Sorting by Capture Time in File Window

[Wolfgang_Frink]

I have a question about sorting by "Capture Time"
If I understand the help topic correctly, the basis for this sort is File.DateTime.
Now I have 3 images
25AA0004_TP.JPG
2025_01_03_14_43_58_077_normalized.JPG
2025_01_03_14_56_03_078_normalized.JPG

which show in VarToy for "DT: {File.DateTime}" (in same sequence as above):

DT: 03.01.2025 13:56:03
DT: 03.01.2025 13:43:58
DT: 03.01.2025 13:56:03

Should not be the first and last file sorted next to each other?

I could not attach the files as too big.

[Mario]

The Capture Time uses UTC, so differences in time zone offsets must be considered for your question.
Check the actual file date and time and other time stamps in your files.

You can copy & paste these variables into VarToy:

Code Select Expand

DT: {File.DateTime}
DT: {File.DateTime.TZO}
UTC: {File.DateTime.UTC}
LT: {File.DateTime.Local}
LT: {File.DateTime.Local.TZO}
Org: {File.DateTime.Original}
Org: {File.DateTime.Original.TZO}

Also refer to How IMatch uses Date and Time Information for background information about the various time stamps you might encounter in your files.

You can create your on sort profile that sort by any timestamp you want. The sort profiles IMatch ships with are just examples and cover frequently used cases.

[Wolfgang_Frink]

Thanks Mario,
I added a sort profile on Exif::Main\CreateDate and that sorts as I expected.
Thanks!
Wolfgang

[Mario]

This timestamp may have a corresponding time zone offset. EXIF separates them.
Since you ignore the time zone offset, and it works, I assume that the time zone offset is not zero for the files in your sample set, and IMatch considers the time zone offset when it creates File.DateTime. I would suggest you check / consolidate the time zone offsets in your files, else you might get into trouble with other features. Just check the timestamps in the MD panel (click into "Create Date" and "Date Subject Created" to see the time zone offsets. Or use the variables.

Having different time zone offsets for images is normal when you take images in different time zones or during different daylight saving time intervals. But if this comes as a surprise (or the sort order is not as you'd expect), chances are that you might check and correct the time zone offsets in your files.