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There may come a time when you need information about your Nikon camera’s shutter actuations. When that time comes, you may be surprised to learn that locating this information is not a simple matter of looking in the Nikon camera menu. The camera menu houses plenty of other details about your Nikon, but you have to look elsewhere to learn how to check shutter count on a Nikon.
Because there are many ways to get this information, including a comprehensive list of all of them would be impractical. Instead, this tutorial will take a look at the quickest and easiest methods to find shutter count, whether you use a Windows operating system or a Mac. This how-to guide is not designed for Canon users, however.
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What Is Image EXIF Metadata?
Before going over the actual methods, it’s essential to understand what EXIF (Exchangeable Image File) data is.
Why? Because EXIF is whereNikon camerasstore shutter actuation info, and it’s located in the image file of the photos that your camera has taken (which is why you can’t check shutter count in your camera’s menu). You may also hear EXIF, or “metadata” as it’s known, referred to as file headers. (As a note, Canon also stores this data the same way.)
Aside from including information aboutshutter actuation, EXIF data also includes details about each image’s exposure, such as date, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
The data contained in the file headers is not data that we typically need to access, and for that reason, it’s hidden. The problem arises when you do need that data for some reason since you need software to reveal what the EXIF data says. Luckily, there are ways of getting the EXIF data to show its count check secrets.
Before Checking Nikon Shutter Count
As you may have guessed by now, you’ll need to take an image to check your Nikon’s shutter count. Here are some things to remember to make the process as smooth as possible.
The first and most critical thing is only to use an unedited image that comes straight from your Nikon. Don’t tinker with it in Lightroom, as using image-processing programs can strip the EXIF data that you need.
Next, make sure you are using either a JPG or NEF image file to check the shutter count. JPG is best for Windows, but NEF should work in either situation, too.
And lastly, the best way to go about this process is by reading the file directly from your camera’smemory card. You can do this by using a card reader or connecting your Nikon to your computer with a USB cord. Copying the image to yourhard drivesometimes works, but the first two options are the most effective for pulling EXIF data.
How to Check Nikon Shutter Count
Now that you know how to make the process as smooth as possible, let’s jump into the easiest methods to find shutter count on both a Mac and Windows computer. Keep in mind that these methods are forEXIFdata on a Nikon; they may look different for Canon DSLR cameras.
Mac
The process on a Mac is quite straightforward, as you can use the Preview app, which is built into the Mac operating system.
To do so, pull up Preview and open the image (either NEF or JPG). Press CMD+I and a General Info screen will appear. On this screen, you’ll see a small “i” button in a dark circle. Click on that button.
Next, you should see a “Nikon” tab. Opening that tab is where you’ll find the EXIF data you’re looking for. Among other data like flash setting,focus mode, and shooting mode, you will see “Shutter Count.” The number next to the shutter count is the number of shutter actuations.
Pretty easy, right?
Windows
Now let’s take a look at how to find shutter actuations in Windows. Unlike Mac, Windows doesn’t have any built-in apps that you can open to read EXIF data. Your remaining options are to download a program or use an online service.
Since many downloadable programs cost money (and have the added inconvenience of taking space on your hard drive), an online option is probably your best bet. There are plenty of free ones you can Google. All you have to do is upload the image to the service’s web browser, and voila—they read the EXIF data in the image and give you information about shutter count.
Keep in mind that not all of these programs are created equal. Some restrict the maximumfile size, and some don’t work with NEF files, but for the most part, they get the job done.
Why You Can’t Find EXIF Data in Lightroom
You might be wondering why Lightroom hasn’t been mentioned as an option for checkingcamera shutter count. Lightroom is unable to read the maker notes section where shutter actuation information is stored, so trying to read EXIF data in Lightroom is pointless.
Checking Shutter Count with Apps
We mentioned that there are programs that can help you open shutter count data. Here are a few of the best options:
ExifTool: ExifTool is a free program with a lot of functionalities aside from reading EXIF data. It’s a bit much for most people, as you will most likely need to configure it and have some knowledge of command-line tools. But if you have the know-how, it’s a powerful tool.
Opanda IExif Viewer: Opanda IExif Viewer is a free EXIF viewer for Windows. It’s also available in a paid version that allows you to edit capabilities for EXIF.
PhotoMechanic: Purchasing PhotoMechanic for the sole purpose of finding shutter actuation is a bit overkill, as it’s quite expensive. But if you already have the program, this feature is one of many things it can do. When looking at an individual image, you can find shutter actuation information in the Info Panel under “Frame Number.”
