Personal Image Collections:Organizational Software

Julia SimicUniversity of OregonFall, 2008

Rating (of 5)

Product Name Platform Learning Curve License/Price More information

5 Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS 10.4 and up

Medium $299 http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/

4.5 XnView Windows, others (Mac platform in alpha)

Medium Free http://www.xnview.com/

4.5 GraphicConverter Mac 8.6 and up Medium $34.95 http://www.lemkesoft.com/

4.5 Aperture 2 Mac OS 10.4.11 and up Medium-Hard $199 http://www.apple.com/aperture/

4 Adobe Bridge CS3 Windows, Mac Easy-Medium Bundled http://www.adobe.com/4 IDimager Professional v. 4 Windows ?? Medium-Hard $129 http://www.idimager.com/4 iView/MS Expression Media 2 Windows XP, Vista, Mac 10.4

and upMedium $199 http://www.microsoft.com/Expression/

4 FotoStation Pro 6.0 Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS 10.4.6 and up

Medium $599 http://www.fotoware.com/Products/FotoStationPro/

3.5 Adobe Bridge CS2 Windows, Mac Easy-Medium Bundled http://www.adobe.com/3 Microsoft Pro Photo Tools v. 1.0 Windows XP, Vista Easy Free http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/downloads/tools.aspx3 iTag Windows Easy Free http://www.itagsoftware.com/index.php3 Photo Mechanic v. 4.5.3.2 Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS

10.3.9 or upMedium $150 http://www.camerabits.com/site/brochure.html

2 Picassa 3 Windows XP, Vista Medium Free http://picasa.google.com/

2 iPhoto '08 Mac Medium Bundled http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/2 Jetphoto Studio Pro Windows 2K, XP, Vista, Mac

OS 10.3.9 or 10.4Medium $25 http://www.jetphotosoft.com/web/home/

2 METAmachine Mac OSX Easy $49 http://hsltd.us/metamachine/metamachine.html2 ThumbsPlus 7 Standard Windows 2000 and up Medium-Hard $49.95 http://www.cerious.com/2 MediaDex Standard Windows, Mac Medium $49.95 http://mediadex.com/us/index.htm

2 Caption Edit Windows 98-XP Medium $49.95 http://www.captionedit.com/

1.5 Mapivi Windows 95-XP, OSX and others

Easy Free http://mapivi.sourceforge.net/mapivi.shtml

1 BlueMarine Windows, Mac OS 10.4, Linux

Hard Free http://bluemarine.tidalwave.it/

Software by Rating

Rating (of 5)

Product Name Platform Learning Curve License/Price More information

4.5 XnView Windows, others (Mac platform in alpha)

Medium Free http://www.xnview.com/

3 iTag Windows Easy Free http://www.itagsoftware.com/index.php

3 Microsoft Pro Photo Tools v. 1.0 Windows XP, Vista Easy Free http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/downloads/tools.aspx2 Picassa 3 Windows XP, Vista Medium Free http://picasa.google.com/

1.5 Mapivi Windows 95-XP, OSX and others

Easy Free http://mapivi.sourceforge.net/mapivi.shtml

1 BlueMarine Windows, Mac OS 10.4, Linux Hard Free http://bluemarine.tidalwave.it/

4 Adobe Bridge CS3 Windows, Mac Easy-Medium Bundled http://www.adobe.com/

3.5 Adobe Bridge CS2 Windows, Mac Easy-Medium Bundled http://www.adobe.com/

2 iPhoto '08 Mac Medium Bundled http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/

2 Jetphoto Studio Pro Windows 2K, XP, Vista, Mac OS 10.3.9 or 10.4

Medium $25 http://www.jetphotosoft.com/

4.5 GraphicConverter Mac 8.6 and up Medium $34.95 http://www.lemkesoft.com/

2 METAmachine Mac OSX Easy $49 http://hsltd.us/metamachine/metamachine.html2 ThumbsPlus 7 Standard Windows 2000 and up Medium-Hard $49.95 http://www.cerious.com/

