dam info

[bdiphoto]

  I have been looking for a dam system for two year now.  I have  Iview, I like the catalogs it prints, and I use Portfiolio for archive and searching my dvds. and even use net publish for my stock web site. I have looked at Media Becon and others but I think that's two much  money to spend right now.  What has any one els found.
Is the  DAM ( we call it VDAM or VAM (( Visual Asset Managment), two far out there for many to care about?
 
 joel

[peterkrogh]

Joel,
Why are you splitting your DAM system between applications?  I personally like iView best, and think it is a great solution for a small studio.  What are you getting from Portfolio that you aren't seeing in iView?

Also, what do you shoot with, and how do you archive (DVD?)
Peter

[dheaton]

I have been lookaing at several solutions to DAM but so far I have not found anything that I really like.  Have you looked at Imatch?  How does it differ from Iview?  The price is very different but that is all I can see.  I have the trial version of both on my computer now and really don't understand them.  Does anyone know of a sample database that I could look at to see how photographers are using either of these?
I am a Landscape photographer  www.heatonphoto.com

Thanks

David

[peterkrogh]

Dave,
I think iMatch is probably a good program.  As I have been evaluating software, I have been limiting myself to cross-platform applications.  I am a Mac user, so iMatch is not an option.
Peter

[rfreschner]

I think iMatch is probably a good program.

I evaluated IMatch prior to looking at iView and found that it was a good piece of software.  The biggest issue I had with it was that it didn't provide very good support for DNG, my preferred method of storing my RAW images.  Also, the developer works on the software on a part-time basis and there is no timetable for updating the application.

[peterkrogh]

Agreed on all points.  But you never know...
The more I find out about the way software is created, the more I appreciate how a motivated small group can create a product that changes everything...
Peter

[rfreschner]

No, you certainly don't ever know.  I am a former developer and work for a software firm that started out very small and is now a major player in Commercial Insurance software so I know how these things can happen.  I'd love to see Marion succeed - it sounds like he's got some good things planned for the next version and competition breeds innovation.  I just couldn't wait any longer to commit to something.  I'm too prone to "analysis paralysis".   

[dheaton]

I went through the trial process with Iview (I am not an idiot) but couldn't get it to work for me.  First I had a problem with it recognizing my raw files so they sent me a newer version update and that did work but it seemed that every time I tried to do anything I was having problems with the software.  I didn't have any of these problems with Imatch so I will probably purchase that one.  I look forward to getting your book.

Thanks
David

[peterkrogh]

David,
I think that much of what's in the book will port pretty easily to iMatch.  I haven't done a feature check recently.  I was not able to see on the site whether iMatch supports DNG.
Peter

[Patrick Cox]

David,
I think that much of what's in the book will port pretty easily to iMatch.  I haven't done a feature check recently.  I was not able to see on the site whether iMatch supports DNG.
Peter

I thought I would add this info for others to see.  DNG preview capability will be added to IMatch in the next service pack release.  This update was due this month but has been delayed.  Hopefully it will be out in 1Q but we will see.  Another planned feature that I have read about is full support for the Bridge star ratings and labels.  If this works as I am thinking, it will be a very nice addition and will improve the workflow between Bridge & IMatch.  More info here...

http://ptforum.photoolsweb.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=GDIS&Number=7829&Searchpage=1&Main=7801&Words=dng&topic=&Search=true#Post7902

http://ptforum.photoolsweb.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=7563&an=0&page=0#Post7583

[bdiphoto]

I started with Iview 1.5. I  used it to print out paper catalogs. And eventully for web gallerys.
But then I tryed portfolio and liked it more.  I use Porfolio for DVD cataloging.. currently #328. I then added netpublish so I could add web gallery searchable capabilitys.   I have my own web server. I it for my web site and stock image site that I use netpublish for. Now I have added  a second server  with Seefile 1.7  on it for my online  client viewing and image delivery.
joel