Your camera’s shutter count or number of shutter actuations is the number of times your shutter has been used to take a picture. On mirrorless cameras, this number is usually just given for the mechanical shutter.
You may be interested in the total shutter count for the purpose of selling your camera. Or, maybe you want to see how close you are to the manufacturers’ rated shutter life, which is often in the hundreds of thousands. In this article, I will explain how to find out your shutter count for most types of cameras.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Check Your Shutter Count?
Mechanical shutters have a finite life and eventually break down. With most higher-end cameras, the shutter can last for hundreds of thousands of shots, and there are a few cameras that have even reached a million actuations without failing.
Thus, checking your shutter count can tell you on average how much life is left in your shutter, which is especially useful for selling your camera. But this applies to the mechanical shutter. If you use a mirrorless camera and have it on electronic shutter mode, then there is no mechanical part wearing down, and the shutter count is not as important.
A few cameras like the Nikon Z9 don’t even have a mechanical shutter. Nonetheless, you may still be interested in finding out the shutter count, which is a proxy for how much the camera has been used.
Tools for Shutter Count
Programs to Read EXIF Data
Nikon, Sony, Fuji, and Pentax cameras put the shutter count in file metadata known as EXIF. If you do not know what EXIF is and what it is used for, check out my “What is EXIF” article. Basically, your camera writes all exposure-related information such as date, time, shutter speed, aperture, ISO and a bunch of other important information into the header of each file.
If you use a Panasonic or Olympus camera, you will need to use the methods described later in the article to find your shutter count. If you use a Canon camera, you may need to travel to another dimension.
So if you do shoot Nikon, Sony, Fuji, or Pentax, a good way to find the shutter count is an EXIF reader. The most powerful one is Phil Harvey’s ExifTool. Although it is a command-line utility, it is very easy to use. Some other programs also display partial EXIF information, and when the shutter count information can be retrieved this way, it is indicated in the camera-specific sections below.
A cross-platform graphical frontend for ExifTool called jExifToolGUI also exists.
Uploading to a Website
Another option for Nikon, Sony, Fuji, or Pentax cameras is an online shutter count tool like Camera Shutter Count that simply reads the shutter count data from the EXIF information embedded in a Raw or JPEG file. This is the easiest method because it does not require downloading any program or using the command line.
If you do use a JPEG file, make sure you use one that is straight out of your camera, because output JPEGs from Lightroom or some other Raw editor may have some EXIF information removed.
Since these methods require the shutter count to be written to an EXIF field, Canon, Olympus, and Panasonic cameras will not work.
Shutter Count For Each Camera Brand
Nikon
Nikon is one of the easiest brands to check shutter count because Nikon cameras embed their shutter count data into EXIF fields. Aside from the online method I just mentioned, you can simply search for the “Shutter Count” field in your EXIF viewer, or use the following command in ExifTool:
exiftool NikonFile.NEF | grep -i Shutter.Count
With Nikon mirrorless cameras, you may get two results: the shutter count and the mechanical shutter count, the latter only counting shots taken with the mechanical shutter.
For MacOS users, the native preview app also displays the shutter count for Nikon cameras, including the latest Nikon Z9. To display it, open any Raw or JPEG with Preview. If the inspector is not open, go to Tools > Show Inspector. Once you have done this, click on the “Nikon” tab and the shutter count will be displayed:
Although Sony, Pentax, and Fuji also have their shutter counts in the EXIF data, it is unfortunately not displayed in the Preview app.
Pentax
Pentax is very similar to Nikon in that the shutter count is displayed in the “Shutter Count” field in the EXIF info. If you are using ExifTool, you can use the same command that works for Nikon cameras:
exiftool PentaxFile.DNG | grep -i Shutter.Count
Sony
Sony also writes the number of mechanical shutter actuations to the “Shutter Count” field, which can be obtained with the following command:
exiftool SonyFile.ARW | grep -i Shutter.Count
There may be more than one “Shutter Count” field like “Shutter Count 2”, but the numbers in these fields should be the same.
An interesting alternative for Sony cameras is SONY Alpha shutter counter. I like this website because it does not upload your image to any server. Instead, it uses a script in the browser to extract the number of shutter actuations from your Sony Alpha camera. Not only is this a bit more secure than other websites, it also is much faster, especially if you are uploading a Raw file.
