Batch Filename Changes for Different Cameras

[corkyg]

I have about 14,000 digital images archived, but made with 4 different cameras, all Canon (D60; 20D; 5D, and S3.) The standard Canon image file is IMG_####.JPG. Each camera has the same structure, and duplicate filenames result. This has not caused a problem over the years because they are all in different folders.

I got to thinking that if I ever reorganized folders, duplicate filenames can cause chaos and possible image loss due to overwrites. So, I found a fairly easy solution, using Irfanview's Batch Filename Editing capability.

I created a filename structure for each camera, i.e., 60D_####.JPG; 20D_####.JPG; 5D_####.JPG, and S3_####.JPG. Each camera has a different prefix, and its own filename structure.

I applied these changes to about 15 folders from different cameras in my archives, and it worked easily.

I picked Irfanview because it is free and very powerful, but there are also several other good batch filename editors out there. Irfanview does this in Vista as well as XP Pro.

Open Irfanview and hit "B." The Batch workscreen will appear. The rest is intuitive.

 

[Jawo]

Yup....InfranView is one of the best general purpose photo applications.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Jawo
Yup....InfranView is one of the best general purpose photo applications.

And the price is just right.

 

[DrPizza]

linkified for anyone else interested in it. I absolutely love it. Suggestion though to corkyg, as long as you're batch renaming directories, why name the photos in each directory after the camera? Why not batch rename with something like "Bob's wedding_####.jpg". Or, are you like me and the wife - no rhyme or reason to all the photos in a directory?

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
linkified Suggestion though to corkyg, as long as you're batch renaming directories, why name the photos in each directory after the camera? Why not batch rename with something like "Bob's wedding_####.jpg". Or, are you like me and the wife - no rhyme or reason to all the photos in a directory?

I used to rename pictures, but the numerical sequence is necessary for building DVD slide shows in order to get correct chronology and minimize typing.

Example - I just finished building a 2 DVD slide show set with about 1000 pictures and music covering a 3 week odyssey through the Greek Isles and Italy.

The folders I use are as you suggest - ie., /Day 1 Navplion; Day 2 Santorini; etc.

I have a dedicated HDD with over 14,000 pictures going back to 1996 - all in descriptive folders. All I need to prevent possible problems when using photos from different folders. The Irfanview batch change to camera type met that need, was minimum typing.

 

[Mellman]

I hope you have that dedicated HDD backed up

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Mellman
I hope you have that dedicated HDD backed up

Yes, indeed! I have two of them and clone them at least once a month.

One is in an IDM/Lenovo Thinkpad Ultrabay. Bteween that and other computers and DVDs already burned, I would say we have at least quadruple redunancy.

The 160 GB drive in the Ultrabay adapter is really nice for trips and photo shoots on the road. That gives me double redundancy even before I get home.