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How to See Camera Settings in Lightroom

Published: 08/06/2023

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Cameras save your shooting settings when taking a real estate image, especially the ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and focal length. However, when editing, you may sometimes need to know the settings to serve as a reference. This guide shows the different ways how to see camera settings in Lightroom.

How to See Camera Settings in Lightroom

To see camera settings in Lightroom, you can use either the Metadata panel, Histogram panel, or the Loupe Overlay Shortcut. After selecting the target photo, expand the Metadata and Histogram panels. For the Loupe Overlay, you'll need to work on Loupe Info 1 and Loupe Info 2.

The settings contain the information you use to take pictures, especially the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focal length, and format. These are essential details that can help you better determine how to post-process your real estate photos. These are the three different ways to look for the camera settings when editing in Lightroom.

Option 1: Using the Metadata Drop-Down Panel

Exploring the Metadata panel is the easiest way to view a camera's settings when working in Lightroom. This panel on the right side shows the settings and other image information, including when, where, and what time you took the photo.

Using the Metadata Drop-Down Panel to check the camera settings of the image of a wooden bed on top of a gray carpet inside a well-lit bedroom

Follow these steps to check the settings:

  1. First, choose a picture from the grid in the Library Module.
  2. Next, go to the Metadata panel. Click the small arrow to open the panel.
  3. In case you don't see the Metadata panel, head to Window, click on Panels, and select Metadata.
  4. When the panel opens, you'll check the Default metadata settings. These include the file name, file folder, image title, caption, capture date, and copyright.
  5. You may also click the drop-down arrow next to Default, then click on EXIF. From here, you'll see other information, such as the model of the camera and lens.
  6. Return to the drop-down bar left of the Metadata panel to explore other metadata options.
Using the Metadata Drop-Down Panel to check the camera settings of the image of a wooden bed with a white comforter near two wooden bedside drawers inside a well-lit bedroom

Advanced Metadata Search

Metadata also allows an advanced search filter. This lets you search the photo library for information stored in image files.

  1. Click the top right-hand corner of an existing column.
  2. Select the Add Column option.
  3. Search for basic information like the date or focal length.
Advanced Metadata Search in Lightroom to check the camera settings of the image of a wooden bed with a white comforter near two wooden bedside drawers and gray lamps

Camera Settings in the Metadata Panel

Metadata defines and describes an image's data. You can use it to document and organize files within Lightroom. Basically, it answers the who, what, where, and when of your shooting process.

These are the settings you can find under the Metadata panel.

  • File name
  • Dimensions
  • Cropping details
  • Date taken
  • Shutter speed or exposure time
  • Brightness value
  • Exposure compensation
  • ISO value
  • Lens focal length
  • Focal length at 35mm or full-frame equivalent
  • Exposure program or shooting mode
  • Metering mode
  • Flash
  • Camera model
  • Software or the camera's firmware version
  • Built-in GPS (if there's one)
  • User comment
Camera Settings of the different real estate photos of bedrooms in the Metadata Panel in Lightroom

Option 2: Using the Histogram Panel

Another way to check the settings is to look at the Histogram within the Develop Module.

  1. Go to the Histogram in the right panel at the top.
  2. Click the drop-down arrow to expand the panel.
  3. You should see details such as ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and focal length.
Using the Histogram Panel in Lightroom to check camera settings of an image of a bedroom with brown wooden floors, a large bed, and a flat-screen TV

Option 3: Using the Loupe Overlay Shortcut

In Lightroom, the last way to see the camera settings is to use the Loupe Overlay shortcut. The Loupe View Options let you specify two different sets of information.

Using the Loupe Overlay Shortcut in Lightroom to check the camera settings of an image of a bedroom with wooden floors, a flat-screen TV, and a large bed
  1. In the Library Module, go to View, and click on View Options
  2. Head to the Loupe View tab of the Library View Options dialog box.
  3. Click on the Show Info Overlay to show the information on the images.
  4. From the Loupe Info 1 and Loupe Info 2 areas of the dialog box, use the menus to select what displays in the two Info Overlays. You may choose three items per overlay.
  5. Click on the Show Briefly When Photo Changes option to shortly show the Info Overlays when images change in the Loupe View.
  6. To display overlays in the Loupe View during editing, click on Show Messages When Loading or Rendering Photos from the General area.
  7. If you want to use the currently active Info Overlays in the Loupe View, select Info 1 or Info 2 in the Show Info Overlay menu.
  8. Press Control/Command + I to toggle the overlay. The Info 2 overlay will appear in the picture's top-left corner to show the settings at the time of taking the image. Alternatively, head to View, expand Loupe Info, and click on Info 2.
Using the Loupe Overlay Shortcut in Lightroom to check the camera settings of an image of a bedroom with wooden floors, a light fixture, a flat-screen TV, and a large bed

What Is the Importance of Checking Camera Settings in Lightroom

Viewing your shooting settings can help you analyze how to post-process your real estate images. In addition, you can discover any inconsistencies, patterns, or potential solutions in your gear choices.

Identify Your Shooting Patterns

A quick check in the Metadata panel shows what ISO, shutter speed, or aperture you've used to take the pictures. Additionally, you'll know how many images were shot using each setting.

For example, you may notice that you take long-exposure shots, mainly using 1/125 or above. This enables you to look for shooting patterns and helps determine what other settings to try.

Look For Potential Problems

Aperture ranges around f/8 to f/11 are good starting points for real estate photography. These settings let enough light produce sharp images. Meanwhile, agent headshots may require wider apertures.

When post-processing in Lightroom, you'll see if you use the wrong aperture for a particular photography niche. In this way, you can be more cautious when adjusting shooting settings in the future.

Show the Limitations of Your Gear

Suppose your 18-55mm lens allows you to shoot at a maximum of f/4 or f/5.6. However, there may be instances where you feel limited in adjusting the exposure. You will notice this when checking your camera's settings in Lightroom. 

From here, you can determine that you may need to invest in a faster prime lens that could let you shoot at f/2.8.

Learn and Critic Other Shooting Settings

Perhaps you have an online group where you get to share your photos. Maybe you have a team where each member can provide helpful feedback about your shots.

You will only remember some exposure values you're using, so it helps that Lightroom can store relevant data. Such information also enables you to confirm who owns a particular picture.

In this way, you can show or upload your shots while providing the necessary information. Consequently, others can give constructive criticism or advice on your photography skills, particularly what you can improve or apply the next time you shoot.

Related Questions

Can You View Camera Settings in Lightroom Mobile?

Yes, you can check your shooting settings in the mobile version of Lightroom using the Professional Mode. When you launch the app, go to the lower left corner of the screen, then switch from Auto to Pro Mode. This will reveal a list of settings, including exposure values.

Why Can't I See the Camera Settings?

If you only see lines in the parts where you're supposed to see details, you're likely using a manual lens. So, for example, if you have a NiSi 15mm f/4 lens, you won't see information such as the aperture and focal length because it's a manual lens.

How to Set Default Settings for Importing RAW Photos in Lightroom?

To set default settings when importing RAW pictures, you first need to go to Edit and click on Preferences. Next, click on the Presets tab from the Preferences dialog box. Then, from the Master drop-down menu, choose between Adobe Default, Camera Settings, or Preset.

Conclusion

You can go to the Metadata panel, Histogram panel, and Loupe Overlay to check the camera settings when post-processing in Lightroom. From here, you'll be able to assess the photos and determine the best way to edit your real estate images.

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