ISO 12234-1:2012

Electronic still-picture imaging - Removable memory - Part 1: Basic removable-memory model

1 Scope This part of ISO 12234 specifies a basic removable-memory reference model for digital electronic still-picture cameras. The reference model includes image file formats for storing image data and metadata, file system requirements for storing and retrieving the image files on the removable memory, and media profiles which are specific to a given storage technology. The reference model allows the image data and metadata to be interchanged among the various components of an electronic imaging system by using the removable storage media.

Imagerie de prises de vue électroniques — Mémoire amovible — Partie 1: Modèle de mémoire amovible de base

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 25-Jun-2012
• ICS: 37.040.99 - Other standards related to photography
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 42 - Photography
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 42/WG 18 - Electronic still picture imaging
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Start Date: 22-Jul-2025
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Revised: ISO 12234-1:2025 - Digital imaging - Image storage - Part 1: Reference model
• Effective Date: 16-Sep-2023
• Revises: ISO 12234-1:2007 - Electronic still-picture imaging - Removable memory - Part 1: Basic removable-memory model
• Effective Date: 28-Feb-2009

Overview - ISO 12234-1:2012 (Basic removable‑memory model)

ISO 12234-1:2012 specifies a basic removable‑memory reference model for digital electronic still‑picture cameras. The standard defines how image data and associated metadata are structured, encoded and stored on removable media so that image files can be interchanged reliably among cameras, readers, hosts and other imaging components. Key elements include the image data format, file system requirements, and media profiles (technology‑specific details), all combined in an Image Storage Application Profile (ISAP).

Keywords: ISO 12234-1:2012, removable memory, image data format, file system, media profile, ISAP, digital cameras, metadata, interoperability.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Layered reference model: separates application/presentation (image content and encoding), session (file system), transport (media profile) and lower physical/link layers to ensure modularity and platform independence.
• Image data format: defines application layer (image + metadata) and presentation layer (encoding mechanisms such as strips/tiles, tag structures). Normative formats include TIFF/EP, Exif and JPEG 2000 (see Annexes A–C).
• File system requirements: specifies directory structure, object organization and device requirement levels needed to store and retrieve image files on removable memory (informative guidance in Annex D).
• Media profiles: capture form factor, interconnects and access protocols for specific storage technologies (solid‑state cards, optical discs, etc.).
• Image Storage Application Profile (ISAP): complete specification combining image data format + file system + media profile for a given removable memory type.
• Design principles: interoperability, flexibility, extensibility, ease of implementation, platform independence, support for multiple media types and elimination of redundancy.
• Compliance model: mandatory elements must be implemented; recommended features improve interoperability and robustness.

Practical applications and users

Who benefits from ISO 12234-1:

• Camera manufacturers and firmware engineers - ensure captured images and metadata are portable across devices.
• Memory card and storage‑technology vendors - define media profiles compatible with imaging systems.
• Imaging software developers and lab equipment vendors - implement file system and image parsing consistent with the standard.
• System integrators and device certification teams - validate interoperability across camera, reader and host ecosystems.
• Archivists, forensic analysts and image workflow designers - rely on standardized metadata and file formats for reliable long‑term exchange.

Practical benefits:

• Reliable interchange of images and metadata across vendors
• Simplified integration of imaging components (capture, storage, processing)
• Clear guidance for implementing TIFF/EP, Exif and JPEG 2000 based workflows

Related standards

• ISO 12234-2 - TIFF/EP image data format (normative companion)
• ISO 15444-1 / ISO 15444-2 - JPEG 2000 (Part 1 and Part 2) referenced for image encoding