2 MediaDex Standard Windows, Mac Medium $49.95 http://mediadex.com/us/index.htm

2 Caption Edit Windows 98-XP Medium $49.95 http://www.captionedit.com/

4 IDimager Professional v. 4 Windows ?? Medium-Hard $129 http://www.idimager.com/

3 Photo Mechanic v. 4.5.3.2 Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS 10.3.9 or up

medium $150 http://www.camerabits.com/site/brochure.html

4.5 Aperture 2 Mac OS 10.4.11 and up Medium-Hard $199 http://www.apple.com/aperture/whatisaperture/

4 iView/MS Expression Media 2 Windows XP, Vista, Mac 10.4 and up

Medium $199 http://www.microsoft.com/Expression/

5 Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS 10.4 and up

Medium $299 http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/

4 FotoStation Pro 6.0 Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS 10.4.6 and up

Medium $599 http://www.fotoware.com/Products/FotoStationPro/

Software by Price

Windows only software

• Caption Edit• IDimager Professional v. 4• iTag• Microsoft Pro Photo Tools v. 1.0• Picassa 3• ThumbsPlus 7 Standard• XnView

Caption EditPlatform: Windows 98 through XP

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC

Metadata types write: some IPTC

Features: Very basic image correction, Batch file renaming, Metadata templates; Import and export IPTC; Print contact sheets; Slide show

Image file formats: JPEG, TIFF, NEF, CRW, ORF, PSD, PSP

More information: http://www.captionedit.com

Price: $49.95

Rating: 2

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Very basic

IDimager Professional v. 4Platform: Windows ??

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, XMP, GPS

Metadata types write: some IPTC

Features: Relational labels, Light table feature (limit 30 images at a time); Searching by filename, labels, EXIF and query building; Filter sorting; Batch image processing; GPS through Google; Burning ROM; Template web publishing

Image file formats: JPEG, TIFF, NEF, CRW, ORF, PSD, PSP

More information: http://www.idimager.com/

Price: $129

Rating: 2

Learning curve: Medium-Hard

Notes: Took a bit of time to figure out; Portfolio-based

iTagPlatform: Windows

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, GPS

Metadata types write: some IPTC

Features: Basic search by index, GPS data through Google

Image file formats: JPEG, RAW, AVI

More information: http://www.itagsoftware.com/

Price: Free

Rating: 3

Learning curve: Easy

Notes: Need to create index for search once; Limited fields--title, description, tags; XMP only for Raw and AVI; Requires MS .Net Framework Client installation (took forever and needed a restart); No online help

MS Pro Photo Tools v. 1.0Platform: Windows XP, Vista

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, GPS

Metadata types write: some IPTC, GPS

Features: GPS data through MS online service (free)

Image file formats: RAW, TIF, JPEG

More information: http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/downloads/tools.aspx

Price: Free (Windows validation required)

Rating: 3

Learning curve: Easy

Notes: No searching; Editing limited to "most common" fields in EXIF, IPTC; Stand alone program (no longer integrated into Windows); 6.3 MB download from MS site;

Picassa 3Platform: Windows XP, Vista

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, GPS

Metadata types write: some IPTC, GPS

Features: GPS data through Google; Web album sync; Good image correction features; Movie editing; Watermarking; Captioning; Formats include camera RAW from Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Minolta and Pentax

Image file formats: JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, PSD, TIF, AVI, MPG, WMV, ASF, MOV, RAW

More information: http://picasa.google.com/#utm_source=en-all-more&utm_campaign=en-pic&utm_medium=et

Price: Free

Rating: 2

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Only caption and keyword IPTC writing available; Constant search of HD

ThumbPlus 7 StandardPlatform: Windows 2000 and up

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC

Metadata types write: some IPTC

Features: 16 bit per channel editing; Comprehensive image batching; Many print options; Slide show; Color profile assignment of scanners; Watermarking; Web Page Wizard; Batch IPTC editing; ODBC db support; User-defined categories; Good image editing; Can run in background

