About

Every digital photograph contains a hidden layer of forensic data known as EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format). This metadata serves as the digital DNA of the image. For photographers, it provides a blueprint of the settings used to capture a moment. For investigators and researchers, it offers verifiable proof of location, time, and equipment. However, accessing this data requires more than a simple file viewer.

This tool is engineered for depth. It does not simply list values; it interprets them. It decodes proprietary MakerNotes to reveal shutter actuations. It calculates the theoretical Depth of Field and Exposure Value based on the physics of the lens. It extracts embedded GPS coordinates to pinpoint the exact meter where the shutter was released. All processing occurs locally in your browser, ensuring total privacy for sensitive files.

Formulas

We derive the Exposure Value (EV) to normalize the exposure settings into a single number representing the amount of light.

EV = log₂(

N²t

)

Where N is the f-number (aperture) and t is exposure time. To estimate the Hyperfocal Distance (H), which determines the depth of field, we use:

H ≈ f²N × c

Where f is focal length and c is the Circle of Confusion (standardized to 0.03mm for Full Frame).

Reference Data

Tag ID	Standard Name	Forensic Significance	Typical Data Structure
0x927C	MakerNote	Proprietary binary block containing shutter count, serial numbers, and autofocus points.	Binary Blob (Encrypted/Obfuscated)
0x8825	GPSInfo	Geolocation data. Critical for verification but often stripped by social media.	Pointer to Sub-IFD
0xA432	LensSpecification	Defines the physical limits of the lens used.	MinFMaxFMinAMaxA
0x829A	ExposureTime	Determines motion blur and light intake.	Rational 1X
0x9209	Flash	Bitmask indicating flash firing, return light detection, and mode.	Integer (Bit field)
0x8822	ExposureProgram	Indicates if the user was in Manual, Aperture Priority, or Auto mode.	Enum (0-8)
0x9204	ExposureBias	Intentional over/under exposure set by the photographer.	Signed Rational (e.g. −0.7)
0xA001	ColorSpace	Defines the gamut (sRGB vs AdobeRGB).	1 (sRGB) or 65535 (Uncalibrated)

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This tool operates entirely on the "Client-Side". Your browser processes the image file in its local memory (RAM). The file never leaves your device, ensuring strict privacy for sensitive or legal documents.

Shutter Count is not a standard EXIF tag. It is hidden inside "MakerNotes", which are proprietary binary fields specific to each manufacturer. While this tool includes decoders for major brands, some newer camera models encrypt this data or store it in formats that third-party tools cannot yet read.

Generally, no. Most social media platforms and messaging apps use aggressive compression algorithms that systematically strip all metadata (EXIF, IPTC, XMP) to reduce file size and protect user privacy. Once stripped, this data is permanently lost.

EXIF is technical data written by the camera (settings, date). IPTC is administrative data often added by photographers (copyright, caption, keywords). XMP is an XML-based standard by Adobe that can store both, plus editing history (e.g., Lightroom adjustments).

The histogram graphs the distribution of brightness levels. The left side represents shadows (blacks), the center represents mid-tones, and the right represents highlights (whites). If the graph is cut off on the far right ('clipping'), details in the bright areas are lost. If cut off on the left, shadow details are lost.