Photo management software

[dslr novice]

Hello all,

The DPS resource is fantastic..Well done to Darren and Co.

I have a question, and hopefully I get a clear answer, although I suspect i will get several different ones....

I am looking for an application to manage the many (many, many) digital photos I have stored on my PC. I have looked at iPhoto for the mac, and love that application. I have also tried Picasa, and it is quite good as well.

I am wondering about the Adobe Light Room and Elements packages, as I believe they manage the photos as well as allow some editing.

I suppose I am wondering what other people use, as I would like a application that:
1. Allows me to group photos into like catergories (kids, events, holidays) from different spots on the PC, as well as external sources like hard drives.
2. recognise duplcaites and ignore them
3. allow me to import directly from the camera
4. allow me to reduce resolution for emailing
5. "tag" the photos for exporting to a photobook website or to CD if I was to give someone the pics.

Anyway I know I am probaly being a little demanding of what I want here, but i would be really interested in seeing what others use, and what they can do...

Thanks in advance...

[Jim Bryant]

well..there's many on the market. Photomechanics, lightroom and aperture are about the best.

[OsmosisStudios]

Do it manually.

[BabetteKD]

I do it manually, but like Jim, I'd suggest Lightroom. Especially if you deal with a high volume of images.