Image file formats: 100+ See Notes

More information: http://www.cerious.com/

Price: $49.95

Rating: 2

Learning curve: Medium-Hard

Notes: Keyword editing only; Sort options limited; Some interface customization; List of formats supported: http://www.cerious.com/formats.shtml

XnViewPlatform: Windows, others (Mac version in alpha)

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Full IPTC editing; Animation support; Good image editing; Slide show; Batch convert and file renaming; Contact sheets; Web page creation;

Image file formats: 400+ Read, 50+ Write. See Notes

More information: http://www.xnview.com/

Price: Free

Rating: 4.5

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Limited searching capabilities; Very versatile; lots of features; every bit at good as Adobe Bridge; only one IOTC or EXIF field can be search at a time; Formats Read/Write: http://pagesperso-orange.fr/pierre.g/xnview/enformats.html; Recommended!!

Mac only software

• Aperture 2• GraphicConverter• iPhoto ‘08• METAmachine

Aperture 2Platform: Mac OS 10.4.11 and up

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Full IPTC editing, Metadata presets, Full photo editing features, Loupe feature, Batch change function; Stacks; Web gallery function; Many camera RAW formats supported; 16 bit per channel editing; Slide show; Burning ROM

Image file formats: GIF, JPEG, JP2, PNG, PSD, RAW, TIF

More information: http://www.apple.com/aperture/

Price: $199

Rating: 4.5

Learning curve: Medium-Hard

Notes: Robust; Nice photo editing; Project-based; Resource heavy; Requires serial number for trial;

GraphicConverterPlatform: Mac OS 8.6 and up

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, XMP

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Full IPTC editing, Batch conversion, Slide show; TWAIN interface; Decent Photoshop-like image editing

Image file formats: 200+ Read, 80+ Write formats. See Notes

More information: http://www.lemkesoft.com/

Price: $34.95

Rating: 4.5

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Nice interface; fast importing; Formats supported: http://lemkesoft.com/content/143/import-and-export-formats.html; Good for the price—Recommend!!

iPhoto ‘08Platform: Mac OS 10

Metdata types read: IPTC

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Grouping by albums or imports; Basic photo editing

Image file formats: Most still image and some camera RAW

More information: http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/

Price: Bundled with iLife

Rating: 4.5

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Limited searching (title, description, keyword, rating, date at one time), Keywords, description only;

METAmachinePlatform: Mac OS 10

Metdata types read: IPTC, XMP

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Drag and drop interface; Full IPTC editing

Image file formats: JPEG, TIFF, PSD, DNG

More information: http://hsltd.us/metamachine/metamachine.html

Price: $49

Rating: 2

Learning curve: Easy

Notes: Ran slow with large images; No search functions; Expensive for what you get

Cross-platform software

• Adobe Bridge CS2 and CS3• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2• BlueMarine• FotoStation Pro 6.0• iView Media Pro/MS Expression Media 2• Jetphoto Studio Pro• Mapivi• MediaDex Standard• Photo Mechanic v. 4.5.3.2

Adobe Bridge CS2 and CS3Platform: Windows, Mac

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC; CS3 only: GPS, Camera RAW, DICOM

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Drag and drop sorting; metadata batching; CS3: Metadata templates, loupe feature; Customizable interface

Image file formats: Most still images and camera RAW

More information: http://www.adobe.com/

Price: Bundled with most Adobe products

Rating: 3.5/4

Learning curve: Easy-Medium

Notes: CS2: Searches limited to certain fields; searching by rating; EXIF read only; resource heavy; instability; CS3: Filter panel searching; EXIF, GPS read only; very little photo editing; resource heavy

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2Platform: Windows XP, Vista, Mac 10.4 and up

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, XMP

Metadata types write: Full IPTC, some EXIF

Features: Multiple fields searching (by filters); Batch renaming; Metadata Templates; Photo retouching; Comparison views; Mouse-over previews; Highly customizable interface; Slide show

Image file formats:

More information: http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/?promoid=DJDWV

Price: $299

Rating: 5

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Metadata filter searching by date, camera, lens, label, flags, ratings, colors, copy status and text simultaneously; create full slideshow inside program (incl. text) to export as pdfs or jpegs; full help; resource heavy; some options while importing; catalog driven; Sweet!!!