Note: ISO 12234-1:2012 may reference formats or technologies that are subject to third‑party intellectual property rights; implementers should consider licensing where applicable.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12234-1
Third edition
2012-07-01
Electronic still-picture imaging —
Removable memory —
Part 1:
Basic removable-memory model
Imagerie de prises de vue électroniques — Mémoire amovible —
Partie 1: Modèle de mémoire amovible de base
Reference number
©
ISO 2012
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s
member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Reference model . 2
4.1 General considerations . 2
4.2 Image storage application profiles (ISAP) . 3
4.3 Image data format . 3
4.4 File system . 3
4.5 Media profiles . 4
5 Required characteristics for image storage application profiles . 4
5.1 General . 4
5.2 Interoperability . 4
5.3 Flexibility . 4
5.4 Extensibility . 4
5.5 Ease of implementation . 4
5.6 Platform independence . 5
5.7 Multiple physical media types . 5
5.8 Elimination of redundancy . 5
6 Image data format specification . 5
6.1 General considerations . 5
6.2 Application layer for image data . 5
6.3 Presentation layer . 5
6.4 Image data formats . 5
6.5 Application layer for sound data .21
6.6 Guidance for persisting metadata .21
7 File system requirements .25
7.1 General considerations .25
7.2 Directory structure and name .25
7.3 Object .26
7.4 Interoperability .26
7.5 Device requirement level .27
Annex A (normative) TIFF/EP image data format .28
Annex B (normative) Exif image data format .29
Annex C (normative) Image data format — JPEG 2000, Part 1 and 2 .30
Annex D (informative) DCF file system .31
Bibliography .33
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 12234-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12234-1:2007), which has been technically revised.
ISO 12234 consists of the following parts, under the general title Electronic still-picture imaging —
Removable memory:
— Part 1: Basic removable-memory model
— Part 2: TIFF/EP image data format
iv © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Introduction
ISO 12234 addresses removable memory requirements for electronic still-picture cameras. Unlike a traditional
photographic system, an electronic photography system divides the imaging chain into discrete components
separately devoted to image acquisition, storage, transmission, processing and display. Since the components
can be made by different manufacturers, there is a need to specify a standard format for data interchange
among the various components of an electronic imaging system.
This part of ISO 12234 describes data interchange using removable storage media. The purpose of removable
storage media is the storage of digitized images on media that is compact, is mechanically rugged, and has
low power requirements. The removable storage media is used to transport the digitized image data to other
components in the imaging chain.
This part of ISO 12234 further specifies the required information content for a removable memory data format.
The information content includes both the image data and data items describing the image. Normative annexes
A, B and C describe various conforming formats. The data features supported by each of these formats are
also described in Clause 6. The information content further includes a description of the file system which
organizes the files containing digitized image data. Informative Annex D describes a conforming file system.
The file system features are described in Clause 7.
An implementation is said to be in compliance if, at a minimum, all mandatory elements are present. Recommended
features are not required, but will substantially enhance interoperability, performance and/or robustness.
In developing this part of ISO 12234, a structured methodology was followed. A reference model describes the
environment as well as the overall architecture in which this part of ISO 12234 is applicable. The architecture
separates the software layers (termed the “image data format” and the “file system”) from the hardware
technology-dependent layer (termed the “media profile”). An image data format is media independent and
contains the image data, image-related data and a means for structuring these data elements. A file system
defines the data organization on the storage media used, but it is independent of the media.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) draws attention to the fact that it is claimed that
compliance with this document may involve the use of patents.
ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity and scope of these patent rights.
The holders of these patent rights have ensured ISO that they are willing to negotiate licences under
reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and conditions with applicants throughout the world. In this respect,
the statements of the holders of these patent rights are registered with ISO. Information may be obtained from:
— Eastman Kodak Company
Attention: Director, Corporate Commercial Affairs
343 State Street
Rochester, New York, USA 14650-0211
— Konica Minolta Technology Center, Inc.
Attention: General Manager, Intellectual Property Center
No.1 Sakura-machi, Hino-shi
Tokyo 191-8511, Japan
— FujiFilm Corporation
Attention: Industrial Standards Office
7-3, Akasaka 9-chome, Minato-Ku
Tokyo 107-0052 Japan
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights
other than those identified above. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
With the permission of Adobe Systems Incorporated, numerous tag names and values used in this part of
ISO 12234 have been copied verbatim from the TIFF 6.0 specification dated June 3, 1992, specification
copyright 1986-1988, 1992 Adobe Systems Incorporated.
vi © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Electronic still-picture imaging — Removable memory —
Part 1:
Basic removable-memory model
1 Scope
This part of ISO 12234 specifies a basic removable-memory reference model for digital electronic still-picture
cameras. The reference model includes image file formats for storing image data and metadata, file system
requirements for storing and retrieving the image files on the removable memory, and media profiles which are
specific to a given storage technology. The reference model allows the image data and metadata to be interchanged
among the various components of an electronic imaging system by using the removable storage media.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document
(including any amendments) applies.
ISO 12234-2, Electronic still-picture imaging — Removable memory — Part 2: TIFF/EP image data format
ISO 15444-1, Information technology — JPEG 2000 image coding system — Part 1
ISO 15444-2, Information technology — JPEG 2000 image coding system: Extensions — Part 2
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
file system
software structure which specifies how the data is logically organized on a given storage media
3.2
image data format
structure and content which specify image data and the organization of the image related data in a device-
independent manner
3.3
image storage application profile
ISAP
media profile, the file system and the image data format