Why Are the Number of Shutter Actuations Important?
In most cases, there is no need for Nikon users to think about EXIF data or know the number of shutter actuations on their cameras. But sometimes this information is essential, usually when buying or selling cameras.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t buy a used car without looking at the mileage, right? And the car’s mileage significantly influences how much you pay for it. Well, we can compare the number of shutter actuations on a camera to car mileage. Shutter count gives you an idea of how much the camera has been used and how much more use you might expect from it.
DSLR cameraswith a lower shutter count typically have higher resale value, as the overall condition of the camera is generally better.
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What Is Considered “Good” Shutter Count?
When purchasing used cameras, a good rule of thumb is to buy one with the lowest number of shutter actuations possible. If the shutter count is over fifty percent of the rated shutter life, you can probably get a steep discount, but camera life will likely suffer.
Why Isn’t the Actuation Count of New Cameras Zero?
While it may seem like the number of images on new cameras should be zero, this often isn’t the case. EXIF data for new Nikon andCanon camerastypically reveals a low number—not zero—as they receive final quality checks requiring some shutter releases.
How Can I Get a Better Shutter Life?
Whether you have a Nikon or a Canon, you can take steps to extend your shutter life. Dust and dirt are the enemies to a properly functioning camera and your shutter life, so you should only change lenses in clean environments with little to no wind.
How Many Shutter Actuations Does the Average Camera Get?
It’s hard to give an exact number, but most digital DSLR cameras (including Canon and Nikon) will probably get you between 50,000 to 150,000 shutter actuations.
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FAQs
How do I find the shutter count on my Nikon d3200? ›
In the popup, click on the i tab (the icon that is a small dark circle with an “i”). From the next screen, click on the Nikon tab. This is the maker notes section. Down toward the bottom, you'll see the Shutter Count item.
What is the highest shutter count for Nikon? ›Nikon's D4 and D5 cameras are rated at 400,000 cycles, with the D850 and D500 at 200,000 cycles, the D7500 at 150,000 cycles and the D5600 and D3500 at 100,000 cycles.
What is shutter count Nikon? ›Shutter count is an estimation of how much the camera has been used. Most shutters are rated to a minimum of 150,000 (entry and mid-range DSLRs) or 300,000 (professional DSLRs). Most shutters last well beyond their rated life (indeed no Camera Jungle DSLR has yet worn out).
Can shutter count be reset? ›The simple answer is no; you cannot reset a camera's shutter count. Camera manufacturing companies protect the method of resetting the cameras' shutter counts in order to prevent consumers from resetting them. This protects used camera buyers and the company.
Does shutter count matter? ›By knowing your shutter count, you can determine just how much longer your camera has before it gives out. Shutter count is also important when you are buying or selling a camera because it helps determine the cost of the camera and whether or not it's even worth it to purchase or sell.
Where can I see my shutter count? ›The easiest way to check a camera's shutter count is to upload an image to a website that will analyze the EXIF data automatically, like CameraShutterCount.com.
What is the shutter count lifespan of a Nikon D3200? ›Nikon D3200 shutter rated lifespan is 100000 actuations.
How much is too high of a shutter count? ›For example, on average entry level cameras are rated for approximately 50,000 shots, mid-range cameras are rated for around 100,000 shots, and professional cameras are rated for around 200,000 shots. Any shutter count that is nearing these numbers is considered high.
What is a bad shutter count? ›A used camera can be expected to have about 10,000 shutter actuations per year for normal use. Again going back to the car analogy, if your used camera has a shutter count of more than 100,000, you should probably pass on that camera.
Does shutter count affect quality? ›This matters because mechanical shutters are rated for a certain number (usually around the 200,000 to 400,000 mark) before they start to fail. Having a high shutter count could, in turn, lower the value of your camera — unless you replace the shutter.
What is the lifespan of a DSLR camera? ›
If you buy a DSLR with a good shutter count, that camera could go for more than 5 to 10 years. But for an everyday user, it can span 3 to 4 years.
How do I find the shutter count on my Nikon D3400? ›Instead, you can find it in the photos taken by the camera. Like other digital cameras, the D3400 embeds the shutter count of that specific photo in each photo the camera takes. More specifically, it's in the maker notes section of the EXIF metadata.
How much does it cost to get a shutter replaced? ›A single pair costs, on average, between $25 and $1,200, depending on the materials. Installation typically requires two hours of labor, at an average charge between $65 and $100 per hour, for a total cost between $155 and $1,400.
