Bug 498147

SUMMARY

Allow users to set incomplete timestamps for images and videos in digiKam.


STEPS TO REPRODUCE

1. Open digiKam and attempt to edit the timestamp of an image or video.
2. Try to enter a timestamp with incomplete information (e.g., only the year, only the year and month, or without specifying the time).
3. Observe that digiKam does not support saving incomplete timestamps.


OBSERVED RESULT

digiKam requires a complete timestamp to be provided, including year, month, day, and time, even when some of this information is unknown.


EXPECTED RESULT

digiKam should allow users to input incomplete timestamps. The feature should include:

- An entirely unknown timestamp represented as ???? for unknown years.
- Partial timestamps where only the year is specified.
- Partial timestamps where the year and month are specified.
- Partial timestamps where the year, month, and day are specified but the time is unknown.

This functionality is available in Adobe Photoshop Elements Organizer, and implementing it in digiKam would make the transition for users like me more feasible.

I understand that such information cannot be stored in EXIF metadata and must use placeholder values there. However, digiKam's local database could support and retain this more flexible timestamp information.


SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS

Windows: 11


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This feature is crucial for users who manage collections of historical or archival images and videos where precise timestamps are often unavailable. Offering this functionality would significantly enhance digiKam’s usability for such scenarios.