The poor mans database (poor in this context nto meant financially) is a spreadsheet. So what's wrong with Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc?
Of course, there's a difference between a central database to search for pictures stored in multiple folders in multiple devices and a good content management system that is a central store of all the pictures in one place. But your question doesn't seem to point to that option.
Answering this question will have the pleasant side-effect that it makes your requirements more clear.
Kees
The time has come for me to assemble my photos from numerous computers, drives and storage media into a database that I can actually search and use without wasting several days looking for what I need.
Thanks, Jaxown

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