Can you change the Canon EOS 550D file name prefix?
Asked 12/15/2012
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I’m using a Canon EOS 550D and want to know if the camera’s image filename prefix can be changed in-camera, or possibly through a firmware hack. I know Canon’s computer software can rename files during download, but I often just copy files directly from the memory card. Is there any way to change the prefix on the camera itself?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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I don't think you can on the Rebel series. The 7D got the option to set the prefix with a firmware update this summer, and I think it's been in the higher end models for a while. And I may be mistaken but I don't think the Magic Lantern firmware hack addresses this.
But that's not the end of things. As part of my workflow, I use a script for reading files off of my memory cards which copies them to my computer, renames the files using jhead (you could also use ExifTool), and for good measure also copies them to off-site backup.
This gives me a lot more flexibility than the in-camera settings ever could. Even though my camera does allow changing the prefix, it doesn't let me embed the date or other useful information in the filename. Since you say you work by reading the card directly, it may be easy for you to adapt to a similar process.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
13y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Probably not. Based on the community replies, the Canon EOS 550D/Rebel series does not offer an in-camera option to change the file name prefix. Canon added that feature to some higher-end bodies such as the 7D via firmware, but not to the 550D. The answer also notes that Magic Lantern likely does not provide this feature either.
If you need custom filenames, the practical solution is to rename files during import or immediately after copying them from the card. Tools such as ExifTool or jhead can do this automatically and give you more flexibility than in-camera naming, including adding dates or other useful information.
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