Copying image files from memory card to image folder (Ingestion: Step #1)

[lenmerkel]

I'm interested to know how other users handle the 1st step in image ingestion: copying the images from a memory card to their 'home' image folder on the PC.

For some time, I've been using Breeze System's Downloader Pro for initial ingestion:

• Copy images from card to PC, into folder structure created automatically, based on image metadata.
• Rename image files during download process, name based on image metadata.
• Add very basic copyright and owner info to downloaded image files (my camera captures raw as DNG).
• Create backup, read-only copies of downloaded image files in separate archive folder on network drive.
• Verify archived backup copies against downloaded image files on PC.

Only after all the above steps complete do I delete the originals from the memory card.

I know I can achieve most of these steps in iMatch5 (and very nicely) using the Renamer, once image files are actually downloaded and known to iMatch5. I'm just not sure how to do the very 1st step in iMatch5 - copying the image files from the card.

[jch2103]

This is an issue that has been extensively discussed by IM5 users, and (surprise!) there are many different opinions. Given Mario's other priorities for work on IM5, and the availability of tools like Downloader Pro, I don't expect to see a full solution internal to IMatch for doing image ingestion in the near future.

That said, the easiest solution to the first step is probably to set up an import folder accessed by IMatch and just use standard Windows tools to copy images from a memory card to the PC import folder. (It may be useful to call this folder something like '_Import' so it sorts at the top of the folders list.) One can then use the Renamer to do other steps in the ingestion process.

[BenAW]

On my Desktop I have a folder called "Image Import", which is part of the dbase.
I just pop a card in the cardreader, an Explorer window opens automatically and I drag and drop all required files to the Import folder.
IM usually recognizes the new files automatically and ingests them.
The rest is done with the Renamer.

[claudermilk]

I'm interested to know how other users handle the 1st step in image ingestion: copying the images from a memory card to their 'home' image folder on the PC.

For some time, I've been using Breeze System's Downloader Pro for initial ingestion:

• Copy images from card to PC, into folder structure created automatically, based on image metadata.
• Rename image files during download process, name based on image metadata.
• Add very basic copyright and owner info to downloaded image files (my camera captures raw as DNG).
• Create backup, read-only copies of downloaded image files in separate archive folder on network drive.
• Verify archived backup copies against downloaded image files on PC.

Only after all the above steps complete do I delete the originals from the memory card.

I know I can achieve most of these steps in iMatch5 (and very nicely) using the Renamer, once image files are actually downloaded and known to iMatch5. I'm just not sure how to do the very 1st step in iMatch5 - copying the image files from the card.

I have effectively the same setup as you. DLP automatically opens up when a card is inserted into the reader, then takes pretty much the same steps as you outline. For now, I then go to FastPictureViewer for review/crating/culling, then on to IM3 to ingest to the database. Once IM5 can be used in production, I will eliminate that FPV step and go straight to IM5--the viewer is now fast enough with similar controls that FPV will become redundant.

From the many discussions it seems to me that many users are also using FPV, or one of a couple of competing products. IMHO, DLP fills it's niche quite well and makes a built-in equivalent in IM5 unneccessary. I'd prefer Mario concentrates his efforts on improving the core functionality. I will point to Bibble/AfterShot for what happens when focus is lost.

[lenmerkel]

Thanks to all for the responses - very interesting.

jch2103 & BenAW: I had also considered a "dummy" import folder. That definitely looks like a straight-forward way to go with an all-iMatch5 solution.

claudermilk: The auto-open facility of DLP is exactly why I like to use it as the front end. As you say, it has built a niche for itself. Regarding Mario concentrating his efforts - I couldn't agree more!

I will point to Bibble/AfterShot for what happens when focus is lost.

Unfortunately, been there, done that. I was also severely disappointed with the Bibble5/AfterShotPro "developments" - bang went my RAW processor of choice. Then, a few months later, was stunned with the sudden dropping of idImager - bang went my DAM tool of choice.

Still, every cloud definitely has its silver lining. I am more than just a little impressed with iMatch5! (And have rediscovered DxO Optics Pro along the way)

[cytochrome]

I use PhotoMechanic (PM):

- opens when an SD card is inserted in a card reader
- have presets for different bodies with different numbering schemes (Nikon and Panasonic)
- rename, populate xmp/IPTC with basic stuff like author, description, Headline, Location (eventually GPS from gpx file)
- write everything into the raw (NEF or RW2)
- write to an Import folder with per date subfolders (all done by PM, like a suppose BreeezeBrowser does)
- combine different sub-folders in a definite folder with a meaningful (to me) name
- open raw folder in ASP, edit images, save to a jpg subfolder. ASP reads the infile metadata and writes it to the jpg
- go to IM3, scan the raw folder and subfolders, catalogue the raw folder, use Ferdinand's synchronization script to write to jpg

That's it. I hope to be able to do more in IM5 in the future but the PM, ASP, Imatch combination works well right now

Francis

[ChrisMatch]

Hi

I am using Ingestamatic to transfer the files from the card, set some basic keywords, geotag and rename the files.
I think I will stick to Ingestamatic for the transer, the basic keywords and the renaming because it's does already what I want (this may change in the future after learning more about the renamer).
I will do the rest of the steps within iMatch (kewords, categories, geo tagging,...) because it can be done more efficient there.

If I hadn't Ingestamatic already, I think I would simply:
- use Nikon Transfer (or any other freeware tool) to copy the files to an 'Import Folder'
- and let iMatch monitor that folder