NOTE The ISAP specifies all the information necessary to completely implement the removable memory.
3.4
media profile
portion of the memory module specification which is specific to a given memory technology, including the form
factor, interconnection and access protocol
3.5
memory card
specific type of memory module using non-volatile solid-state memory and having a flat physical form factor
3.6
memory module
physical implementation of the removable memory, containing the image data format combined with a specified
physical form factor, interconnect definition and access protocol
3.7
removable memory
storage in a user-removable form factor, which is transportable, intended for the digital storage of image data
in electronic still-picture cameras
NOTE The memory media can be read/write, write once, etc., but have to be non-volatile when removed from the
camera so as to retain the data.
3.8
sound compression
process of altering the sound data coding in order to reduce the size of a sound file in the electronic still-
picture camera
NOTE See also sound recording (3.9).
3.9
sound recording
recording of the sound data relative to an image acquired by the electronic still-picture camera
NOTE 1 The sound recording can be made before, during or after the time of the image acquisition.
NOTE 2 A sound recording attached to an electronic still picture is considered an annotation of the image, as
distinguished from a sound recording which is attached to and synchronized with motion pictures or video pictures.
4 Reference model
4.1 General considerations
Table 1 summarizes the reference model for this part of ISO 12234. The reference model is a layered model.
The implementation of any one layer can be changed without affecting the implementation of any other layer.
The reference model describes the types of elements included in each layer.
2 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Table 1 — Reference model for removable storage
Layer Intent Examples Implementation
Application Content-image data Image data Image data format
and parameters
Presentation Define structure of image Tags
data and encoding
mechanism
Session Define data organization File system for image File system
on media storage/retrieval
Transport Communication of data Data transmission protocol Media profile
across a channel
Network Conformance layer Compatibility and
interoperability with other
systems
Data link Assures reliable data read/ Card information structure
write
Error correction methods
Storage media-specific
Control for insertion/removal
recording information
Physical Assure basic compatibility Form factor, pin alignment,
in physical form factor size
and electrical signals
Electrical interface
specification
Protocol/command sets
4.2 Image storage application profiles (ISAP)
The ISAP completely specifies all the information necessary to implement a particular type of removable
storage. The image storage application profile consists of three parts:
— the image data format, which describes the structure and content of the image data;
— the file system, which describes how the image files are stored and retrieved;
— the media profile, which describes the media used to store the image files.
4.3 Image data format
The image data format consists of the application and presentation layers. The application layer defines
the content of the image data. The presentation layer defines the encoding of the image data. This part of
ISO 12234 specifies image data formats that are consistent across implementations and independent of the
media used for storage.
The content defined in the application layer includes the image and image-related information, called
metadata, such as the date the image was captured. The encoding defined in the presentation layer includes
the structures which define the image and the image-related information as digital values. For example, the
encoding describes whether the image is stored as strips or tiles, and whether the metadata are stored as
numbers or characters. The detailed elements in three allowed image data formats are described in Clause 6.
The image data formats described in this part of ISO 12234 provide an explicit binding between the content in
the application layer and the encoding method given in the presentation layer.
4.4 File system
The file system definition includes the information required for the session layer. It defines the data organization
on the storage media used.
4.5 Media profiles
Many different removable memory types are used in digital electronic still-picture cameras. The storage
technologies include various solid state memory cards, magnetic hard drives and optical discs. Each of these
removable memory types can be described by an appropriate media profile.
The media profile definition includes the information required for the transport, network, data link and physical layers.
The transport layer defines the protocol for how these data are transported between the digital electronic still-
picture camera and the removable memory.
The network layer describes the conformance requirements needed to maintain compatibility and interoperability
with other systems.
The data link layer describes the mechanisms for assuring reliable communications, and the specifications for
reading, writing, erasing, removing and inserting specific types of media.
The physical layer ensures the basic compatibility of the physical and electrical interface. It defines the physical
form factor, connector specifications and electrical interface specifications.
5 Required characteristics for image storage application profiles
5.1 General
The characteristics required for suitable image data formats and media profiles are specified in 5.2 to 5.8. These
criteria were used in the development of this part of ISO 12234 and will be used in developing its future editions.
5.2 Interoperability
This part of ISO 12234 fosters interoperability between systems manufactured by different vendors. Here
interoperability permits
a) storage of image data on a removable medium,
b) removal of that media from a digital electronic still-picture camera,
c) insertion of that media into a second system, and
d) transfer of the image data to the second device.
5.3 Flexibility
This reference model permits flexibility across applications requiring different levels of feature sets. Some
image formats allow default values for specific data elements in order to simplify the implementation.
5.4 Extensibility
This reference model allows for various extensions to provide the possibility of incorporating new features.
Some image data formats include the capability for private extensions to meet special needs. In future revisions
of this part of ISO 12234, new features may be added to the present image data formats. In addition, new media
profiles or image data formats may be included.
5.5 Ease of implementation
This reference model allows easy and unambiguous implementation. In particular, many electronic still-
picture cameras have limited processing power and even many of the hosts reading the data may have limited
processing power. Hence, the standard format requires minimal encoding and decoding of the image data.
4 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

