A camera gear inventory you can trust when something goes missing
Camera kit adds up: bodies, lenses, flashes, filters, batteries. When you need to insure it, sell a lens or work out what you left at a location, a proper inventory saves a lot of time.
List every item with its serial number
Bodies and lenses carry serial numbers, and so do many flashes. Record them when the kit is new, and photograph the item next to its box. If an item is lost or stolen, that record is the first thing you will need.
Add the wear and the history
For bodies, note the shutter count when you bought it and from time to time after that. For lenses, write down the mount and any repairs. Firmware versions are worth noting for bodies you keep for years.
Keep it with your receipts
Attach receipts or order confirmations to the entries they belong to. Serial numbers and receipts are sensitive, so keep them in a private, encrypted layer rather than a shared document.
What to record for each item
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Brand, model, mount | Identifies the item and its compatibility. |
| Serial number | Needed for insurance and police reports; keep it private. |
| Purchase date, source, price | Proof of ownership and your own history. |
| Shutter count (bodies) | A rough measure of wear. |
| Firmware version | Useful if behaviour changes after an update. |
| Repairs and servicing | Shows condition over time. |
How LAYX handles this
- A private Vault with a category for cameras and lenses.
- Sealed details (serial numbers, prices, receipts) are encrypted on your phone, with a key that never leaves the device.
- An optional morning Drop of what is in your bag today. No ads, no algorithm, nothing for sale.
Get notified when LAYX launches
One email when the app is approved on the App Store and Google Play. Nothing else.
Questions
Is LAYX a replacement for insurance paperwork?
No. It is a place to keep your own organised records, which you can use when you talk to an insurer. Check what your insurer requires.
Can I store photos of receipts?
Yes, receipts can be kept in the Sealed part of an item and are encrypted on your phone.
Related guides
- How to document a collectionA practical guide to documenting a collection of watches, knives, cameras or pens: what to photograph, which details to record, and how to keep serial numbers and receipts private.
- Pocket dump appWhat a pocket dump is, how to photograph yours well, what to leave out for privacy, and an app that turns a daily pocket dump into a private log.
- GuidesShort, practical guides on keeping track of what you own and what you carry, written for collectors and everyday carriers.