DateTimeOriginal

DateTimeOriginal is an EXIF metadata tag found in JPEG, TIFF, and other image formats that records the original date and time when a photograph was captured. It is embedded by cameras and other imaging devices and is commonly used by photo management software to organize and display images by capture moment.

The value is stored as an ASCII string in the format YYYY:MM:DD HH:MM:SS, for example 2024:11:25 09:15:30. Some devices also provide sub-second precision through a separate SubSecTimeOriginal tag, which can be paired with the main timestamp to improve timing accuracy.

DateTimeOriginal is distinct from other related timestamps in EXIF metadata. In typical workflows, it represents the moment of capture, while other fields may record when the image was digitized or when the metadata was created or edited. Because the timestamp is stored as local camera time, it does not inherently include time zone information; time zone handling can depend on additional metadata or user workflows and can lead to apparent shifts when files are moved between devices or edited.

Practical use and caveats: software that reads EXIF data can sort, filter, and display images by DateTimeOriginal. However, editing, re-saving, or converting files can modify or remove the original timestamp, and time zone context can be lost or misinterpreted if not preserved alongside the value. Sub-second information, when present, helps distinguish rapid captures but may be omitted by older devices or software.