BlueMarinePlatform: Windows, Mac 10.4 and up, Linux

Metdata types read:

Metadata types write:

Features: in development/ beta

Image file formats:

More information: http://bluemarine.tidalwave.it/

Price: Free

Rating: 1

Learning curve: Hard

Notes: No help; Not many auto settings--had to build thumbs, had to refresh to get it to see images in the folder; Worth keeping an eye on

FotoStation Pro 6.0Platform: Windows XP, Vista, Mac 10.4 and up

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, XMP

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Custom metadata fields; Very nice multi-field searching; Metadata templates;

Image file formats:

More information: http://www.fotoware.com/Products/FotoStationPro/

Price: $599

Rating: 4

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Professional-grade data mining; Some auto-feature options on import; Slow to start; Expensive

iView/MS Expression Media 2Platform: Windows XP, Vista, Mac 10.4 and up

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, XMP, GPS

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Full IPTC editing + people, keywords, categories, scenes, caption and subjects custom; Basic photo editing; Drag and drop interface; Burning ROM; Workflow automation; Slide show; Web galleries; Light table

Image file formats: Most still image and some video

More information: http://www.microsoft.com/Expression/products/overview.aspx?key=media

Price: $199

Rating: 4

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: No advanced search options!; Full help; Expression Media Reader (free) to read catalogs without software;

Jetphoto Sudio ProPlatform: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Mac 10.3.9, 10.4

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, GPS

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Drag and drop folders into albums; GPS through Google; Flash and Web galleries

Image file formats: JPEG only, converts TIFF, PSD, PNG to JPEG

More information: http://www.jetphotosoft.com/

Price: $25

Rating: 2

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: No searching—sorting only; JPEGs only; Limited IPTC editing, keywords and notes only; Basic photo editing; Nice interface

MapiviPlatform: Windows 95-XP, Mac 10

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Drag and drop folders into albums; GPS through Google; Browse by location, keyword, time and tag cloud

Image file formats: JPEG

More information: http://mapivi.sourceforge.net/mapivi.shtml

Price: Free

Rating: 1.5

Learning curve: Easy

Notes: Not many options other than sorting--searching very primitive and not particularly effective; Slowish; No installation

MediaDex StandardPlatform: Windows, Mac

Metdata types read: EXIF, XMP, IPTC/APNA Binary

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Metadata templates; Saved searches; Catalog based; Batch conversion, renaming and editing; Customizable interface; Duplicates detection; Slide show; Web albums; Color managment

Image file formats: Most still images, PDF, DOC, and some video

More information: http://mediadex.com/us/index.htm

Price: $49.95

Rating: 2

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Did not read all EXIF metadata?; Slow and unresponsive; Manually load images into catalog;

Photo Mechanic v. 4.5.3.2Platform: Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS 10.3.9 and up

Metdata types read: EXIF, IPTC, XMP, GPS

Metadata types write: Full IPTC

Features: Simple searching across all fields; Stationary Pad; Web galleries; Contact sheets; Burning ROM; Structured keywords; Ratings; Watermarking; Metadata batching

Image file formats: BMP, TIF, GIF, JPEG, PSD, PICT, PNG, TGA and some RAW and movies

More information: http://www.camerabits.com/site/brochure.html

Price: $150

Rating: 3

Learning curve: Medium

Notes: Limited IPTC editing; EXIF date and time editing only; Very basic photo editing