Almost all modern day cameras record details of each shot taken. These include specs like the details of the camera itself, when and where the photo was clicked, the lens used, the focal length, shutter speed, aperture and a lot more.
How To View EXIF Data
EXIF data embedded inside JPEG images is standard but not all EXIF viewers are made the same. Different softwares display different stats ranging from basics for beginners, to incredibly detailed statistics for advanced users. Here we will try to cover a broad range of tools that might already be at your disposal or are a download away.
Cross Platform – Mac and Windows
Photoshop
Yes, this is not technically free but if you are serious about photography, chances are you already have a copy of Photoshop (or an equally good photo editing software) installed. These apps are well equipped to give you the EXIF Data. After opening the image, go into File -> Get Info and select Camera Data from the popup to know the EXIF data. It will tell you all about the lens used, the focal length, exposure, etc.
On Your Mac
1. Built-in Tools
If you are using a Mac and just want to know the basic EXIF data, you don’t need to travel farther than a right-click. Pick the image you want, right-click and choose Get Info.
2. iPhoto
If you use iPhoto for photo management and editing, your superior EXIF data needs have been met. It will show you advanced data like the ISO, shutter speed, lens etc. from the info panel in any imported photo.
3. Preview
Preview, the default image app for Mac OS X provides the same advanced data as iPhoto does. When viewing an image, go into Tools -> Show Inspector (shortcut – Cmd+I) and select EXIF from the menu.
4. EXIF Viewer
If you don’t have iPhoto or PS and find Mac’s built-in EXIF solution limiting, EXIF Viewer is the app for you. It’s a really lightweight utility. Download the app from the website, extract and drag the app into the applications folder (add it to the dock if you are going to use if often). To get EXIF data just drag the image onto the EXIF Viewer icon and the app will open will an extensive list of properties all ready to go.
Windows
When it comes to Windows, you don’t get as many good options. There are many apps out there, but most of them haven’t been updated in more than 5 years and have an interface straight from a Windows 95 app. Here are the two good ones though.
1. Opanda IExif
IExif is a straightforward and simple program. Install it with the setup wizard normally but look out for the installation options menu. Here it tries to install an additional Power Exif Editor product from the company. Uncheck it before moving on. As childish as the UI might seem, it is very simple to use and provides you with advanced EXIF data.
2. Kuso Exif Viewer
Kuso Exif Viewer is very similar to Opanda’s offering. Only, it looks more like a Windows app. All the functionality you would hope for from an EXIF viewer is present here.
Why You Might Need to View EXIF?
For normal users, I think the most pressing need to view the EXIF of a photo would be to see the date when the picture was clicked. Otherwise, this is mostly about photography enthusiasts and experts. If you are one of the latter, do you know better tools to view it?
