The project is a great proof of concept, the chances this will get someone's stolen camera back is pretty slim. We have a similar project, but it searches for t

The project is a great proof of concept, the chances this will get someone's stolen camera back is pretty slim. We have a similar project, but it searches for the data using existing search engine data. Only about 25% of cameras will embed the serial number, then when uploaded only a few sites will retain the EXIF data, or provide it through meta data. A few that keep the EXIF data or provide it in meta data include: Flickr.com DeviantArt.com SmugMug.com Picasa.com Some of these sites strip out some tags. Some manufacturers have custom EXIF tags like Nikon which may store the serial in a "Serial Number" tag or a tag called "0x00D".