Device & Software Information
This category identifies the hardware and software used to create the image. It's like the photo's birth certificate.
- Make & Model: The manufacturer (e.g., Sony, Canon, Apple) and the specific model of the camera or smartphone (e.g., a7 IV, EOS R5, iPhone 15 Pro).
- Software: The name and version of the software used to process or edit the image, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. This can help you know if a photo has been post-processed.
Shooting Parameters (Exposure & Settings)
For photographers, this is the most valuable part of EXIF data. It reveals the exact settings used to capture the shot, providing a blueprint for how the image was made.
- Shutter Speed (Exposure Time): Shows how long the camera's sensor was exposed to light (e.g., 1/1000s). Fast speeds freeze action, while slow speeds create motion blur.
- Aperture (F-Number): Indicates the size of the lens opening (e.g., f/2.8). A wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field (blurry background), while a narrow one keeps everything in focus.
- ISO Speed: Measures the sensor's sensitivity to light. A low ISO is used in bright conditions, while a high ISO is needed for dark environments.
- Focal Length: The lens's zoom setting in millimeters (e.g., 50mm, 200mm). This tells you if a wide-angle or telephoto lens was used.
- Exposure Compensation: Any adjustments the photographer made to the camera's automatic light reading (e.g., +0.7 EV).
- Metering Mode & Flash: Information on how the camera measured the light in the scene and whether the flash was used.
Geolocation Data (GPS)
If location services were enabled on the camera or smartphone, EXIF data can pinpoint the exact location where the photo was taken.
- Latitude & Longitude: The precise geographic coordinates of the shooting location.
- Altitude: The height above sea level.
- GPS Time Stamp: A highly accurate timestamp synchronized with GPS satellites.
Note: While useful, GPS data can be a privacy concern. Be mindful of this information before sharing original photo files online.
Date and Time Stamps
EXIF provides multiple timestamps that are crucial for organizing and cataloging your photo library.
- Date Time Original: The exact moment the shutter was pressed. This is the most important timestamp for sorting photos chronologically.
- Date Time Digitized: The time the image was converted into a digital file.
- Date Time Modified: The last time the file itself was modified, which could be due to editing or other file operations.
Discover Your Photo's Hidden Data
The best way to understand EXIF data is to see it for yourself. Our online tool makes it easy to view all this information and more from your own photos—securely and instantly.