DAM DAM DAM ???

[robgendreau]

Sorry "Corel Draw" was not meant to be in there.

Aftershot Pro is the software included in the 14 upgrade. On its own it is about the same price as the whole package at the moment.

So what is the feeling on running "Aftershot Pro"?

I remember "Printshop Pro" from long long ago which was Corel/Roxio and I think Roxio had its own Photo software as well so the history is there. Question is does it do the the all round job well enough to replace CS5 on El Kapitan??

I dunno what Roxio deal you're looking at, but Aftershot Pro 2 is $27US. I got mine sorta free as part of a bundle, and I don't know that it's worth much more than that $27. It's pretty quick, has tools you need, does RAW, etc.

I wouldn't say it's any easier to use than C1P, which you're already rejected. And it is nowhere near as good as Lr. But it's better than Photos and Aperture (since it's kaput). It tends toward the adjustment end; its options for batch stuff, metadata, etc are pretty horrible.

In that price range I'd buy Graphic Converter over Aftershot, but YMMV.

 

[thefunkymunky]

Is an online DAM option a possibility? How about pics.io? Its not free but pretty reasonably priced $3/$5 per month or $10 per month for multi user. It also uses Google Drive for storage, which I know is not everyone's cup of tea and if you have need to have more than 15GB storage, you'll have to pay.

It might be worth a looksee anyway.

 

[maflynn]

So is there no DAM out there that is simple, referenced and yet sufficiently complex to handle all file types.
Is writing a DAM not financially attractive enough, am I just unaware of such a product.

Basically I suppose I would like such a product to exist - So thoughts please??

I think Lightroom is the 800 lb gorilla that is capable to handle this. No product will handle ALL file types but this handles images and I think it includes videos (I don't shoot videos so I cannot confirm). There may be other tools out there but I think LR is the most robust offering great editing tools, and management tools.

 

[Reality4711]

Time for a review!

As I understand it unless I/you are prepared to pay mostly exorbitant amounts of money or write the code yourself there is NO DAM PRODUCT out there for us enthusiast/semi pro/pro. photographers to purchase off the shelf that will fulfil our general needs/wants.

Will anyone with the ability even consider this a market worth filling? Are the heavyweights so entrenched that the prospect of making something in this field is too daunting for the small creator? AmI/we too small to attract the attention of said creators? Oh Hell!!!! Where do I/we go for a solution??

Hours of search and testing with no. repeat no success.

Someone somewhere must have a solution??

Cost effective,excellent RAW capable, simple, referenced or browser type,stable and backed up long term DAM with photographers(all types) in mind-------------Simples!

Regards

Sharkey

 

[robgendreau]

Time for a review!

As I understand it unless I/you are prepared to pay mostly exorbitant amounts of money or write the code yourself there is NO DAM PRODUCT out there for us enthusiast/semi pro/pro. photographers to purchase off the shelf that will fulfil our general needs/wants.

Will anyone with the ability even consider this a market worth filling? Are the heavyweights so entrenched that the prospect of making something in this field is too daunting for the small creator? AmI/we too small to attract the attention of said creators? Oh Hell!!!! Where do I/we go for a solution??

Hours of search and testing with no. repeat no success.

Someone somewhere must have a solution??

Cost effective,excellent RAW capable, simple, referenced or browser type,stable and backed up long term DAM with photographers(all types) in mind-------------Simples!

Regards

Sharkey

Well, since your sig lists some really high zoot $$$ equipment, I can see why you can't afford a $150 dollar software purchase

I'm sorry you don't like anything out there; most users have stuff that meets their needs. We aren't all in agreement about the lack of alternatives. And although Apple and Adobe might be kinda heavyweight, Photos Supreme, Mylio, Dark Table, etc etc certainly aren't. Or even Emulsion; I just demo'd that and sent feedback to the developer and got a quick response with specifics about what they were gonna add, change, fix, etc.

And since you've included browsers, check out Graphic Converter, XnViewMP, Lyn, or even DxO Optics Pro. Or Photo Mechanic or Image Ingester.

 

[HantaYo]

Time for a review!

As I understand it unless I/you are prepared to pay mostly exorbitant amounts of money or write the code yourself there is NO DAM PRODUCT out there for us enthusiast/semi pro/pro. photographers to purchase off the shelf that will fulfil our general needs/wants.

Will anyone with the ability even consider this a market worth filling? Are the heavyweights so entrenched that the prospect of making something in this field is too daunting for the small creator? AmI/we too small to attract the attention of said creators? Oh Hell!!!! Where do I/we go for a solution??

Hours of search and testing with no. repeat no success.

Someone somewhere must have a solution??

Cost effective,excellent RAW capable, simple, referenced or browser type,stable and backed up long term DAM with photographers(all types) in mind-------------Simples!

Regards

Sharkey

Yes, no software is perfect. But the search goes on for perfection.

