Batching for File Names & Exif Info

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Canon

05/11/2004 10:59:07 AM · #1

Hi there, I have a question. I was asked to show proof of my original for a DQ. I sent it to DPChallenge, and it said they were reviewing it, but then I got another request to resubmit it. I wonder if the fact that I batch all of my photos through photoshop to rename them has anything to do with this? I read once that if you didn't alter your photo, just batched for renaming, it saved all your Exif info, and your file would be preserved. I always have shot in .jpg, and if it lost quality for that, I don't know... it was just renaming.

Anyhow, I worry that my proof will be DQ'd. It's sad. Every single photo I have ever taken has been 'renamed' using a batch process. Should I not have done that? Will that DQ me every time? I need answers. I don't keep original file names because they mesh with old file names and sometimes an old photo can be written over. So, I try to keep a number order going.

Any suggestions?

cbonsall

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

05/11/2004 11:11:30 AM · #2

interesting question, I'd be interested to know the answer myself.

The Fujifilm 602 resets to zero every time I empty the compact flash so I have to rename too otherwise they'd all end up with the same names

Konador

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

05/11/2004 11:11:53 AM · #3

If Photoshop resaves the images to change the names then it sticks a nice "Photoshop 7.0" stamp in the exef so we can not verify whether this 'original' has been simply renamed, or completly edited.

cbonsall

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Canon

05/11/2004 11:30:34 AM · #4

I either use ACDSee or just rename them in Windows explorer

Konador

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

05/11/2004 11:33:10 AM · #5

I think ACDSee is ok, and renaming in Windows is definatly ok.

ghoti

Nikon D70

05/11/2004 11:52:44 AM · #6

First you should take a look if there is any EXIF info in the file at all. At least from your post, it sounds like you're not even sure about that. You can use Photo Studio for that, for example (it's free and it will show you all the EXIF data). ACDSee is a more interesting alternative, because it can also show you the vendor-specific information - but that costs money.
I'm not on the site council (and I'm pretty new here, actually ;), but I guess that if the only "original" you have contains EXIF data from Photoshop, you'll be out of luck. But if it's really only a rename, it shouldn't do that. And if it does, use a different program for that (even some of the "Windows commander" programs are good for that purpose).

PaulMdx

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

05/11/2004 11:53:56 AM · #7

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

I wonder if the fact that I batch all of my photos through photoshop to rename them has anything to do with this? I read once that if you didn't alter your photo, just batched for renaming, it saved all your Exif info, and your file would be preserved. I always have shot in .jpg, and if it lost quality for that, I don't know... it was just renaming.

You can find out if Photoshop is editing the files (which I'd imagine it is) by running an image through that you have backed up. If Photoshop is editing the file its size will change from your original.

Playing with Photoshop myself now, I can't see how you can batch an image without re-saving it as jpeg.. Doing that really is a bad idea, as you're losing quality.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/11/2004 11:57:01 AM · #8

There is definitely exif data, but now that I look at it, it does look a tiny bit different than I think it should. I think Photoshop may alter it a bit, but really... I only batched for file name. Question to Canon 10D and Site Council: Can I use Canon's FileViewer Utility to batch for renaming? Is that legal for purposes of verification?

I guess my photo for "Something New II" will probably be thrown out. Sucks though since the original I sent was only renamed and not altered. I guess they can't tell that though :(

It's sad because ALL of my photos have been done that way, always!

Please let me know about FileViewer. I know it does renaming and I have a copy already (no need to purchase ACDSee or anything if FileViewer will work for me and is legal for use to defend DQs

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

05/11/2004 12:42:48 PM · #9

If all you want to do is batch rename files then you might want to try a little program I use called CKRename. I've found it to be quite handy and easy to use.

CKRename

the-O-ster

Nikon D70

05/11/2004 12:50:18 PM · #10

OFF TOPIC

on the subject of bulk renamers, i found one that will also rename folders. i forget the link off the top of my head, but google "jim willsher bulk rename utility"

its pretty good, although i do recall finding a bug if you try to sort by clicking the heading bar at the top. otherwise its a great tool

-O.

ok, fine, here's the link :)
//www.jimwillsher.co.uk/Site/Software/BRU_Intro.php

and i just downloaded the new version adn it seems like there have been alot of improvements. i retract my earlier bug comment

Message edited by author 2004-05-11 12:59:01.

05/11/2004 12:52:01 PM · #11

Originally posted by PaulMdx:

Originally posted by mirdonamy:
I wonder if the fact that I batch all of my photos through photoshop to rename them has anything to do with this? I read once that if you didn't alter your photo, just batched for renaming, it saved all your Exif info, and your file would be preserved. I always have shot in .jpg, and if it lost quality for that, I don't know... it was just renaming.

You can find out if Photoshop is editing the files (which I'd imagine it is) by running an image through that you have backed up. If Photoshop is editing the file its size will change from your original.

Playing with Photoshop myself now, I can't see how you can batch an image without re-saving it as jpeg.. Doing that really is a bad idea, as you're losing quality.

My images are already jpg files. I take Large/Fine jpg photos with my 10D. I don't shoot in Raw, although I might start if someone can tell me how I can see previews of my RAW images in Windows Explorer "Filmstrip". I have Win XP.

Does anyone use the Canon FileViewer Utility for changing file names? Is it safe to use this while preserving the 'original" photo for DPChallenge?

the-O-ster

Nikon D70

05/11/2004 01:07:24 PM · #12

i just tested the bulk rename utility //www.jimwillsher.co.uk/Site/Software/BRU_Intro.php and it does keep the exif data and does not resize the image (resave it). so you still have the original image. the BRU also adds a "rename" option to the context menu of folders for ease of use right thru explorer. its a very small program so you dont have to worry about any bloat-ware effect. and the options it provides make it extremely versatile.

i highly recommend giving it a try.

-O.

Message edited by author 2004-05-11 13:08:33.