changing files names when using multiple camera bodies: I am shooting with two Sony A7c bodies (just got the second one), and since they seem to use the same file numbering system, I...

dkeysser Loc: Minneapolis

I am shooting with two Sony A7c bodies (just got the second one), and since they seem to use the same file numbering system, I am concerned that as I download my day's shots from both bodies, I will have to distinguish between the two bodies. Is there a way to change the method the camera names or numbers files so I can keep the output from the two bodies separate, or do I just have to save the files from each body to a different directory.
Thanks in advance.
Don

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

dkeysser wrote:

I am shooting with two Sony A7c bodies (just got the second one), and since they seem to use the same file numbering system, I am concerned that as I download my day's shots from both bodies, I will have to distinguish between the two bodies. Is there a way to change the method the camera names or numbers files so I can keep the output from the two bodies separate, or do I just have to save the files from each body to a different directory.
Thanks in advance.
Don

don't know about Sony's
But Pentax and Nikon you can change the number prefix
Either check your manual or search the cameras menu

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Manglesphoto wrote:

don't know about Sony's
But Pentax and Nikon you can change the number prefix
Either check your manual or search the cameras menu

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

dkeysser wrote:

I am shooting with two Sony A7c bodies (just got the second one), and since they seem to use the same file numbering system, I am concerned that as I download my day's shots from both bodies, I will have to distinguish between the two bodies. Is there a way to change the method the camera names or numbers files so I can keep the output from the two bodies separate, or do I just have to save the files from each body to a different directory.
Thanks in advance.
Don

Different brands / models handle the renaming options differently. Lower-end Canon EOS bodies don't let you rename the files. Higher-tier bodies do. My Sony a7II does let me adjust the 4-character prefix. As suggested earlier, check your specific manual and reset the prefix for both cameras to unique values, if that option was provided for the a7C bodies.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Don, I can shoot with up to 7 or 8 different cameras per outing. I've assigned each camera a directory to which I transfer files from card to computer. After the files are transferred, I rename the files in that directory such that the file prefix indicates which camera was used.
--Bob

dkeysser wrote:

I am shooting with two Sony A7c bodies (just got the second one), and since they seem to use the same file numbering system, I am concerned that as I download my day's shots from both bodies, I will have to distinguish between the two bodies. Is there a way to change the method the camera names or numbers files so I can keep the output from the two bodies separate, or do I just have to save the files from each body to a different directory.
Thanks in advance.
Don

tcthome Loc: NJ

rmalarz wrote:

Don, I can shoot with up to 7 or 8 different cameras per outing. I've assigned each camera a directory to which I transfer files from card to computer. After the files are transferred, I rename the files in that directory such that the file prefix indicates which camera was used.
--Bob

Because it is the exact same camera brand/model, might want to number the cameras 1 & 2 or memory cards for each. Just a thought. Unless there is a problem with one of them, I wouldn't care which one it was from. I can see why a working pro might want to.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I would just create a folder for each.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use two identical cameras but for different applications. Thus one is labeled D800 the other P800. Again, two different directories each for photos specifically from each camera. One is even stored on a separate hard drive.
--Bob

tcthome wrote:

Because it is the exact same camera brand/model, might want to number the cameras 1 & 2 or memory cards for each. Just a thought. Unless there is a problem with one of them, I wouldn't care which one it was from. I can see why a working pro might want to.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

Manglesphoto wrote:

don't know about Sony's
But Pentax and Nikon you can change the number prefix
Either check your manual or search the cameras menu

ditto

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You can do it on the front-end or the back-end. I prefer as early in the process as possible, where my pair of EOS 5DIIIs each have unique prefixes in the 8x3 file names each camera creates. The Sony a7II also creates unique file names of it's own, even when I have only one of these bodies. Every camera in the portfolio who can create unique names has been configured to utilize this feature.

photoman43

dkeysser wrote:

I am shooting with two Sony A7c bodies (just got the second one), and since they seem to use the same file numbering system, I am concerned that as I download my day's shots from both bodies, I will have to distinguish between the two bodies. Is there a way to change the method the camera names or numbers files so I can keep the output from the two bodies separate, or do I just have to save the files from each body to a different directory.
Thanks in advance.
Don

If the camera will not let you change the file naming system, use a program like Downloader Pro (windows only i believe) that changes the file names and creates file folders to suit all of your needs.

If you shoot Nikon, Nikon Transfer can do the same thing and it is free.

I have been using Downloader Pro since about 2009 and just love it.

More info here: https://www.breezesys.com/solutions/breeze-downloader/

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I use Canon's EOS Utility which came with the camera (and is available form the website if you have a body s/n). It distinguishes between my T2i and 80D and names each with a prefix as I chose and sends them to different folders as it transfers the files to my computer. However, I do have different target folders for photos from each of 3 of 4 of my cameras. This post made me realize I didn't do anything to distinguish between files from my 2 Lumix cameras. Of course, the EXIF data tells me, but there is the distinct possibility of duplicate file names.

jcboy3

tcthome wrote:

Because it is the exact same camera brand/model, might want to number the cameras 1 & 2 or memory cards for each. Just a thought. Unless there is a problem with one of them, I wouldn't care which one it was from. I can see why a working pro might want to.

I change prefixes on all of my cameras so that they are unique. If possible, I set them to resemble the model number. Otherwise, just something unique. I also print a small label with that code on label tape and stick it somewhere useful (inside the memory card door, if possible).

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Using Lightroom makes this process easy. I use an import preset that renumbers the session images from 0000, and retrieves the camera model and serial number from the metadata and uses it in the filename. It is absolutely impossible to confuse the images from multiple cameras.

dkeysser Loc: Minneapolis

Great advice; it worked. Thank you