 

[Reality4711]

Well, since your sig lists some really high zoot $$$ equipment, I can see why you can't afford a $150 dollar software purchase

I'm sorry you don't like anything out there; most users have stuff that meets their needs. We aren't all in agreement about the lack of alternatives. And although Apple and Adobe might be kinda heavyweight, Photos Supreme, Mylio, Dark Table, etc etc certainly aren't. Or even Emulsion; I just demo'd that and sent feedback to the developer and got a quick response with specifics about what they were gonna add, change, fix, etc.

And since you've included browsers, check out Graphic Converter, XnViewMP, Lyn, or even DxO Optics Pro. Or Photo Mechanic or Image Ingester.

Sold all the hardware in my digital studio on retirement (s0me years ago) and used the results to buy for a simple setup at home. Such funds are now no more and retirement in UK these days is harder than you think financially for the small man. So yes finances are tight.

Having, I hope covered that comment I have tried a number, if not all of your suggestions and you are right. They all have their strong points and some are worth further investigation. I think that in general they all suffer (IMO) from cases of too much spread too thin.

A good RAW reader and basic adjustments (Adobe style) plus a referenced and speedy cataloguing system with basic reliable naming/search facilities - with - an easy out and back to your editor(s) of choice.

There ya go! Whats not to like.

What product out there is close to that??

I'm looking hard and I think a lot of others are too. Your suggestions very welcome.

Regards

Sharkey

 

[The Bad Guy]

Stop being a hipster and just get Lightroom already.

 

[Reality4711]

Stop being a hipster and just get Lightroom already.

"Hipster"??

 

[robgendreau]

"Hipster"??

As a fellow retired person, I would think there's some honor in being labeled a hipster. At least a little. Maybe very little, but I'd take it.

But yeah, Lr does do all that. And more. I've tried most of the alternatives and always come back to it. Other than disliking it, it meets all your criteria.

 

[Reality4711]

'Hipsters' where a type of trouser worn by Hippies. Low waisted and very tight with big flairs.

Odd to be compared to a pair of old fashioned legware!

Mind you I did wear them. I remember we called them 'Loons' - no pockets either.

Regards

Sharkey

 

[The Bad Guy]

Sorry, I'll rephrase that for you:

Stop pretending you're special and just get Lightroom already. It meets all your needs and then some.

Better?

 

[mojolicious]

Gosh, you really are 'The Bad Guy', eh?

 

[MCAsan]

If he didn't, I do. Made do with LR or CP1 and suffer through like the rest of us.


If this was all that important a topic, why do it on a subform on a Mac site? Go to a dedicated photography forum where there are lots of folks who would doubtless love to wallow in DAM minutia.

 

[robgendreau]

Sorry, I'll rephrase that for you:

Stop pretending you're special and just get Lightroom already. It meets all your needs and then some.

Better?

Sorry, but I can't get the Hipster DAM concept outta my head.

It would feature artisanal filters, so all your photos looked like shots from a 1940's Leica. And would have automatic ratings for how locally-sourced and carbon neutral your shots were; they'd be rated lower if they were taken farther from your home. In addition to finding faces, it would find tattoos and create collections of those. It would automatically switch to mobile mode and download to your iPad every year for Burning Man, SXSW and Coachella. It would automatically sort pictures by level of irony. And so on.

 

[Reality4711]

Sorry, but I can't get the Hipster DAM concept outta my head.

It would feature artisanal filters, so all your photos looked like shots from a 1940's Leica. And would have automatic ratings for how locally-sourced and carbon neutral your shots were; they'd be rated lower if they were taken farther from your home. In addition to finding faces, it would find tattoos and create collections of those. It would automatically switch to mobile mode and download to your iPad every year for Burning Man, SXSW and Coachella. It would automatically sort pictures by level of irony. And so on.

Love it!!

Why here? 'Cause I usually get some sense on this site!

As for thinking "I am special"! HHHHMMMMMM

Anyone who thinks their opinion is more worthy or more interesting than the next persons does by default think themselves special*. Using the same logic dare I say that as I am seeking information/help that my requests and thoughts are based entirely on my very minor needs and not my opinion on others.

* My opinion - sorry

I'll keep looking and asking despite it all.

Regards

Sharkey

ps;- why is simple a bad thing if it does what you want it too, why make it more complex??

 

[someoldguy]

Sorry, but I can't get the Hipster DAM concept outta my head.

It would feature artisanal filters, so all your photos looked like shots from a 1940's Leica. And would have automatic ratings for how locally-sourced and carbon neutral your shots were; they'd be rated lower if they were taken farther from your home. In addition to finding faces, it would find tattoos and create collections of those. It would automatically switch to mobile mode and download to your iPad every year for Burning Man, SXSW and Coachella. It would automatically sort pictures by level of irony. And so on.

Yes.... but it might only work in a Starbucks...or maybe a sidewalk cafe'.

 

[MCAsan]

ps;- why is simple a bad thing if it does what you want it too, why make it more complex??

Basic marketing. Complex sells at a high price, has higher prices training, documentation, and support. Not to mention likely locks the purchaser into the next release. Basic marketing.

 

[Planky]

Sorry, I'll rephrase that for you:

Stop pretending you're special and just get Lightroom already. It meets all your needs and then some.

Better?

