Can I extend my camera’s file numbering beyond 9999, or should I rename files on import?
Asked 9/4/2013
103 views
2 answers
0
I shoot enough images on trips and events that my Canon bodies eventually repeat file numbers after 9999. This becomes a problem when I want files with the same number in one folder or when I’m trying to keep a clean chronological archive. Is there any way to increase the in-camera image counter beyond four digits, or is the practical solution to rename files during import or afterward with software?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
2
You can't do it in camera because it would be an exception to the DCIM naming standards which the camera follows.
As far as after the fact, I use the multi-rename feature of Total Commander for my bulk file rename operations. It's technically a shareware product, so you can try it and use it for that for free. It's really worth buying though cause it is cheap and comes with lifetime upgrades. I bought a copy of it back in Windows 3.0 days and haven't paid again since and it's the best file manager/ftp client etc that I've ever found (assuming you are on Windows).
The multi-rename feature will let you specify which part of the file name is the counter and let you increase the values by whatever you want.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
No—on Canon bodies you generally can’t extend the in-camera filename counter past 9999. Camera file naming follows the standard DCIM convention, so going beyond four digits isn’t normally supported.
The practical solution is to rename files during import or afterward on your computer. Bulk-renaming tools can change the numeric portion of filenames or add other identifiers automatically.
A few related workarounds mentioned:
- Some Nikon cameras let you change the filename prefix, which can help avoid duplicates.
- Canon bodies don’t offer the same flexibility in-camera, but Canon EOS Utility can rename files on import.
- On Canon, changing from sRGB to AdobeRGB changes the filename prefix, which may help in some workflows.
- Magic Lantern might be worth checking, but there’s no indication this feature is available, and filesystem or standards limits may prevent it anyway.
So the realistic answer is: don’t expect to expand the camera’s counter; use import or batch-renaming software to create unique filenames.
Recommended products
Shape Remote Extension Handle with 360deg. Rotation for Canon 18-80mm Lens
$228.89
View →
Saramonic WiTalk9X-5D 5-Person Modular 1.9GHz Wireless Dual-Ear Headset Inte
$1000.00
View →
Leonardo Nierman Original Signed MAGIC FIRE Oil Abstract Painting
$1500.00
View →
CANON EOS REBEL S FILM CAMERA USED GOOD CONDITION
$39.95
View →
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I avoid duplicate file names when importing and exporting in Lightroom?
How do I export Lightroom CC photos so filenames sort in capture-time order?
Does Lightroom 5 automatically write Develop edits and metadata into DNG files?
How can I stop my Nikon D3100 from resetting image file numbers?
How can I stop my Nikon D5300 from resetting file numbers to DSC_0001?