ACDSee 8 does away with requiring a database altogether if you prefer. JP, I think you'll like its Smart Select option in its file manager. One of the BIG reasons I prefer ACDSee is because I can view and edit a huge number of photos very quickly. However, I use the thumbnail view (8 horizontal). When you have over 440,000 photos and movies like I do, you need something to sift through them and not choke.