[last updated : Jan 2006]
2. verifying images and renaming files:
Many of the image browsers show the embedded jpgs, and don't show the actual images generated from the raw files. It is therefore possible to have corrupt raw files without realizing it. Therefore I can't format my CF cards until I am sure my raw files are not corrupt.
If I need to re-use my CF cards the next day, I can't rely on programs such as DPP, Nikon Browser, or BreezeBrowser to tell me that my images have not been corrupted.
In that case, I would use either Capture One or Adobe Camera Raw to generate previews before I proceed. It takes some time for Capture One and ACR to generate thumbnails - but not only are the thumbnails are more accurate than the thumbnails you see in DPP, but the previews in Capture One and ACR are a way to verify your raw files.
Even though I like using DPP because is a fast way of editing raw files, I can’t rely on it to verify the images. As far as I know, DPP uses the embedded thumbnails so DPP doesn't generate previews like other raw editor programs. It is one of the aspects which makes DPP a fast and efficient raw editor program. But if I have to have Capture One or ACR generate the previews as a way of verifying my files, I may just edit my raw files in those programs instead of DPP, since the previews are more accurate than with DPP.
After verifying the images, I order the images chronologically by the time the was image created. I then batch rename the images, using BreezeBrowser Pro. Although numerous programs allow batch renaming, I like BreezeBrowser for this since it allows me to simultaneously rename RAW + JPGs in the same folder.
Many photographers only rename their files later in their workflow, but I like to rename my files nearly immediately to a more useful and recognizable name than that generated by the camera.
Please feel free to e-mail me.