5.6 Platform independence
Because it will be necessary to exchange data between different hardware platforms running under different
operating systems, this reference model is platform independent. In particular, the data and data structures
presented to the application are platform independent.
5.7 Multiple physical media types
This reference model supports multiple physical media types. Media based on various different storage
technologies, e.g. solid state EEPROM and rotating magnetic disc storage, are supported for use as removable
storage media in electronic still-picture cameras.
5.8 Elimination of redundancy
Information should appear once and only once within the image data format. This prevents conflicts if the data
are entered in two different places and happen to be inconsistent. If a type of information appears in multiple
places, the data written needs to be consistent, e.g. by assigning equivalent values. This applies both to
explicitly entered data and to data implicitly derived from other fields.
6 Image data format specification
6.1 General considerations
The image data format corresponds to the application and presentation layers of the reference model, and is
independent of the storage media used. The image data formats described in normative Annexes A, B and C
are intended for use as image interchange formats for photographic images within the scope of the reference
model. It is recognized that images from sources other than electronic still-picture cameras may use different
image data formats.
6.2 Application layer for image data
The application layer defines what image data may be present in the information to be exchanged between
systems. The data defined here determines what information is available to a host system about the image, the
picture-taking conditions, the camera system which took the image and any annotations to help describe the
image for the user. Table 2 represents a list of image data features that should be included in an image data format.
6.3 Presentation layer
The presentation layer defines what data may be present in the information to be exchanged between systems.
The data defined here describe the organization of data in the format. It is media independent.
6.4 Image data formats
It is recognized that different applications require different levels of support. Some applications are highly
standardized with many of the data elements assuming default values, while other applications require more
flexibility. To accommodate different applications, three different image formats, TIFF/EP, Exif and JPEG
2000, are allowed. The image data formats differ in their required elements and degree of flexibility. When
used, the TIFF/EP image data format (see Annex A) shall be implemented in accordance with ISO 12234-2.
The Exif image format is described in Annex B. The JPEG 2000 image format is described in Annex C.
When used, the JPEG 2000 image data format (see Annex C) shall be implemented in accordance with
ISO 15444-1 and ISO 15444-2. The DCF file system is described in Annex D. Reference [8] describes the
development and structure of these image formats and this file system.
Table 2 summarizes the image data features supported by the allowed image data formats. Each is supported by
a specific file system. For each image data format, the support for the feature can be mandatory, recommended,
optional or not used. Further information concerning implementation of each format is contained in normative
Annexes A, B, and C.
Different requirements are imposed on writing, reading and editing devices by the image data format. The
writing device should support all mandatory features, but need not support features listed as recommended
or optional. The reading device should support all mandatory features, and also should support optional or
recommended features at least to the extent of allowing the image to be interpreted without corrupting the
data. Therefore, a reader may ignore recommended or optional features as long as it is done in a safe manner.
