Trace a stolen camera?

[RenegadeDude]

My new NEX 5R got stolen. Is there a way to trace it? It has a wifi and must contain a mac adress as all ip connected stuff has. Also if someone publishes pictures, can you find some embedded identyfier?

[Blencogo · Accepted solution]

Hi RenegadeDude and welcome.

I don't think it is possible to trace your camera as you have suggested.

All you can do is to send a copy of the Police Report to Sony Support and they should be able to mark that Serial Number as stolen.  This will only identify the camera if it is taken to Sony for service.

[ludwighaskins]

Do a Google search. This is an evolving field. Images can be used to trace bodies with serial numbers embedded in JPEGs http://www.cameratrace.com/ and https://www.stolencamerafinder.com/ Lenses can be pre-registered with a service called LensTag they have on iOS and Android app. It is prudent to put your gear in a detailed spreadsheet and store it in the cloud. Take photographs of your serial numbers and store those in the cloud as well.

To prevent theft keep your gear on you at all times and do not trust locked car boots unless you have a steel locker bolted inside the boot and even then never overnight. Get someone to watch everything that is not in your hands while you are shooting in urban environments.