EXIFgegevens

EXIFgegevens, or EXIF data, are metadata embedded in image files according to the EXIF standard. They are stored in common image formats such as JPEG and TIFF and can be read by many cameras, smartphones, and software. The EXIF standard is maintained by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) and aims to describe the capture conditions and device information that accompany a photo.

Typical EXIF fields include the date and time of capture, camera make and model, and image orientation. They commonly record exposure settings such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and focal length, as well as metering mode and white balance. Additional fields may note whether a flash fired, the image dimensions, and the software version used for processing. Some images also include GPS coordinates and other location data when location services are enabled on the capturing device.

EXIF data are stored within the image file, often in a dedicated metadata segment. Not all fields are present in every photo, and some editing or re-saving can modify or remove metadata. While EXIF can be valuable for organizing, analyzing, and reproducing photographic work, it can also raise privacy concerns when location data are included.

In practice, EXIF data are used for cataloguing and searching photo collections, displaying technical details in editors and viewers, and supporting workflows in professional photography. They are frequently complemented by other metadata standards such as IPTC and XMP, which may be stored alongside or embedded in the file, or managed in separate sidecar files in RAW workflows.