Anybody know if Tiger is going to add RAW file decoding within the Finder? e.g. Using Preview (or other app). It's one of the reasons for me not using RAW at the moment - too slow/cumbersome to manually convert each photo before I can view it.
It's already done as for as I can see. I import my Nikon NEF files using Image Capture into a folder named with a date like "2006_12_24_SubjectName" and then I burn a CD. I can browse the CD and the folder using Finder and preview.
I just got a used Canon Digital Rebel camera for Christmas, and want to start working in RAW, plus I want to find a better way to catalog my photos. I want control over the filing system, and want the program to actually delete the files when I've removed them the database...
Give iPhoto another try. It can do both things you want.
1) iPhoto has the option to store the image files in folders outside of it's own library. This was added with '06 version. So you are free to do anything you want. delete them if you want. Keepthem on an external RAID if you like
2) If you take advange of nested folders and smart albums you can make up a very complex filing system. Because the files are not actualy duplicated when you put them in mulitple places you can make multiple filing systems. I keep my images sorted about five differnt ways muc like a public library uses three card catalogs for one set of books.
Don't say it's to limiting. Better to post here what you would like to do and then ask how iPhoto can do it.
All that said, look at Aperture...
I want a program that will Catalog my photos for me, and allow me to batch rename, etc while allowing me to control the file/folder structure.
Why can't iPhoto do this? Looking at each of the above comma separated phases iPhoto should be able to handle each requirement.
iPhoto can certainly catalog a set of photos while leving the photos "in-place" inside your own file/folder structure.
If you accept that filename and titles are not the same then iPhoto can change titles for you and alow some other types of metadata to be changed as well
Aperture is better at all of these tasks