topic PowerShot S100 how to get camera serial number? in Point & Shoot Digital Cameras

PowerShot S100 how to get camera serial number?

poweruser — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 13:45:21 GMT

It appears to be a common problem on many Canon models that the serial number printed on the camera gets rubbed off or fades away. The camera must have its serial stored somewhere in the electronics of the camera. How do I get at it?

It doesn't appear to be related to the iSerial field from the USB interface. I would suspect that its stored in the photo metadata, however I don't see it in there (for either s100 or ixus 105). Perhaps there's a program from Canon that can get this info?

I did find that the map canon tool read some kind of GPS chip serial from the s100, which corrolated with the iSerial field. I'm specifically interested in the case of the s100, which I need for warranty claim. Can someone shed some light here?

EDIT: Actually one other condition, the s100 screen is cracked and unuseable. If the screen was usable then I suspect I could get it via this method (works on my ixus 105).

Re: how to get camera serial number?

Richard — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:51:32 GMT

Hi Poweruser,

In adition to the bottom of the camera, the serial number is located on the original Canon box. It's preceeded by "(21)" (not part of the serial number. It's also located on the warranty card included with the camera.

If you're still unable to locate the serial number, please contact us. We'll send you instructions to send your camera in for service without the serial number.

Re: how to get camera serial number?

poweruser — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:29:27 GMT

Luckily, I'm one of those people that keeps product boxes. I ended up figuring out the serial code from that. Its still mystifying as to why the serial isn't included in the Maker Notes. Is it some kind of privacy feature?

One way to fix this problem (aside from a better method of imprinting the serial onto the camera itself) is to have the vers.req file be over-written with the displayed info.

Sending my camera into canon would be very non-ideal, since the reason I need the serial is for a warranty claim with a major retailer (thus they need the camera). Thanks for the suggestion though

Re: how to get camera serial number?

Francoiscinema — Tue, 24 May 2016 11:12:44 GMT

what if i live outside the us and it has faded i need the serial number to access the canon software, is there no other way?

Re: how to get camera serial number?

Waddizzle — Tue, 24 May 2016 12:49:21 GMT

The camera just may write the serial number [camera ID] to the EXIF data of image files when you take snapshots.

Re: how to get camera serial number?

Francoiscinema — Tue, 24 May 2016 13:09:30 GMT

no that doesnt work

Re: how to get camera serial number?

Waddizzle — Tue, 24 May 2016 13:36:59 GMT

@Francoiscinema wrote:
what if i live outside the us and it has faded i need the serial number to access the canon software, is there no other way?

Canon offers service world wide, so you should be able to obtain service outside of the U.S.

I am surprised to hear that the camera does not write a Camera ID into the EXIF data, even an iPhone does it. Can you post an image file that was taken by the camera? Use one of the tools that appear on the top edge of the reply editing textbox to post it. Your image file really should contain EXIF data.

Is your display non-functional, too? The camera should be able to display its' Camera ID [serial number] in the camera menus.

Re: how to get camera serial number?

kvbarkley — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:18:33 GMT

Did you use DPP? Canon might store the Serial number in a proprietary way that other EXIF readers cannot access. I found a cached google page from canon Europe that said that the serial number is in there.

ETA: Putting the Serial number in the EXIF might be an EOS thing, not a powershot thing.

Re: how to get camera serial number?

Francoiscinema — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:21:48 GMT

its an hfg20 ill try that

Re: how to get camera serial number?

lostcamera — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:17:33 GMT

Sadly had my eos T6i stolen (along with all pics from daughter's wedding weekend) I need the sn for the police report

I have the box. It has 3 numbers on it - two of them begin with (21). Since this came as a kit, I think one number is for the camera and the other for the accessories.

Help

Re: how to get camera serial number?

Richard — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 23:36:30 GMT

Hi Lostcamera,

Your camera's serial number will be a 12-digit number, preceded with "21".

Re: how to get camera serial number?

John_ — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 23:50:10 GMT

Call Canon and give them the numbers and your situation they can tell you which is which

Re: how to get camera serial number?

jaydoncabe — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 03:51:23 GMT

HI, the best way to get a serial number is to utalise lightroom.
the serial is alway in the metadata and can be seen when you set these details

View >View Options>Loupe option drop down >camera.

this wil show details in top left of image. in light room.

You can also track down the images shot with this serial number if you look it up in google using metadata.

Re: how to get camera serial number?

paristalsis — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 06:22:07 GMT

Re: how to get camera serial number?

paristalsis — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 06:21:12 GMT

In order to get software so I can use Photostitch offline I need my A400's serial number...box long gone...serial no. on bottom is illegible. Can I get software without serial number?

Re: how to get camera serial number?

paristalsis — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 06:31:46 GMT

Gee it would be nice to have a handy delete msg. button in editor here in Canon community.

Re: how to get camera serial number?

doublevee — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 20:13:39 GMT

Richard! Ugh, I’ve made a huge mistake by purchasing my 5DMK4 from Asia. I got a deal, what can I say? This was back in 2019. You DID solve my issue of how to locate the SN. I entered what was on the box and got a reply from Canon that the camera did not have a USA SN, and that I would have to seek service from the country of origin. UGH!!!! Please, all I want to do is have Canon USA install the Log upgrade. Do I have a chance? I really appreciate your help. Valerie, a Canon Lover!