Dear all…
What is EXIF Data ? What is it used for?
A very frequently asked question.
@DeniGu @NareshDarji @NandKK @JohnPeter @Saravanakanth @user_not_found @Shrut19 @MdEmranulHoque @PapiaMandal @TPattanaik
In Simple words:
EXIF is the short form of “Exchangeable Image File Format”.
You know, that any Electronic Camera saves images in Digital form. This saved data contains multiple information. Obviously, the main information will be of the “Image” captured; along with the image data, there are other ‘Metadata’ or additional information, about the image & camera, which are also saved. The data/details about the Image & camera are known as EXIF data.
When you capture a picture, using a digital camera, the camera automatically saves the EXIF data, along with the image data. The image data is visible as JPG files (or TIFF files, discussed later), which you know, comes as the visible photo, whereas, the EXIF data will not be visible/displayed, normally.
The EXIF data stored (like Tags), are ‘readable (text) data’, which include information about the Camera name, Aperture (F), Shutter speed, ISO, Lens Focal length, etc. (ref. Pic), and may contain other data such as GPS data, etc. But, when you normally view a photo (using a JPG viewer), EXIF data will not be visible. You can see EXIF data using a Photo editor or special applications. (Usually, under the File Explorer, under the File Properties, the EXIF data can be seen).
Pic: 1.
The photo below has been (casually) shot using Sony Alpha 7RM2, with the Pixel size of 42 Megapixel (9753 X 5304) and had an original image size of 30.4 MB (This photo is resized).
Pic: 2.
The next photo gives the main parameters in the EXIF data, of the above Photo:
Pic: 3.
This photo displays the Image Properties (File Info), and a part of the detailed EXIF Data. (just sample); you need not break your head on all the parameters.
Initially, kindly make note of the marked parameters, only. (do not bother about other data, now).
What is this EXIF Data used for?
In Photography, the most important 3 parameters are:
- Aperture
- Shutter Speed &
- ISO.
In fact, EXIF gives the knowledge of what were these settings, with which your photo was captured. Once, you start analyzing (understanding) these Parameters, you can improve upon your photos, by yourself, with the knowledge of what you are doing. I shall explain these in the next posts.
Thanks
Note:
- In computers, Irfanview, Picasa, etc are simple, lightweight JPG Viewer-cum-Editor, which gives, detailed EXIF info.
2.In most of the mobiles, under ‘Gallery’ when you open a photo, somewhere at the top of the screen a “i” mark (information) comes and if you click it, EXIF will be visible.
