If the search engines could do an image search based on camera serial number then you could locate some stolen cameras that way. Just search for any images uploaded from that camera since it was stolen, and then you could have some evidence to use in tracking it down. EXIF data can include serial number but apparently it's not very standardized right now.
Some picture noise removal programs allow you to supply a "noise profile picture". This involves leaving your lens cap on and taking a long exposure so that the only thing in your picture is the noise inherent in the camera's sensor. The noise pattern on any given sensor is fairly unique, unique enough that these programs can then use that profile to "subtract" noise from pictures you take.
Perhaps people could register their noise profiles with a service like Flickr and, if their camera is stolen, this noise profile could be detected in pictures found on the web.
Comments
If the search engines could do an image search based on camera serial number then you could locate some stolen cameras that way. Just search for any images uploaded from that camera since it was stolen, and then you could have some evidence to use in tracking it down. EXIF data can include serial number but apparently it's not very standardized right now.
Some picture noise removal programs allow you to supply a "noise profile picture". This involves leaving your lens cap on and taking a long exposure so that the only thing in your picture is the noise inherent in the camera's sensor. The noise pattern on any given sensor is fairly unique, unique enough that these programs can then use that profile to "subtract" noise from pictures you take.
Perhaps people could register their noise profiles with a service like Flickr and, if their camera is stolen, this noise profile could be detected in pictures found on the web.