Is it better to have more than one Catalog

Question

I have close to 800 GB worth of images, and I just got LR, so not sure what would be best.
I will be importing my images as (Reference), since I have all my images on Ext. HD. The questions that I have is should I import my images on two separate Catalogues.
I read somewhere that it's recommended to have more than one Catalogue as a precautionary measurement, I guess if something happens to one of the catalogues, I still would have some images available. Yes, I am aware of back ups.
I am open to any suggestions,
Thanks

Answer 1

Elli,
Aah, now that makes a difference. It seems that we are concurring, what you described is the same thing that mentioned where you can set under "Preferences" to select which Catalog to work with. I think what threw me off, is when you said that your DB was on your Int. HD. Actually, I think all is there is the name of the file,i.e., .lrdb.
I think this is the safest way to set up LR, regardless how many images you have. You always have to think about Plan B. I'll check the link you sent me. I'm also using LR User's Manual 135 pgs.
I am aware of the large number of images I have, and that is why I'm editing, deleting as much as possible prior to the migration. I checked the Preferences and I changed preview at 1024 pixel (the smallest).
JohB
Yeah, it's kind of funny regardless. Oh I wish I could have an invisible dig camera reaching the other side hmmm, that would be something eh?
I would like to use the same analogy you used. I am sure that B&Noble keeps a separate DB and they extract and manipulate their DB with their Corp. DB. Having said that, that is basically my intention. Why would I review my inventory relying on a single DB. Why not bring the DB for the store that I am interested.
There are a couple of reasons that I'd go for more than one Catalog. One is the obvious it would be a huge preview file to open and work with a single DB. Second, if something should happen I don't want to be dependent on having all my images on a single DB. Granted, I'd have a back up but..... you never know.
I am sure about performance issue, but I would suspect that for the mere fact, that if you open LR is going to take a bit longer to bring all the previews on.
In spite of the big task I have, it has been very rewarding. I found some images that I have not seen for a while and too be honest some were huge files. I remember that I have a couple that I had it sent for Drum scanning and the file is huge. I have taken them out of my HD and made multiple DVD copies. Can you imagine having this puppy on LR and trying to boot up?
JohnK,
Thanks for bringing up a good point, about using a different keyword system. Now the question is how could I differentiate them in a very simple way having a big file. I was thinking that I could batch it or maybe using Automator