I've lost my camera

Action #1: search again

You did not put your camera straight back in its bag?  Double check, if its not there the following notes are for you.

Action #2: track down on the internet

A camera might not have a gps tracker on it like modern phones, however the photos stored on it are identifiable. Every photo you take has information stored in the data file including the serial number of the camera.

If someone posts pictures on the internet taken with your camera, you can find them through the websites such as:

• stolencamerafinder.com: upload to the site an old photo from the same camera. It will extract the serial number of the device that took the photo. The site will then start searching the world wide web for photo from a matching serial number.
• cameratrace.com: the same principle applies here, but with an added functionality: it will generate an email alert to you when it finds a match in the future. This option is however a $10 add on, but this would save you from looking multiple times.
   

Action #3: tips for the next one...

Here are a couple of tips to help someone who has found your camera or camcorder to identify you.

• The simplest idea is to keep your contact details in the camera case, also you could have a sticker with your details on the device: As little as an email address or phone number helps.
• Another solution is to leave an electronic ‘card**** avoir’ on the memory card of the camera. To do this create a text file with the file name “If Lost” or “If Found”, and input your contact details. Should the finder check the memory card your details would be found.