Links and prices were updated and verified on 03 Aug ’09, but otherwise I have made only minor changes to the original article. Having made the change from Windows to Mac OS X last year, I’m no longer using Downloader Pro or BreezeBrowser, but see no no reason to change my recommendation for either product.
Introduction
Chris Breeze has produced an upgraded version of his popular utility, Downloader (no longer available). Unlike its older brother, Downloader Pro is not free. A licence will cost USD 29.95 (GBP 22.25, EUR 26.50). This entitles you to a lifetime licence and 12 months' free updates.
DL Pro downloads images files directly from the camera, card reader, or storage devices. The software can be configured to download to a specific location or create custom folders, which is a great help in organising image files. DL Pro has much greater flexibility in the naming of folders than Downloader and now includes the ability to rename files as they are uploaded to the PC.
For me, file renaming is a great plus: I do have a standard naming convention to which I rename files using BreezeBrowser, but sometimes I'm too eager to have a look at what I've got and starting Photoshopping with renaming. This change will save me tidying up the results of my impatience.
Download path and file name preferences
Automation Option are much as they were in Downloader. DL Pro can be configured to download and delete files, start BreezeBrowser, or another converter and close itself. DL Pro can be configured to automatically download image files when it recognises a camera or auto-play event:
The automation settings control exactly what happens. If the camera has an orientation flag (like the 10D) images will be automatic rotated (lossless for JPEGs).
Status Window
You can also use DL Pro to organise images already on your PC.
One very handy feature for JPG shooters will be the ability to change the DPI (print resolution) to suit their printer and embed a colour profile into the image using optional JPG plug-ins.
For Canon and Nikon raw files (CRW, TIF and NEF), TIFF and JPG images, IPTC data can be edited using fixed text or tokens representing camera and shooting data.
Chris has written an article on using Downloader Pro and BreezeBrowser to synchronise files when shooting with two cameras.
Conclusion
Downloader was one of those rare programs that just worked without fuss, bother or unnecessary complication. DL Pro seems to be cut from the same cloth.
3 August 2009, originally published 2003