How To Check Canon Camera Serial Number Best

To check the serial number on a Canon camera, the most direct methods are inspecting the base plate, checking behind the LCD screen, or viewing the EXIF metadata of a photo you've taken. Since 2008, most modern Canon models use a 10-digit format. Physical Inspection

If you have the camera in hand, check these common locations:

Base Plate: On most DSLR and mirrorless cameras, the serial number is printed in black on a silver box or sticker on the bottom of the camera, often near the tripod socket.

Behind the LCD: For mirrorless models (like the EOS R or EOS M series) and newer PowerShot cameras with flip-out screens, the sticker is often hidden behind the LCD panel.

Battery Compartment: Some compact models may have the number printed inside the battery door or compartment.

Engraved Models: High-end EOS-1 series cameras often have the number engraved in white directly into the frame beneath the bottom label. Digital Retrieval (No Camera Needed)

If the physical sticker is worn off or the camera is missing, you can find the number digitally:

To find the best way to check your Canon camera's serial number, you should look beyond just the physical sticker. While the sticker is standard, checking the EXIF metadata of an image is widely reviewed as the most reliable way to verify the number if the physical label is worn or tampered with. Top Recommended Methods

Physical Inspection (Fastest): Most Canon EOS DSLRs and mirrorless models have a 12-digit serial number on a silver sticker at the bottom of the base plate.

Mirrorless (R-Series): Often located behind the flip-out LCD screen. how to check canon camera serial number best

EOS-1 Series: Usually engraved in white beneath the label on the bottom.

EXIF Metadata (Most Reliable): Every photo you take contains the camera's internal serial number in its "Maker Notes".

Use Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) (included with your camera) to view "Camera Body No." in the info panel.

Third-party tools like ExifTool or IrfanView can also extract this data.

Original Packaging: Look for a white sticker on the side of the box. The serial number is typically preceded by (21)—note that these two digits are part of the barcode identifier, not the serial number itself. Verification and Authenticity

To check a Canon camera serial number effectively, you should look in four primary locations: the bottom of the camera body behind the LCD screen , within the image EXIF data , or on the original packaging

. Most modern Canon EOS digital cameras feature a 12-digit serial number, while older models may use 6, 10, or 12 digits. Canon Europe Physical Locations on the Camera

The most direct way to find the serial number is by inspecting the camera body itself. Bottom Base Plate : For most DSLR and mirrorless models like the EOS 5D Mark III EOS Rebel T7 EOS R series

, the serial number is printed in black, gray, or white on a label located on the bottom of the camera. Behind the LCD Screen : On many mirrorless models, such as the EOS M series To check the serial number on a Canon

, the number is located on the back of the camera body or behind the flip-out LCD screen. EOS-1 Series

: For professional EOS-1 series cameras, the serial number is typically engraved in white beneath the label on the bottom of the camera. Battery Compartment

: In some instances, it may be located inside or behind the battery door. Canon Europe Digital and Metadata Methods

If the physical label is worn or unreadable, you can retrieve the serial number digitally. EXIF Data (Metadata)

: Every photo taken with a Canon camera stores the "Camera Body No." in its maker notes. Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) : Open an image, select View > Info

(or Command+I on Mac), and scroll to the bottom to find the body number. Third-party Software : Tools like can display the serial number from raw or JPEG files. Camera Menu

: Some Point-and-Shoot models or projectors display the serial number directly within the "Information" tab of the system menu. Canon Europe Documentation and Packaging

If you no longer have physical access to the camera, check your purchase records. Where to Find Canon Product's Serial Number (Cameras)

Method 1: The Physical Camera Body (Most Reliable)

The most direct method is physically inspecting the camera. Depending on the model, you’ll find the serial number in one of four locations. Method 1: The Physical Camera Body (Most Reliable)

B. Extract from a JPEG or RAW file (Any Photo)

Every digital photo your Canon camera takes contains EXIF (Exchangeable Image File format) data, which stores the serial number of the body used.

  1. Take a new photo (don’t use an edited or re-saved image from the web).
  2. Transfer the original file to your computer.
  3. Use any EXIF viewer:
    • Mac: Preview app → Tools → Show Inspector → EXIF tab.
    • Windows: Right-click file → Properties → Details.
    • Online: Upload to a site like exifdata.com.
  4. Look for the field “Serial Number” or “Body Serial Number” (often listed as a 12- or 24-digit number).

This method is particularly useful if you are trying to verify ownership of a camera but only have access to its images.

How to Check Canon Camera Serial Number Best: The Ultimate Guide (2026)

Whether you are buying a used Canon DSLR, filing a police report for a stolen camera, claiming a warranty repair, or checking for firmware updates, knowing your camera’s serial number is essential. But Canon doesn’t always make it obvious where to look. Depending on your model (Rebel, EOS R, PowerShot, or Cinema EOS), the serial number can hide in different places.

In this guide, we will walk through the best methods to locate your Canon camera serial number—from physical inspection to software tools and original packaging.

C. Canon’s "My Canon Account" Web Portal

If you already registered your camera years ago:

  1. Log into Canon’s official website (usa.canon.com or your local region).
  2. Go to "My Account" → "Registered Products."
  3. Your camera’s serial number will be listed alongside the purchase date.

Method 2: The Camera’s Menu System (Digital Proof)

For modern Canon cameras (EOS digital bodies from 2008 onwards), the serial number is also stored electronically. This method is useful if the physical sticker is worn but the camera still turns on.

  1. Turn on the camera.
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Navigate to the Setup menus (usually indicated by a wrench icon). On most models, this is the yellow menu tab.
  4. Scroll to the last page of the Setup options.
  5. Look for “Firmware Ver.” or “Certification Logo Display”.
    • On many Canon cameras (e.g., 5D Mark IV, 6D Mark II, 90D, R5, R6), the serial number is displayed on the same screen as the firmware version.
    • On newer mirrorless bodies, you may need to select “Certification Logo Display” and then scroll to see the serial number.

Important: The serial number shown in the menu will always match the physical sticker. If they differ, the camera has likely had its main board replaced (which resets the electronic serial) without proper reprogramming—a potential red flag for used purchases.

2. The Digital Method (Easiest)

If the stickers are worn away or you don't want to take the camera out of the bag, you can often find the number digitally.

D. The Flash Hotshoe

On a few older film-era EOS bodies and some entry-level digital cameras, the serial number is printed on a sticker located on the hotshoe (the metal bracket where you mount an external flash). You’ll see it when looking down from the top.