Why do photo numbers reset after each import

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Level 1

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Why do photo numbers reset after each import

iPhoto used to number my photos adding to the last image number from the previous roll. ie...if the last roll ended with image DSC09997, the next roll would start with DSC09998. For some reason each roll is starting over from DSC00001. This has become a problem when I want to export photos from different rolls. If I put my zip drive into my USB and start dragging photos from iPhoto to the zip, I get a message saying 'file #DSC00001 already exists in this location, do you wish to replace it with the newer version?' Even though the pictures are different, they have the same 'name'. I did not (KNOWINGLY) make any changes to my camera or computer settings. What can I do to make it add on from the last number instead of starting over with each import!? This is so frustrating. I have tried changing the image 'title' by adding a letter or dropping a number, but my computer/zip will not accept the second image saying it has the same file name (title). I don't know if it is a camera or computer setting issue. Has anyone else ever dealt with this problem. Many thanks!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.3)

Posted on Jun 22, 2008 10:49 AM

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Answer 1

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

Jun 22, 2008 11:00 AM in response to ttshores

T T Shores

Welcome to the Apple user discussion forum

The image name is set by the camera - either your camera is set to restart the photo file names or you are letting the battery be dead (or missing) for extended periods

You can resolve the issue for the photos in your iPhoto library by exporting your photos as JPEGs and using the output options to set new file names before you drag them to your USB drive

LN

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Answer 2

ttshores Author

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Jun 22, 2008 11:13 AM in response to LarryHN

Larry-Thanks for your quick response to my post. I have a Sony DSC H1 Cybershot. I have kept the camera batteries charged and in the camera. I tried figuring it out in the user manual and found something in the settings. If I understood correctly, there is something in the settings menu called 'file number' and it is set on 'series' (the other setting is reset). I understood reset to mean that it would restart the file number count each time there is an export. Does this make sense? I just recently started having this problem after all my years with Apple computers. So frustrating! Thanks again-Tanya

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Answer 3

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

Jun 22, 2008 11:37 AM in response to ttshores

I have a Sony DSC H5 and it has pretty much the same settings - mine is on series which is I believe as you think it is and the photos keep going up in sequence number

I also have an older Sony DSC S85 - I let its battery die for a few months and when I recharged it it had reset back to the beginning of the sequence

In any case this is not an Apple or iPhoto issue - iPhoto is using the names that you Sony is assigning - and it is either a error in the camera, a battery issue or a camera setting

Until your figure your camera issue out

You can resolve the issue for the photos in your iPhoto library by exporting your photos as JPEGs (file menu ==> export) rather than dragging the out and using the output options to set new file names before you drag them to your USB drive

LN

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Answer 4

ttshores Author

Level 1

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Jun 22, 2008 11:45 AM in response to LarryHN

Larry-I am just lazy, I guess, and don't want to have to go through any extra steps. I will try doing as you suggest in the future. I figure it has something to do with the camera but don't know what else to do to 'fix' it.

Thanks again for your help-Tanya

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Answer 5

Smtr

Level 5

5,450 points

Jun 22, 2008 12:02 PM in response to ttshores

Tanya,

You might check the date/time settings in your camera. Most cameras have a little watch battery to keep the clock running and maintain the camera settings when the regualar batteries die or are removed. If the camera is losing time that would indicate that you need to replace the watch battery in it. This would explain the camera resetting the filenames, even when it is set to continue them.

It's a shot in the dark, but worth investigating.

Regards.

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Answer 6

LarryHN

Level 10

106,142 points

Jun 22, 2008 1:16 PM in response to Smtr

I did just go through my DSC H5 in detail and I do not believe that it has a separate battery for settings - I think they are driven by the main battery - And as I remember my older DSC S85 is the same - I know it did reset date/time and photo number when I let it discharge for six months or so

In any case I am sure it is the camera

LN

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