1.0

What is NiKonVERT?

NiKonVERT is an AppleScript™ for Tex Edit Plus that converts the info.txt file produced produced by Nikon™ digital cameras into a format that can be read by most databases and spreadsheets.

It goes from this...

SHUTTER      : 1/1sec
APERTURE     : F4.0
EXP +/-      : 0.0
FOCAL LENGTH : f23.4mm(X1.0)
IMG ADJUST   : AUTO
SENSITIVITY  : AUTO
WHITEBAL     : AUTO
SHARPNESS    : AUTO
DATE         : 2001.06.23 19:23
QUALITY      : FULL NORMAL

To this...

DSCN0053.JPG,E990V1.1, MATRIX, P, 1/1sec, F4.0, 0.0, f23.4mm(X1.0), AUTO, AUTO, AUTO, AUTO, 2001.06.23 19:23, FULL NORMAL
DSCN0054.JPG,E990V1.1, MATRIX, P, 1/1sec, F4.0, 0.0, f23.4mm(X1.0), AUTO, AUTO, AUTO, AUTO, 2001.06.23 19:24, FULL NORMAL
DSCN0055.JPG,E990V1.1, MATRIX, P, 1/1sec, F4.0, 0.0, f23.4mm(X1.0), AUTO, AUTO, AUTO, AUTO, 2001.06.23 19:24, FULL NORMAL

How Do I Use It?

• First, if you don't already have it, you'll need to download and install a copy of Tex Edit Plus (an absolutely great, $15 shareware replacement for SimpleText) from Trans-Tex Software.
  
  
• Download NiKonVERT (below) and place it in the Scripts folder inside your Tex Edit Plus folder. (Hint: change the script's name to NiKonVERT/Fn, where "n" is the number of a function key, and you will be able to run the script within Tex Edit using that key.)
  
  
• Open your info.txt file using Tex Edit Plus and either run the script from the "Scripts" menu or using the function key trick, above.
  
  
• At this point, I often use the Search and Replace feature in Tex Edit to replace the "DSCN" with something to identify the batch of pictures--usually something like the folder name I've stored them in.
  
  
• Save the file and then use the import function of your favorite database or spreadsheet to pull in the data as comma-delimited text. I've put together a sample FileMaker Pro™ 5 database you can download that will get you started. For those of you without this version, I've also included a copy of the data file description in Acrobat format (it shows how to convert the time/date field to usable time/data formats).

Where's my info.txt file?

Okay, this is the one catch. If you are using Nikon View to download your photos to your Mac (rather than a Compact Flash card reader), there is no way to move the info.txt file to your computer. (If anybody knows a simple workaround for this, I would be very happy hear about it, publish the information here and sing your praises for the world to hear!)

What about OS X?

Being the "Nikon" of computer companies (in my humble opinion), Apple has given OS X full, native support for Nikon digital cameras and iPhoto should take care of many your cataloging needs. However, NiKonVERT may still be your only cheap option for maintaining a technical database of your images. I will be starting to run OS X and iPhoto here in the near future and will offer any helpful hints I discover on this page.

Yes, it's FREE!

I am, by no means, a professional software developer and this program offers no warranties expressed or implied. I embarked on this project to brush up on my AppleScript skills while I am "between jobs." The script and template are free, however, I would love to get e-mail from anyone who is thinking using it.

Downloads:

	Download the NiKonVERT AppleScript (free)
	Download a sample FileMaker Pro 5 template
	Download the FileMaker data file description in Acrobat format
	Download Tex-Edit Plus from TransTex Software (don't forget to register!)

 

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