Canon EXIF Data Guide
Everything you need to know about EXIF metadata from Canon cameras — including brand-specific MakerNote fields, popular models, and privacy considerations.
About Canon
Canon Inc. is a Japanese multinational corporation founded in 1937 that has been one of the world's leading camera manufacturers for decades. Originally known as Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, Canon began producing cameras in the 1930s and has since expanded into professional cinema cameras, lenses, printers, and medical imaging equipment.
Canon holds a dominant position in the DSLR and mirrorless camera market, competing closely with Nikon and Sony. Their EOS R mirrorless system and long-established EF lens mount ecosystem make them a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Common EXIF Fields in Canon Photos
These are the standard EXIF fields you will find in photos taken with Canon cameras:
| Field | Description | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Camera manufacturer | Canon |
| Model | Camera body model | Canon EOS R5 |
| LensModel | Lens used for the shot | RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM |
| SerialNumber | Camera body serial number | 012345678901 |
| LensSerialNumber | Lens serial number | 0000000000 |
| FirmwareVersion | Camera firmware version | Firmware Version 1.8.1 |
| InternalSerialNumber | Canon internal serial identifier | AB1234567890 |
Canon-Specific MakerNote Fields
Beyond standard EXIF data, Canon cameras embed proprietary metadata in the MakerNote section. These fields are unique to Canon and contain additional technical details about how the photo was captured:
| Field | Description | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| CanonModelID | Numeric identifier for the camera model | 0x80000424 |
| ContinuousDrive | Continuous shooting mode setting | Single |
| FocusMode | Autofocus mode used | One-Shot AF |
| RecordMode | Image quality/recording setting | JPEG Large Fine |
| CanonImageSize | Image size setting | Large |
| EasyMode | Scene mode when using Auto modes | Manual |
| DigitalZoom | Digital zoom factor applied | None |
| OwnerName | Owner name set in camera | John Smith |
Popular Canon Camera Models
These are the most common Canon cameras you will encounter when viewing EXIF data:
| Model | Type | Megapixels | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| EOS R5 | Mirrorless | 45 MP | 2020 |
| EOS R6 Mark II | Mirrorless | 24.2 MP | 2022 |
| EOS R3 | Mirrorless | 24.1 MP | 2021 |
| EOS R8 | Mirrorless | 24.2 MP | 2023 |
| EOS 5D Mark IV | DSLR | 30.4 MP | 2016 |
| EOS 90D | DSLR | 32.5 MP | 2019 |
| EOS R7 | Mirrorless (APS-C) | 32.5 MP | 2022 |
| PowerShot G7 X Mark III | Compact | 20.1 MP | 2019 |
Tips for Reading Canon EXIF Data
- 1.Canon cameras store the OwnerName field in EXIF. Check this before sharing photos — it may contain your full name.
- 2.The LensSerialNumber field can link different photos to the same lens, even across camera bodies.
- 3.Canon's CR3 raw files use the HEIF container format and contain more detailed EXIF than CR2 files.
- 4.Canon MakerNote data includes the exact focus point used, which can help analyze autofocus performance.
- 5.When shooting with Canon Log or HDR PQ, additional metadata fields describe the color space and gamma curve.
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Try the Photo Metadata ViewerFrequently Asked Questions
What EXIF data do Canon cameras store?
Canon cameras store standard EXIF fields like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focal length, and GPS (if enabled), plus Canon-specific MakerNote data including focus mode, drive mode, white balance settings, lens serial number, and the owner name you set in the camera.
What raw format do Canon cameras use?
Older Canon DSLRs use the CR2 raw format, while newer models (EOS R system and recent DSLRs) use CR3. CR3 files are based on the ISO Base Media File Format and contain more detailed metadata than CR2.
Does the Canon EOS R5 save GPS data?
The Canon EOS R5 has a built-in GPS receiver that can embed location data in every photo. You can disable this in Menu > GPS settings > GPS: Disable. When enabled, GPSLatitude, GPSLongitude, GPSAltitude, and GPSTimeStamp fields are recorded.
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