I too am looking for a DAM now Aperture has been discontinued. I have tried Lightroom several times and do not get on with it, I find the interface and processes jarring, and find it difficult to get my mind around how I should use it. So saying just get Lightroom is not helpful. You might find it the best thing ever, but that does not mean it will be for everyone.

 

[Ray2]

Sold all the hardware in my digital studio on retirement (s0me years ago) and used the results to buy for a simple setup at home. Such funds are now no more and retirement in UK these days is harder than you think financially for the small man. So yes finances are tight.

Having, I hope covered that comment I have tried a number, if not all of your suggestions and you are right. They all have their strong points and some are worth further investigation. I think that in general they all suffer (IMO) from cases of too much spread too thin.

A good RAW reader and basic adjustments (Adobe style) plus a referenced and speedy cataloguing system with basic reliable naming/search facilities - with - an easy out and back to your editor(s) of choice.

There ya go! Whats not to like.

What product out there is close to that??

I'm looking hard and I think a lot of others are too. Your suggestions very welcome.

Regards

Sharkey

It's already been suggested. If you're not going to go the Lightroom route, give a trial of Photo Supreme a go. It does everything you've mentioned so far quite well.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I find with any software, there is a step learning curve. The problem is if you are used to working a certain way, and your new software works a different way then you have to change your way of thinking.
I use LR for 95% of my needs.
I use plugins and I have the latest DXO suite.
But I'm less familiar with them, so I prefer LR because I have learnt it.
I think you need to use a new DAM exclusively for at least 3 months before you can decide if it works for you.

 

[Reality4711]

I find with any software, there is a step learning curve. The problem is if you are used to working a certain way, and your new software works a different way then you have to change your way of thinking.
I use LR for 95% of my needs.
I use plugins and I have the latest DXO suite.
But I'm less familiar with them, so I prefer LR because I have learnt it.
I think you need to use a new DAM exclusively for at least 3 months before you can decide if it works for you.

Agree with that! My longest try was with C1 which I still think produces the best RAW untouched image (by me). If you were to search my history when giving this a try (not that you should) it would become obvious that I really did try. (no try, fail). Other software has not had that image quality attraction so far and therefor has not received the full tryout before frustration takes over.

MCAsan points out the marketing aspect and I also can see that clearly as reason enough for complexity.

The longer this goes on the more I am thinking of just jumping ship. Final Yosemite+CS5 and a bit of hardware upgrade.

Leave it there. Finnish.

A sad end compared to my goal but who knows I might still get lucky.

Regards

Sharkey

.ps. - I forgot BadGuy - never mind.

 

[The Bad Guy]

I don't 'like' Lightroom, I use it for what I need to and it serves it's purpose well. I jumped from Aperture years ago because I saw the writing on the wall. The transition was a little rough initially, but with time I got to grips with it.

Never meant any offence, but this sorta thread has been giving me the ***** since Aperture lost support. Lightroom and C1 are the industry standards for a reason. Pick one and move on.

 

[Reality4711]

I don't 'like' Lightroom, I use it for what I need to and it serves it's purpose well. I jumped from Aperture years ago because I saw the writing on the wall. The transition was a little rough initially, but with time I got to grips with it.

Never meant any offence, but this sorta thread has been giving me the ***** since Aperture lost support. Lightroom and C1 are the industry standards for a reason. Pick one and move on.

No problem.

Industry standards they may be BUT.

In the USA the best example I can think of is Industry standard cars being bought and immediately being ripped apart to better suit the owner by specialist garages all over the country.

They may be all powerful monolithic software monsters BUT they just don't fit my purpose. The problem in this scenario is that I cannot just take them to a software garage and get them 'fixed up'.

I would love to buy my fast, stripped down DAM but so far all thats available (as far as I can see) are Caddilacs or Caddilac wannabes.

Regards

Sharkey

sorry if the spellings off wouldn't know an American car if it ran over me

 

[robgendreau]

No problem.

Industry standards they may be BUT.

In the USA the best example I can think of is Industry standard cars being bought and immediately being ripped apart to better suit the owner by specialist garages all over the country.

They may be all powerful monolithic software monsters BUT they just don't fit my purpose. The problem in this scenario is that I cannot just take them to a software garage and get them 'fixed up'.

I would love to buy my fast, stripped down DAM but so far all thats available (as far as I can see) are Caddilacs or Caddilac wannabes.

I love car analogies. You hit it on the head, although it's another argument for USING Lr. It is something, like a Jeep here i the US, that can be customized with tons of parts and addons. Look at the vast number of plugins, scripts, publish services, etc that work with it. You can sure buy a software version of say niche vehicle (I had a Jeep wannabe myself) but then you spend too much time trying to repair it with parts that are never available and help that's never around. I got tired of that, and although I didn't like the Jeep, it was much easier to just make it work in the end. Not to mention they are gonna be around, unlike the discontinued 4x4 I had. Which probably wouldn't even make it past smog control as those requirements, like system software, get updated in the future.

It's not like you have to use all the features, just as you don't with the browser you're working on, or Word, or whatever. I still haven't heard what the detailed requirements are, but they must be rather esoteric for a current solution to not work.