If an editor ignores some features, it is required that the ignored features be passed along unchanged as part
of the data file, rather than truncating or eliminating them. This permits the previously ignored features to be
interpreted by a subsequent reader.
Table 2 — Image data feature descriptions and requirements, with field names and codes
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
Camera information
Camera Manufacturer of the M M M
Make camera that captured
271, Make 271, Make /IMAGE_CREATION
the image (ASCII)
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_INFO
/-MANUFACTURER
2 Camera Model number of the M M M
Model camera that captured
272, Model 272, Model /IMAGE_CREATION
the image (ASCII)
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_INFO
/MODEL
3 Camera The serial number NU NU O
Serial of the camera used
/IMAGE_CREATION
Number to capture the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_INFO
/SERIAL
4 Camera The version of the NU NU M
Version camera model used
/IMAGE_CREATION
to capture the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_INFO
/VERSION
5 Lens Make Manufacturer of the NU NU O
lens that captured the
/IMAGE_CREATION
image (ASCII)
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/LENS_INFO
/-MANUFACTURER
6 Lens Model Model number of the NU NU O
lens that captured the
/IMAGE_CREATION
image (ASCII)
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/LENS_INFO
/MODEL
6 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
7 Lens Serial The serial number NU NU O
Number of the lens used to
/IMAGE_CREATION
capture the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/LENS_INFO
/SERIAL
8 Lens Version The version of the NU NU O
lens model used to
/IMAGE_CREATION
capture the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/LENS_INFO
/VERSION
9 Software Model of the software M M R
Make used to create or
305, Software 305, Software /IMAGE_CREATION
process the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/SOFTWARE_INFO
/MANUFACTURER
10 Software Model of the software M M R
Model used to create or
305, Software 305, Software /IMAGE_CREATION
process the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/SOFTWARE_INFO
/MODEL
11 Software The serial number of NU NU O
Serial the software used to
/IMAGE_CREATION
Number create or process the
/CAMERA_-
image (ASCII)
CAPTURE
/SOFTWARE_INFO
/SERIAL
12 Software Version of software M M R
Version used to create the
305, Software 305, Software /IMAGE_CREATION
image, or firmware
/CAMERA_-
within camera (ASCII)
CAPTURE
/SOFTWARE_INFO
/VERSION
13 Accessory Any accessory used NU NU O
to capture the image
/IMAGE_CREATION
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/ACCESSORY
Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
Camera/lens characterization
ISO Speed ISO speed of the O O R
camera, as defined in
34855, ISO Speed- 34855, ISO Speed- /IMAGE_CREATION
ISO 12232
Ratings Ratings /CAMERA_-
NOTE: JPEG 2000 CAPTURE
files only specify the /DEVICE_
ISO speed latitude CHARACTER
upper limit (R) and the /-ISO_SATURATION
ISO speed latitude
O
lower limit (O)
/IMAGE_CREATION
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/DEVICE_
CHARACTER
/-ISO_NOISE
15 Focal Length Focal length of the O O O
lens in millimetres
37386, FocalLength 37386, FocalLength /IMAGE_CREATION
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_
SETTINGS
/-FOCAL_LENGTH
16 Focal Length Focal length of the O NU O
in 35 mm film 35mm film format lens
41989, FocalLength /IMAGE_CREATION/
with a corresponding
In35mmFilm CAMERA_-
field of view
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_
SETTINGS
/-FOCAL_LENGTH_
IN_35MM_FILM
17 Spatial Electro-optical spatial O O O
Frequency frequency response
41484, Spatial- 37388, Spatial- /IMAGE_CREATION
Response (as of the camera, as
Frequency- Frequency- /CAMERA_-
captured) defined in
Response Response CAPTURE
ISO 12233
/DEVICE_
CHARACTER
/-SPATIAL_FREQ_
RESPONSE
18 Spatial Electro-optical spatial NU NU O
