How To Check Your Camera’s Shutter Actuation Count?

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shutter count

If you have been shopping for a camera in the used market, the one thing that you will come across a lot of times is the camera shutter count.

Not just used market, by the way. There are times when camera shutter count is looked upon by photographers on their own cameras, too. What exactly is this count, and why does it matter so much?

In order to find, we are going to talk about everything that is related to camera shutter count, so people have an easier understanding of what they are dealing with. I can already tell you that it really is not something that will confuse you. So, let’s not waste time and have a look.

What Does Camera Shutter Count Mean?

Now, there are no complications when you are talking about what shutter count means. Simply put, shutter count refers to the number of times the shutter has been actuated.

So, if you take one picture, that would mean that there is a single shutter actuation, amounting to one shutter count. The more pictures you take, the higher the shutter count gets.

image of a canon dslr on stand

For those who do not know, camera manufacturers rate their cameras to have a set shutter count, and for the longest time, it has been a belief that an increased shutter count will only result in a lowered lifespan, but that is not always the case.

There are cameras that are still working well beyond their rated shutter count, so if that is one of the concerns that you have, you really should not have any problems with the situation to begin with.

DSLR Shutter Counts vs Mirrorless Shutter Counts

Moving further, a common question that we get all the time is whether the shutter count on DSLR cameras is the same as the shutter count on mirrorless cameras.

Yes, in almost all the cases, you are looking at the same shutter count and the mechanism. This is, of course, for the physical shutter that exists in almost all the cameras that you see in the market, so you cannot really avoid that.

The reason why this confusion exists in the first place is because mirrorless cameras are also known for having an electronic shutter which allows for silent photography.

However, what most people don’t know is that these cameras also use the more traditional mechanical shutter, and the shutter works in the same way, so yes, it does matter.

How To Find Your Camera’s Shutter Count?

If you are spending time trying to figure out how to find your camera’s shutter count, then there are a number of ways that can help you figure that out.

A lot of the times, I have heard people say that you just keep track of the numbering that is done on the photos, but after a while, that numbering resets, which means that you cannot just go use that.

image of person looking at its camera

There are softwares that lets you figure out the shutter count of your camera, as well as websites that can help you with that using the EXIF data that is stored in the RAW pictures you take through the camera. However, the thing that I have learned about these methods is that they do not always work on newer cameras.

The most definitive way of checking your shutter count is by taking it to camera professionals since they have access to specialized tools that they use to gain access to shutter count. Needless to say, it is very convenient and should work just fine.

What Is The Best Way To Check Shutter Actuations?

For anyone who is looking to be sure that they are properly aware of the shutter actuations or shutter count, there are a number of ways that you can actually go ahead and do that.

As I have mentioned previously, you can go ahead and use a number of applications to do that or websites as well that should get the job done.

However, the best way to check the shutter actuations is by taking the camera to a camera shop; these shops are normally equipped with everything that you would need to actually go ahead and check the shutter count, and they will do it without taking too much of your time.

It is simple, works just fine, and you will not have to worry about anything that might come in the way. Just be sure that you are taking it to someone who is good with their work, and you are all sorted.

How Many Shutter Actuations Is Too Many?

Another question that is going to be thrown around all the time is just how many shutter actuations are too many. This question is something that has been with us for the longest time, and to be honest; I can go out on a limb and tell you that it really does not matter.

Why? Well, you see, the shutter actuations that the camera manufacturers list down are tested in specific conditions.

camera screen

I have seen countless cameras that have worked beyond their rated shutter actuation and still continue to do so, and I have also seen cameras that manage to fail before their shutter actuation is even halfway.

The point here is that if you are a hobbyist or a veteran, you really should not be concerned with shutter actuation and wondering what will happen if the number manages to exceed the rated number by the manufacturer.

How Can You Get Your Canon Camera’s Shutter Count?

Canon cameras have become a lot more common than they used to be. The best thing is that if you are looking for a good Canon camera, then it is safe to say that checking the shutter count is not going to be that difficult either.

The best thing is that you just head over to camerashuttercount.com and upload a RAW image. That should give you the shutter count that you are looking to get. However, some cameras might not work.

There is also a software called EOS Info that you can use, but we are not sure if you are going to get the results on all the cameras. The last thing that you can do is take your camera to a professional and have them give you the shutter count.

How Can I Find The Shutter Count On Nikon Cameras?

Considering how the shutter count is stored in the EXIF file and figuring it out is not at all different, it is important to keep in mind that different cameras measure this differently. There are some cameras that have easily accessible information while other cameras don’t.

For Nikon cameras, the best way is to take a RAW picture and then upload the picture by going over to freeshuttercount.com. The website will then give you the exact shutter count.

However, if the above-stated method does not work, then I once again suggest you to take your camera to a professional shop, and they will get you the shutter count of your Nikon camera.

How Can I Find The Shutter Counts For Sony Cameras?

Now, moving onto Sony cameras, there are shutter counts that you can easily find. You can head over to this rather simple looking website http://tools.science.si/ and then upload the JPEG or RAW file, and that should give you the shutter count of the camera with ease.

Again, if this method does not work, you can just go ahead and take your camera to the professionals, and they will give you the exact shutter count of your camera.

Electronic vs Mechanical Shutters?

Now, the main question that most people are going to have is the difference between electronic and mechanical shutter, and to be honest, it certainly is confusing for a lot of people, but you would be glad to know that it is a lot easier to figure out.

For starters, if you want to know about the electronic shutter, then it is most useful when you are talking about taking pictures in a silent mode.

The mechanical shutter, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like; it is a mechanical shutter or a curtain that the camera uses in the form of actuation.

How Can Shutter Count Be Important

Now, we are moving to another crucial part where people talk about the importance of shutter count. To be honest, it has been around for as long as one can remember, and while it certainly is important, it certainly is not the be-all end-all.

check shutter count nikon

What I mean by that is that even if your shutter count is higher than the suggested count, there is no guarantee that your camera is going to stop working. So, sure, shutter count is important, but it certainly is not something to base your entire decision to buy a camera or not.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1- What is a good shutter count for a camera?

Answer: Honestly, there is no real way to tell an actual good shutter count for a camera because they all vary.

Q2- Are the 18000 shutters count good?

Answer: In most cases, I have seen cameras that are still working way beyond their supposed shutter count.

Q3- What happens after shutter count?

Answer: Honestly, nothing really happens. In most cases, your camera will keep working just fine.

Q4- Should I worry about shutter count?

Answer: Whether you are a professional or just someone who is taking pictures out of a hobby, I really would not worry about shutter count all that much.

Wrap-Up:

I do understand people getting terrified over the thought of shutter count, but in my years of using and testing cameras, I have come to understand that it never really happens, and you really will not have any issues with it, either. So, if you are looking to go ahead with it, just don’t worry, and your camera is going to be fine.

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  • Celebrating childhood in photographs and emotions through photos. My aim is to transfer all my photography experience by sharing useful camera-related guides and individual reviews so you can get an idea about everything before buying.

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