How do I know if my camera shutter is failing? ›Shutter failure almost always presents itself as a partially exposed image, meaning part of the sensor is not exposing anything due to a shutter leaf still being in front of it. There will be a large black shaded portion of the image. You would clearly notice this and it would become more frequent as time goes on.
Does Nikon reset shutter count when replacing shutter? ›But to answer your question, "Does Nikon reset the shot counter to zero when they replace the shutter ?" The answer is USUALLY. But NOT always. I've broken about 8 or 9 shutters and one of those times Nikon didn't reset the shutter count to zero. Check out the shutter count on this photo (using IExif):
What is the lifespan of a camera? ›For example, if the shutter count is 200,000 photos and you take 100 photos per day, divide 200,000 by 100 and you get 2,000. This means that your camera will wear out in 2,000 days or 5.47 years. And, it may wear out faster if you're doing moving photography on a digital camera.
What happens when shutter count is low? ›A camera can also, so the shutter count is only one factor in the camera's value – make sure that the other components are well cared for too. This being said, a low shutter count expresses that the camera hasn't been used a lot (or may have been used casually), which is more likely to be in a better condition.
What happens to camera after shutter count? ›Once you hit the shutter count, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the continued use of the shutter, which means that it may break. After the shutter stops working, then you can't take a picture.
What is the shutter count of Nikon d5300? ›As a rule of thumb, you can probably count on 50,000 to 150,000 shutter actuations for most digital DSLRs.
What is the shutter life of a Nikon D750? ›The D750 has been succeeded by the Nikon D780, but in some ways the newer camera has been defeatured: it has no built-in flash and no longer accepts a battery grip. Nikon D750 shutter rated lifespan is 150000 actuations.
What are the camera shutter settings? ›
There should be a dial or arrows somewhere on your camera. Move the dial left or right/ arrows up or down depending on the shutter speeds you want. The shutter speed format is usually in 1/1000, 1/250, 1/30, 1/2, 1/4, etc. The higher the bottom number, the faster the shutter speed is.
What shutter speed for still life photography? ›1/125 of a second is a good speed to aim for in a well-lit room. 2. Use a tripod for your set up. As the still life doesn't move, you have the luxury of using a slower shutter speed 1/60 or 1/30 and still getting the amount of light you're after even if the light conditions are quite dark.
How many shots can a Nikon D3200 take? ›The Nikon D3200 comes with the same EN-EL14 lithium-ion battery pack that was used in the predecessor D3100. It's got a capacity of 1030 mAh which, according to Nikon, is good for 540 shots (CIPA standard) when shooting in single-frame drive mode.
What is the maximum shutter time? ›Shutter speeds are listed as whole seconds or as fractions of a second. The maximum shutter speed for most SLR cameras is 30 seconds.
How can I find my shutter count for free online? ›- Take a photo. Take a photo on your digital camera. ...
- Upload a photo. Jimpl will analyze EXIF metadata recorded in the photo to find out the shutter count.
- See shutter count. If you uploaded a recent photo from the digital camera you'll see the current shutter actuation count.
As a rule of thumb, you can probably count on 50,000 to 150,000 shutter actuations for most digital DSLRs.
How much is the shutter count of Nikon D3400? ›| Basic Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder: | Optical / LCD |
| Native ISO: | 100 - 25,600 |
| Extended ISO: | 100 - 25,600 |
| Shutter: | 1/4000 - 30 sec |
As a good rule of thumb, your shutter speed should be double your frame rate whenever possible. So if you're shooting at 60 fps, it's best to have a shutter speed of 1/120th or more. This will prevent motion blur and give you smooth, clear video.
What is the maximum shutter count for Nikon D3500? ›In 2019, the D3500 won the TIPA Best DSLR Camera award. Nikon D3500 shutter rated lifespan is 150000 actuations.
Can shutter be replaced? ›A camera shutter can be replaced if the replacement parts are readily available and reasonably priced. If the replacement is too expensive, it's best to buy a new camera. Still, if other camera parts are in good working order, it's advisable to get the shutter replaced to prolong the camera's life.
What is the safest shutter speed? ›
Traditionally, the reciprocal of the effective focal length is a good guide to a safe handheld shutter speed. With a 100mm lens on a full-frame camera, that means using a shutter speed that's at least 1/100 or 1/125sec to ensure that images are sharp.
What is the best all around shutter speed? ›1/500 - This shutter speed works best for wildlife, sports, and action photography. 1/250 - Here is an excellent shutter speed for slower-moving animals or walking people. 1/125 - Use this to take a photograph of a moving vehicle. 1/60 - This is the standard shutter speed on a camera.