Frequency frequency response of
/IMAGE_DATA_
Response (of the image, as defined
CHARACTER
the image) in
/-IMG_SPATIAL_
ISO 12233
FREQ_RESPONSE
19 Noise The rms noise levels NU O NU
of each camera
37389, Noise
channel at one or
more signal levels
8 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
20 Spectral The spectral O O O
Sensitivity sensitivities of each
34852, 34852, /IMAGE_CREATION
capture channel
Spectral-Sensitivity Spectral-Sensitivity /CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/DEVICE_
CHARACTER
/SPECTRAL_
SENSITIVITY
21 Opto- The relationship O O O
electronic between the focal
34856, OECF 34856, OECF /IMAGE_CREATION
conversion plane or input scene
/CAMERA_-
function luminances and the
CAPTURE/DEVICE_
(OECF), as digital output levels as
CHARACTER/-OECF
captured captured, as defined
in ISO 14524
22 Opto- The relationship NU NU O
electronic between the focal
/IMAGE_DATA_
conversion plane or input scene
CHARACTER
function luminances and the
/-IMG_OECF
(OECF), of digital output levels,
the image as defined in
ISO 14524
23 Focal Plane X Number of pixels in O R O
Resolution the focal plane in
41486, FocalPlane- 37390, FocalPlane- /IMAGE_CREATION
the x-direction, per
XResolution XResolution /CAMERA_-
FocalPlane-
CAPTURE/DEVICE_
ResolutionUnit
CHARACTER
/-FOCAL_PLANE_
RES
24 Focal Plane Y Number of pixels O R O
Resolution in the focal plane
41487, FocalPlane- 37391, FocalPlane- /IMAGE_CREATION
in the y-direction,
YResolution YResolution /CAMERA_-
per FocalPlane
CAPTURE/DEVICE_
ResolutionUnit
CHARACTER
/-FOCAL_PLANE_
RES
25 Focal Plane Measurement unit for O R O
Resolution focal plane resolution
41488, FocalPlane- 37392, FocalPlane- /IMAGE_CREATION
Unit data
ResolutionUnit Resolution-Unit /CAMERA_-
CAPTURE/DEVICE_
CHARACTER
/-FOCAL_PLANE_
RES
26 Max Aperture Minimum f-number O O O
Value the camera can
37381, 37381, /IMAGE_CREATION
attain, in APEX units
MaxAperture-Value MaxAperture-Value /CAMERA_-
CAPTURE/DEVICE_
CHARACTER
/-MIN_F_NUMBER
Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
27 Sensor Image sensor O M O
Configuration configuration used to
41495, 37399, /IMAGE_CREATION
capture the image
Sensing-Method Sensing-Method /CAMERA_-
CAPTURE/DEVICE_
CHARACTER
/SENSOR_
TECHNOLOGY
28 CFA Pattern Colour filter array O O if Photometric- O
at time of pattern on sensor at Interpretation
41730, /IMAGE_CREATION
capture time of capture not = 32803,
CFAPattern /CAMERA_-
NU otherwise CAPTURE/DEVICE_
CHARACTER
33422, CFAPattern
/CFA_PATTERN
29 CFA Pattern Colour filter array NU M if Photometric- O
of image pattern of image Interpretation
/IMAGE_DATA_
= 32803,
CHARACTER
NU otherwise /-IMG_CFA_
PATTERN
33422, CFAPattern
30 CFA Pattern Colour filter array NU M if Photometric- NU
Dimensions pattern dimensions Interpretation
= 32803,
O otherwise
33421, CFAPattern
Image annotation
d
Date Time Date and time of O/M R O
Original image capture
36867, 36867, /CONTENT_
DateTime Original DateTime Original DESCRIPTION
/-CAPTURE_TIME
32 Time Zone Date Time Original NU R NU
Offset Time Zone Offset
34858,
TimeZone-Offset
d
33 DateTime Date and time of O/M NU O
Digitized image digitized
36868, /IMAGE_CREATION
DateTime-Digitized /GENERAL_-
CREATION_INFO
/CREATION_TIME
34 DateTime- Date and time of last R M O
Last-Modified modification to image
306, DateTime 306, DateTime /IPR.IPR_DATES
file
/IPR_DATE@-
DESCRIPTION = ”
Last Modified”
35 Image Description of image, R M O
Description e.g. title or subject
270, 270, /CONTENT_
(ASCII)
Image-Description Image-Description DESCRIPTION
/-CAPTION
10 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
36 User Additional user O NU NU
Comments annotation field of
37510, User-
undefined character
Comment
type
37 Image Index number NU O NU
Number assigned to image
37393,
(ASCII)
Image-Number
38 Artist Identifier for creator of O O O
image (ASCII)
315, Artist 315, Artist /IMAGE_CREATION
/GENERAL_-
CREATION_INFO
/IMAGE_-CREATOR
39 Copyright Image copyright O M O
holder (ASCII)
33432, Copyright 33432, Copyright /IPR/
