Server is a pretty complex animal, and unless you are using IDI on a network, you won't need it.
There is also a workbook, at extra cost, for V5 by Mike Buckley. It covers a lot of ground. If you decide to buy IDI, get the workbook and follow along. How to Catalog. I have the workbook and it made the learning curve a lot less steep.
I tried AcDC and didn't like it. I tried Expression Media and didn't like it becasue it had serious problems handling large, layered tiff files. I have been very happy with IDI.
I gave Expression Media 2, originally Microsoft now owned by Phase One, a good look a while ago. I decided not to go with it simply because for the price (~$200) and my relatively small photo collection it was hard to justify. For now I'm sticking with Lightroom, but I keep looking back at it as a possible future purchase. As a cataloguing program it is the best I have seen. Peter Krogh's book, "The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers" reccommends it and describes its place in a workflow in some detail.
Regards,
Chris
Posted by Carson Wilcox on February 27, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Thanks Preston, I'll give it another look sometime this week.
Chris, I'll also take a look at Expression Media 2, glad to hear it's no longer owned by Microsoft, that is definitely a plus, sounds a bit pricey but worth a look.
Discussion
8 repliesI've been using ACDSee Pro for a couple of years but have been finding many issues with it and the stability isn't what it should be.
Any and all suggestions appreciated.
Thanks
Carson
Take a look at the website for much more info than I can post here. I have been using it for a year and have found it to fit my needs for both my scanned images and digital capture images.
--P
Preston, I took a look at IDImager-Pro last night and while it looks that it has every thing I need, it does seem to be a bit complicated with a steep learning curve. Is that the case or perhaps my quick look was not enough?
Thanks
Carson
At first look IDI looks pretty complex, and it is because it covers a lot of bases. However, you can start with simple tasks like importing some images and assigning catalog labels to them, create a simple 'stored group', create a simple 'portfolio', etc. The help files are excellent for getting started.
Another quick note: If you will be using IDI on a standalone PC, get the SQL-Lite version. MS SQL Server is a pretty complex animal, and unless you are using IDI on a network, you won't need it.
There is also a workbook, at extra cost, for V5 by Mike Buckley. It covers a lot of ground. If you decide to buy IDI, get the workbook and follow along. How to Catalog. I have the workbook and it made the learning curve a lot less steep.
I tried AcDC and didn't like it. I tried Expression Media and didn't like it becasue it had serious problems handling large, layered tiff files. I have been very happy with IDI.
--P
Regards,
Chris
Chris, I'll also take a look at Expression Media 2, glad to hear it's no longer owned by Microsoft, that is definitely a plus, sounds a bit pricey but worth a look.
Thanks
Carson