Fuji
Fuji follows Nikon, Pentax, and Sony by putting the shutter count in the EXIF metadata, except Fuji cameras use the field “Image Count” instead of “Shutter Count”. With ExifTool:
exiftool FujiFile.RAF | grep Image.Count
Canon
It is much more difficult to find the shutter count of a Canon camera. Most Canon cameras do not embed shutter count information into the EXIF data. Instead, it’s recorded only in the camera, and Canon has never released any information on how it is read.
Instead, some third parties like ShutterCheck have reversed-engineered Canon’s protocols, and their programs can display your camera’s shutter count while your camera is connected to your computer.
Newer Canon mirrorless cameras only give shutter count readings in increments of a thousand. Be sure to check if your model is supported before purchasing such an app.
Olympus
Olympus cameras have a hidden menu that displays the shutter count. Here is how you can access the hidden menu on Olympus cameras:
- Turn off your camera
- Press and hold the menu button and turn on the camera
- Stop pressing the menu button and then press it again
- Go into the wrench (setup menu)
- Go to the option to adjust the brightness and temperature of the rear display
- Press this sequence of buttons: right, info, OK
- Press this sequence: up, down, left, right, shutter, up (this will show the secret menu)
- Press right to show the second page of the secret menu.
The mechanical shutter count will now be displayed as the number after “MS”.
Panasonic
Panasonic is like Olympus in that you need to access a hidden menu to view the shutter count. To access it, you need to put your camera into maintenance mode.
Before you follow this procedure, please note that some users with VLOG installed have reported problems. Thus, if you have VLOG, it may be better to stop worrying about your shutter count.
Make sure there is a memory card in the camera and do the following:
- Select single shooting mode
- Turn the mode dial to aperture priority or some other photo mode, not video
- Turn the camera on and take a picture
- Turn the camera off
- Press and hold the play button and the AE/AF lock button
- Turn the camera on
- Press menu and select the wrench icon
- Go to Page 5 of the menu
- Go to ERR CODE DISP
- Press the menu key twice
The shutter count of the camera will now be displayed under the SHTCNT field.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you were able to determine your shutter count, especially if you shoot with a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras offer electronic shutter mode for silent shooting, and so for most people, the mechanical shutter on your camera will last even longer. Do you worry about the life of your shutter? Let me know in the comments about your harrowing experiences with determining your shutter count.
FAQs
How to Find Your Camera's Shutter Count on Any Camera? ›
The easiest way to check the shutter actuations for most camera models by brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax is by uploading an unedited image from your camera to the website camerashuttercount.com. The site will read the image's EXIF data and display your current number.
How do I find the shutter count on my Canon camera without a computer? ›- Turn the camera on.
- Open the memory card door.
- Press “PLAY” +”OK” at the same time.
- Press on the dial, in the following order: up, down, left, right.
- Depress the shutter release button fully.
- Press up on the dial.
- 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.
To check your camera's shutter count, go to the CameraShutterCount.com website and upload a photo you took recently. If your camera stores the shutter count in the image's EXIF data, it will be displayed instantly.
What is the shutter count of an old camera? ›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.
Is 5000 shutter count a lot? ›Shutter counts below 5000 mean that the camera is practically new, or has not been used extensively. If it's in a type popular among video makers, it can also mean it was used for video. Around 10,000 images is what most casual photographers shoot in a year, so you can make a calculation based on that.
What is an average shutter count? ›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 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.
How long does shutter count last? ›Most entry-level DSLR cameras should be able to withstand at least 50,000 actuations, while mid-level models should last for more than 100,000 actuation cycles. Enthusiast-level DSLRs are normally rated for 150,000 to 250,000 actuations while professional DSLRs are rated for 300,000 to 500,000 actuations.
Does smartphone camera have shutter count? ›
What Features Are on a Camera App? Smartphone cameras may not have traditional shutters to limit or add exposure, but they have many features on the camera app that can help edit pictures. These can give a photo of the appearance of having more exposure than it does.