40 Security Identifier specifying NU O O
Classification the security
37394, /IPR/
classification given to
Security-
the image
Classification
41 GPS Info The position of the O O NU
camera at image
34853, GPSInfo 34853, GPSInfo
capture
42 IPTC/NAA IPTC/NAA information NU O NU
33723, IPTC/NAA
43 Image History Text describing NU O O
the history of
37395, /HISTORY/
modifications to the
Image-History
image (ASCII)
44 Processing History metadata NU NU M
Summary elements defined in
/PROCESSING_
ISO 15444-2:2004
SUMMARY/
Annex N.6.3
45 Subject Location and area of O O O
Location the main subject in
41492, 37396, /IMAGE_CREATION
the image
Subject-Location Subject-Location /CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
37396, SubjectArea
/CAMERA_
SETTINGS
/SUBJECT_
POSITION
46 Image- Unique identifier O NU O
UniqueID assigned to the image
42016, /BASIC_IMAGE_
ImageUnique-ID PARAM
/BASIC_-
IMAGE_INFO
/IMAGE_ID
47 Related Audio file associated O NU NU
SoundFile with the image
Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
Image information
d
Thumbnail Differentiate image O/M M NU
(full resolution) and
Primary image in 254, NOTE: JPEG 2000
thumbnail image
IFD0 NewSub-FileType provides a
(reduced resolution)
multi-resolution
data thumbnail in IFD1
image representation
49 Interlace Field number of multi- NU O NU
Scan field images
34857, Interlace
e
50 Image Width Number of pixel M M M
columns
256, ImageWidth 256, ImageWidth Specified in the
Image Header box
e
51 Image Height Number of pixel rows M M M
257, ImageLength 257, Image-Length Specified in the
Image Header box
f f
52 Aspect Ratio Ratio of XResolution M M O
f
(Pixel) to YResolution
Elements used
specified in the
Resolution box.
g g
53 Aspect Ratio Ratio of XResolution/ M M O
(Image) ImageWidth to
Elements used
YResolution/Image
specified in the
g
Length
Resolution box and
Image Header box.
h
54 PixelX Valid image width in M NU NU
Dimension the x-direction
h
55 PixelY Valid image width in M NU NU
Dimension the y-direction
56 X Resolution Number of pixels per M M O
output distance unit
282, XResolution 282, XResolution Specified in the
in the ImageWidth
Resolution box
direction
57 Y Resolution Number of pixels per M M O
output distance unit
283, YResolution 283, YResolution Specified in the
in the ImageLength
Resolution box
direction
58 Resolution Physical units for M M NU
Unit output distance data
296, Resolution-Unit 296, Resolution-Unit
59 Orientation Orientation of the R O R
current image relative
274, Orientation 274, Orientation /IMAGE_CREATION
to the horizontal rows
/CAMERA_
and vertical columns
CAPTURE
of the originally
/CAMERA_
captured image
SETTINGS
/ORIENTATION
12 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
d
60 Samples Per Number of M M M
Pixel components
277, 277, Specified in the Image
(samples) stored for
Samples-PerPixel Samples-PerPixel Header box
each pixel
d
61 Bits Per Number of bits used M M M
Sample to store each sample
258, 258, Specified in the Image
or component
BitsPer-Sample BitsPer-Sample Header box or Bits
Per Sample box if it’s
not constant across all
components.
62 Original Setting of bit rate at NU NU O
Compressed the time of capture
/IMAGE_CREATION
Bits Per Pixel compression
/CAMERA_
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_
SETTINGS
/COMPRESSED_
BITS_PER_PIXEL
h h
63 Compressed Setting of bit rate at O O O
Bits Per Pixel the time of last image
37122, 37122, /IMAGE_DATA_
compression
Compressed- Compressed- CHARACTE-
BitsPerPixel BitsPerPixel RIZATION/IMG_
COMPRESSED_
BITS_PER_PIXEL
h
64 Compression Type of image M M Indicated in
i
compression method codestream
Only thumbnail 259, 259, Com-pression
(none, JPEG, DPCM,
Compression
etc.) applied to the
image data
h h
65 JPEG M M NU
Interchange
513 513
Format
h h
66 JPEG M M NU
Interchange
514 514
Format
Length
h
67 JPEG Tables Tables to aid in M O NU
(DQT, DHT) decoding compressed
JPEG Marker 347, JPEGTables
image data, e.g.
Huffman tables
e j
68 Planar Storage pattern of the M M NU
