The verdict
We can find users for all the photo managers in this Roundup, and if you’re already using one of these you really don’t need to switch. That’s because there is very little to chose between them in terms of features. A couple are better for managing smaller collections, but, in our opinion, while others are more useful for sorting through larger ones, eg Shotwell works very well for casual image editing and sorting through small libraries.
Alternatively, XnViewMP is as good a choice for editing images as it is for cataloguing them. However, it loses out because there’s quite a learning curve in using the application and it’s overkill for casual users. Another application that requires a mandatory flip through the user manual is KPhotoAlbum with its esoteric interface. On the plus side, it works well for sorting through and organising a large collection of images.
Fotoxx also exposes too many functions in its interface. As with XnViewMP, there’s no lack of features but the interface is its Achilles heel.
In our view, DigiKam offers a nice balance of flexibility and automation and can easily handle a large image collection. As mentioned earlier, DigiKam is essentially a collection of tools and they all excel at what they do. The application can directly import images from your camera when you connect it via USB. It also offers some advanced search options that can find similar images and recognise any duplicate images.
DigiKam also includes a very capable photo editor. There’s a whole host of image-editing options such as: levels adjustment; changing colour balance and saturation; photo restoration; removing blur; refocusing; red eye correction and a lot more. In fact, it can fix issues, such as red eye, colour and lighting with just a few clicks. The application also has a great set of extensions and can be used to stitch panoramic images together, create galleries and calendars etc. Finally, when you’ve polished and organised your albums, DigiKam will help you share your photos through email, IM and on popular image sharing websites and social networks.
Our only real criticism is that advanced users will need to spend some time familiarising themselves with DigiKam’s features. But once you’ve got a hang of it, using DigiKam will be a pleasure irrespective of the size of your collection.
“DigiKam offers a nice balance of flexibility and automation and can handle a large image collection.”