Identifying your equipment
Jun 7, 2018 13:16:21 #
So a few months ago my wife stayed at a hotel and when she was eating breakfast someone stole $300.00 from her purse. Security cameras showed an older lady moving her purse.
So it got me to wondering how we can identify our equipment if someone picks up a camera...etc... and walks away with it. Say the security guy hears you say..."stop that guy he has my camera" and the security stops him. How do you prove it is yours when the thief says it's his? for simplicity sake let's say there are no images on the film card so you cant say here is what I photographed yesterday.
Do you have the serial numbers written down and in your wallet? Have invoices and receipts with you at all times? Or what would you do?
So it got me to wondering how we can identify our equipment if someone picks up a camera...etc... and walks away with it. Say the security guy hears you say..."stop that guy he has my camera" and the security stops him. How do you prove it is yours when the thief says it's his? for simplicity sake let's say there are no images on the film card so you cant say here is what I photographed yesterday.
Do you have the serial numbers written down and in your wallet? Have invoices and receipts with you at all times? Or what would you do?
Jun 7, 2018 13:23:34 #
Great suggestion. I might suggest adding those numbers as well as all your lenses and possibly (pictures) of your equipment to your phone and/or iPad/tablet, as well.
Jun 7, 2018 13:35:02 #
jim quist wrote:
So a few months ago my wife stayed at a hotel and ... (show quote)
The serial number is registered in your name with the manufacturer of the camera, easy to prove!
Its all imbedded with each picture file in the meta data as well!
Jun 7, 2018 13:38:14 #
My serial numbers are in Notes on my I-pad.
They should be in my I-phone as well.
They should be in my I-phone as well.
Jun 7, 2018 13:41:16 #
DON B wrote:
Great suggestion. I might suggest adding those numbers as well as all your lenses and possibly (pictures) of your equipment to your phone and/or iPad/tablet, as well.
Good idea. I have a phone app called notepad. For notes, obviously.
Sorry, called "S-Memo".
Jun 7, 2018 13:42:33 #
jim quist wrote:
Jim, I used this on a trip on Amtrak. It is a motion sensor for your camera bag.So a few months ago my wife stayed at a hotel and ... (show quote)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Luggage-Guard-Motion-Sensor-Alarm-for-Briefcase-Handbag-Travelling/302606723132?hash=item4674c4283c:g:5nYAAOSwNMVaYEE5
Also consider this one;
https://www.frys.com/product/8002094?source=google&gclid=CjwKCAjwr-PYBRB8EiwALtjbz0YSJLvSsuv-kC4dXtYxYahB8EtRl9Nh4Kp4Pqf91iXpBva7r_0gLRoCg94QAvD_BwE
Jun 7, 2018 13:59:22 #
I have loaded my information in the copyright meta data. I have the officer go to this info. Name and phone number along with having it registered with the manufacturer.
Jun 7, 2018 14:25:17 #
MrT wrote:
I have loaded my information in the copyright meta data. I have the officer go to this info. Name and phone number along with having it registered with the manufacturer.
Ditto. Copyright info in camera, serial numbers written down/kept in wallet, Nikon allows input of "Artist Name" as well.
Jun 7, 2018 14:32:52 #
I have all of my equipment listed in a file for insurance purposes - Make / Model / New-Refurb-Used / SN / Full Description / Options / Where Purchased / Date Purchased / Cost including S&H & Taxes / and if I remember to update it, the current replacement cost. This also includes accessories - Bags / Shoulder Straps / Extra batteries / Filters / Speed Lights / Triggers / cables / Flash screens / Light Reflectors / etc...
I keep a copy of this file on my phone and my tablet and in the cloud.
I keep a copy of this file on my phone and my tablet and in the cloud.
Jun 7, 2018 14:46:53 #
If photographers weren't such a finicky lot, we could just engrave our names on the bottom near the tripod mount.
But that would drop 50% off the value of the camera, right?
Best to record the serial numbers in your contacts in your phone!!
SS
But that would drop 50% off the value of the camera, right?
Best to record the serial numbers in your contacts in your phone!!
SS
Jun 7, 2018 14:55:02 #
Jun 7, 2018 15:04:21 #
MrT wrote:
I have loaded my information in the copyright meta data. I have the officer go to this info. Name and phone number along with having it registered with the manufacturer.
I had never really thought about this potential problem, and I was ready to start copying down serial numbers until I saw this post. I also have all my information recorded in my cameras for EXIF, so no problem.
Jun 7, 2018 15:13:51 #
JohnSwanda wrote:
I had never really thought about this potential problem, and I was ready to start copying down serial numbers until I saw this post. I also have all my information recorded in my cameras for EXIF, so no problem.
The authorities would have to pull it out of the image. Much simpler and quicker to provide them the information.
It took me only a couple of minutes to put the camera and lens serial numbers in my phone.
Jun 7, 2018 15:36:10 #
Longshadow wrote:
The authorities would have to pull it out of the image. Much simpler and quicker to provide them the information.
It took me only a couple of minutes to put the camera and lens serial numbers in my phone.
It took me only a couple of minutes to put the camera and lens serial numbers in my phone.
They don't have to get it from an image, you can pull it up on the camera right on the spot.
Jun 7, 2018 16:13:02 #
JohnSwanda wrote:
They don't have to get it from an image, you can pull it up on the camera right on the spot.
(Going on the premise that the camera was retrieved.
)
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