Configuration colour components in
284, Planar- 284, Planar-
the image data
Configuration Configuration
(Interleaving pattern)
e k j
69 Strip Offsets Offsets with respect M M NU
to the beginning of
273, StripOffsets 273, StripOffsets
the file to each strip of
image data
e k j
70 Rows per Number of rows per M M NU
Strip strip within the image
278, RowsPerStrip 278, RowsPerStrip
Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
e k j
71 Strip Byte Number of bytes M M NU
Counts in each strip after
279, 279,
compression
StripByte-Counts StripByte-Counts
k j
72 Tile Offsets Offsets with respect NU M NU
to the beginning of
324, TileOffsets
the file to each tile of
image data
k j
73 Tile Width Number of columns in NU M NU
each image tile
322, TileWidth
k j
74 Tile Length Number of rows in NU M NU
each image tile
323, TileLength
k j
75 Tile Byte Number of bytes in NU M NU
Counts each image tile
325,
TileByte-Counts
e j
76 Photo-metric Image colour space M M NU
Interpretation type: RGB, YCbCr,
262, Photometric- 262, Photometric-
etc.
Interpretation Interpretation
h j
77 Components Order of the M M NU
Configuration image data colour
37121 262, Photometric-
components for each
Interpretation Note,
pixel within an image
Photometric-
Interpretation
includes this
information.
i i
78 YCbCr Sub- Subsampling factors M M Specified within the
sampling for the chrominance codestream: CSsiz
530, YCbCrSub- 530, YCbCrSub-
components parameter of the SIZ
Sampling Sampling
marker segment. The
subsampling might
not be tied specifically
to YCrCb, the use of
component transform
is specified in Ssiz^i
parameter in SIZ.
i i
79 YCbCr Position of M M Specified within
Positioning subsampled the codestream:
531, YCbCr- 531, YCbCr-
chrominance XRsiz^i and YRsiz^i
Positioning Positioning
components relative parameters in the SIZ
to luminance samples marker segment
Camera settings
Light Source Lighting type detected O O O
in the scene and used
37384, 37384, /IMAGE_CREATION
for white balance
LightSource LightSource /CAMERA_-
at time of capture
CAPTURE
(Daylight, Tungsten,
/CAMERA_
Fluorescent, Flash,
SETTINGS
etc.)
/SCENE_
ILLUMINANT
14 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
81 Light Source Light Source NU NU O
CCT correlated colour
/IMAGE_CREATION
temperature
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_
SETTINGS
/COLOR_TEMP
82 Adopted Adopted white used NU NU O
White for image white
/IMAGE_DATA_
balance
CHARACTE-
RIZATION/IMG_
SCENE_
ILLUMINANT
83 Adopted Adopted white NU NU O
White CCT correlated colour
/IMAGE_DATA_
temperature
CHARACTERIZATION/
IMG_COLOR_TEMP
84 f-number Focal length of lens/ O O R
diameter of lens
(Aperture) 33437, FNumber 33437, FNumber /IMAGE_CREATION
opening
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_
SETTINGS
/F_NUMBER
85 Aperture Lens aperture value in O O NU
Value (APEX) APEX units
37378, 37378,
Aperture-Value Aperture-Value
86 Exposure Time in seconds for O O R
Time exposure
33434, 33434, /IMAGE_CREATION
Exposure-Time Exposure-Time /CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_
SETTINGS
/EXP_TIME
87 Time Value The exposure time or O O NU
(APEX) shutter speed value,
37377, 37377,
in APEX units
Shutter-SpeedValue Shutter-SpeedValue
88 Self Timer Seconds of self-timer NU O NU
Mode delay
34859,
SelfTimer-Mode
89 Exposure Actual exposure index NU O O
Index Used used by the camera to
37397, /IMAGE_CREATION
capture the image
Exposure-Index /CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_
SETTINGS
/EXPOSURE_INDEX
Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
90 Exposure Exposure index set O NU NU
Index Set on the camera by the
41493,
user as the “ISO”, or
Exposure-Index
used by the camera if
set in “auto ISO”
91 Exposure Actual camera O O O
Bias exposure bias relative
37380, 37380, /IMAGE_CREATION
to the user set EI, in
ExposureBias ExposureBias /CAMERA_-
APEX units
Value Value CAPTURE
NOTE 1: This can be /CAMERA_
different from user set SETTINGS
exposure bias. /EXPOSURE_BIAS
NOTE 2: It is
not necessa
...