What renaming program for find/replace functions?

Wow this is a great thread, I am getting a lot of good ideas.

I prefer to keep the four-digit number from my file intact so I can find a file later based on the notes I take for cutlines. For instance, I might want to take the files
IMG_1234
IMG_1235
IMG_1236
etc.
and rename those files to something like
Boys_Track_031806_1234
Boys_Track_031806_1235
Boys_Track_031806_1236

What is the best program for finding a string like "IMG" and batch replacing it with another string like "Boys_Track_031806"? If this capability is in either Windows or Bridge, it has eluded me. I don't want to re-sequence the files names.

I have done some research and found at least four programs that do this:

A.F.5:
http://www.fauland.com/af5.htm

CK Rename:
http://www.musicsucks.com/CKSoft/CKRename/

Picturesort:
http://www.picturesort.com/

NameWiz:
http://www.softbytelabs.com/Frames.html?f1=Banner.html&f2=NameWiz/index.html

Has anyone used any of the programs above, or can you recommend another one?

Thanks,

Curtis


dslr_newbie wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I just posted this on 350D forum. I thought I should ask you guys,
> the Pro, this question since you have taken lots of pictures for
> sure.
>
> Not sure if this question has been asked before... Currently, I'm
> taking a lot of pictures for friends, clients... in RAW and
> sometimes (rarely) in JPEG. The default file number from my Canon
> 350D is: IMG_ABCD, where ABCD is some number between 0001 and 9999
> (I think). I usually put the files I take each day in a folder
> with the date on it and leave the filenames alone.
>
> 1. How do you guys do it?
> 2. Is it possible to use DPP or Zoom Browser or Photshop CS to
> rename .CR2 or .JPG files? In the early days when I only shoot
> JPEGs, I have tons of JPEGs and want to rename it to something like
> YYMMDD_NameOfEvent_ABCD (where ABCD is some number between 1 and
> 9999).
>
> Thanks

--
Curtis Clegg
Belvidere, IL
curtisclegg at photo dot net

http://www.cleggphoto.net/EagleAnimated200H.gif