A practical approach depends on the item size and how formal your tracking needs are.

For many camera items, especially lenses and other awkward shapes, recording the serial number in an asset register is often enough for ownership, warranty, and repair records.

If you need fast inventory counts or check-in/check-out, barcode labels are more efficient and accurate than relying only on serial numbers. Small barcode labels can work on some gear, but when an item is too small or irregular to label well, tagging the box or case is a workable alternative.

For very small items like SD cards, it’s common not to tag each one individually. Instead, track them by quantity, brand/model, and who they were issued to, then require the same count to be returned.

In short:

• camera bodies: asset tag or barcode label if practical
• lenses: serial number, and label only if there’s a suitable surface; otherwise tag the box/case
• memory cards/small accessories: track by count and issue/return records rather than individual tags