Do mirrorless cameras last longer than DSLR? ›DSLRs have longer lasting batteries.
They don't rely on an electronic viewfinder and therefore less electric energy is required to capture a photo. This means that even without a bigger battery, a DSLR can last longer than a mirrorless camera on the same-sized battery.
The thing that usually wears out first on a DSLR is the mechanical shutter. Some older DSLRs were rated only to about 50,000 shots, but the standard in most of the industry for consumer models is around 100,000 shots, with some as high as 150,000. For professional cameras, it's more like 200,000–400,000.
What is the shutter count lifespan of a Nikon D60? ›Nikon D60 shutter rated lifespan is 50000 actuations.
What shutter speed to avoid blurry images? ›The general rule when hand holding your camera is to set the shutter speed equal to your focal length to avoid camera shake. In other words, your shutter speed should be 1/300 or faster when using a 300mm lens, 1/20 or faster with a 20mm lens, and so on.
What shutter speed makes it blurry? ›Slower shutter speeds like 1/60 second and slower cause a blurring effect. If you want to take a picture using a slow shutter speed, it is best to mount the camera on a tripod and use image stabilization (such as SteadyShot® technology) to reduce the chance of any unwanted camera movement.
What shutter speed is good for blurry pictures? ›Your camera should be set to shutter priority or manual mode with a shutter speed between 1/15 and 1/60 sec, depending upon the speed of your subject. You may need to shoot a few test shots to determine your shutter speed. Using a slower shutter speed will increase blur; while a faster shutter speed will reduce blur.
Are DSLR cameras still worth buying? ›Yes, DSLRs are still the go-to cameras for many photojournalists and sports photographers. What is the difference between DSLR and SLR? While both have mirrors and viewfinders, the difference between the two is that DSLRs capture images digitally, while SLRs use films.
Why is DSLR still better? ›The DSLR offers a wider selection of interchangeable lenses, longer battery life, and better low-light shooting thanks to the optical viewfinder. On the other hand, mirrorless cameras are lighter, more portable, offer better video quality even in lower-end models, and can shoot more images at faster shutter speeds.
Is DSLR coming to an end? ›
Camera companies might be moving away from DSLRs. But the DSLR market remains a vibrant place for digital photographers. From beginners to professional photographers, DSLR shooters love their cameras. DSLR cameras are reliable machines.
How do I find the shutter speed on my Nikon? ›Shutter speed is selected by rotating the command dial (right for faster speeds, left for slower). To adjust aperture, keep the E (N) button pressed while rotating the command dial (left for larger apertures/lower f-numbers and right for smaller apertures/higher f-numbers).
How do I tell how many shutter actuations my camera has? ›- Take a photo on your camera (JPEGs work fine, RAW also work with most sites)
- Upload the photo, unedited to the site.
- Get your results.
- Take a photo. Take a photo on your digital camera. ...
- Upload a photo. Jimpl will analyze EXIF metadata recorded in the photo to find out the shutter count.
- See shutter count. If you uploaded a recent photo from the digital camera you'll see the current shutter actuation count.
Fewer than 10,000 shots on a camera that is 2-5 years old is very low, with the normal amount being around 30,000-50,000. If a camera has a very high count of 100,000 or more, it's probably best avoided, especially because this number will also give you a little insight into the owner's use of the camera.
Does iPhone have shutter count? ›On iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and later models: Swipe the Shutter button to the left. On iPhone X and earlier models: Touch and hold the Shutter button. The counter shows how many shots you've taken.
Does electronic shutter have a shutter count? ›Most mirrorless cameras do not count the electronic shutter actuations in the number presented, so you can rest assured that the shutter count you receive is truly just from the mechanical shutter.
What is a good shutter count to buy a camera? ›On a life-time scale, an entry-level camera should only be expected to reach a shutter count of around 50,000, while a mid-level camera can reach 150,000, and a professional camera should be able to reach 300,000 or more.
How many shutter counts does a D3500 Nikon have? ›Nikon D3500 shutter rated lifespan is 150000 actuations.
How long does shutter count last on Nikon D3200? ›Nikon D3200 shutter rated lifespan is 100000 actuations.
How many shutter counts does a Nikon D3300 have? ›
I've seen some mentions online that the Nikon D3300 is rated for 200,000 shutter activations.
How many shutter counts does a Nikon D3400 have? ›It is rated shutter life. The rated shutter life for D3400 is about 150,000 clicks. An owner of d3400 is going to be a casual hobbyist and is expected not to exceed 500 shots per week.