Does Canon have a shutter count? ›Shutter count, also known as shutter actuation, simply refers to the number of times you click the shutter to capture an image. Canon cameras limit the number of photos they should capture before you replace the shutter. Regardless of the model, a Canon DSLR has approximate shutter count of 30,000 to 300,000.
What is Canon official shutter count? ›The shutter count is the number of photos you have taken. While most parts of your device probably won't damage, the shutter undergoes frequent deterioration throughout its lifetime. Whatever your Canon model, a DSLR can withstand approximately 30,000 to 300,000 shutter actuations before needing a replacement.
Is 40000 shutter count a lot? ›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.
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.
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.
Is a camera with high shutter count bad? ›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 camera? ›Ans: Generally, A camera can last 3 to 5 years with normal use. In special cases, it can last 5 to 10 years. Do cameras wear out from normal use? Ans: Every camera has a limited shutter speed, so overusing a camera can cause wear and tear, but as a hobbyist user of a camera, it will take time to become worn out.
What is the lifespan of a DSLR camera? ›The quick answer is that most DSLR cameras will last 5-10 years. It's more likely that it will become outdated or that it will get damaged before the shutter wears out.
What is the max shutter speed rule? ›The most important rule here is that the shutter speed should be double the frame rate. This is known as the 180-degree shutter rule. So if you are shooting at 24 fps, your shutter speed should be 1/48 sec - which on most cameras is rounded up to 1/50 sec.
What shutter speed is too high? ›
Fast shutter speed is 1/125 sec or faster. 1/1000 sec is super fast shutter speed. Fast shutter speed lets less light into your camera and will effect exposure making your images darker.
Is 17000 shutter count good? ›Although mid-level DSLRs will generally be rated for up to 150,000 no matter what, then is a good shutter count lower? In terms of ideal shutter count, used camera bodies with less than 5,000 on the record can be considered practically new.
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.
What is the 120 shutter rule? ›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.
Does shutter count affect quality? ›Re: Do shutter actuation affect the picture quality? The short answer is NO. That being said, if we are talking about a mechanical shutter like a dSLR, then they do wear out as a function of actuations.
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.
What happens when you press the shutter button down all the way? ›If you just mash the shutter button down all the way, the odds are you're going to miss your shot because your camera has to chug through all of those steps, before it can take the picture.
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.
Is there an app to check shutter count? ›Shutter Count helps you check the total number of shutter actuations and the serial number (Nikon only) of your Nikon or Sony DSLR on Android devices. It is pretty useful when you are checking a camera, especially a used one, before buying it.
How do I use my iPhone camera to count? ›With the CountThis app, you can count similar objects via Camera – it's just as simple as it sounds. Take a photo of things you want to count, highlight one of the items – and get the result. You can manually add objects or remove them to change the counting result.
Where is the shutter located? ›
A camera shutter is a device located inside the camera covering the image sensor.
Do all cameras have a shutter? ›It all comes down to the quality of the photos. Cameras without shutters tend to produce grainy pictures. On the other hand, cameras with mechanical shutters have cleaner images. They have better control of the light hitting the sensor.
What are the two types of camera shutters? ›There are two basic types of shutters: 1) between the lens shutter, and 2) focal plane shutter. The focal plane shutter is built into the camera body. The focal plane shutter allows faster shutter speeds but is less accurate in timing.
Do mirrorless cameras have a shutter? ›In a modern DSLR or mirrorless camera, the mechanical shutter has two curtains or blinds, each made of several blades, that open to let light reach the sensor and then close at the end of the specified exposure time. It uses two curtains so that the exposure is consistent across the whole sensor.
What is a high shutter count for Canon DSLR? ›Shutter Count
The shutter rating is theoretically the number of times a shutter can be actuated before it fails. Many entry-level DSLRs are rated at 100,000 shutter actuations while high-end cameras may be as high as 400,000 actuations.
Both. Take your pick! The number shown in the window won't change when you take a picture: It changes when you wind the film to the next frame.
What is a good shutter speed for Canon? ›A shutter speed of 1/250 sec will freeze a slow-moving subject, such as a person walking, while shutter speeds in the region of 1/500 to 1/1000 sec may be needed to freeze a person running. You'll have to go as high as 1/1000 or even 1/4000 sec for sharp shots of faster subjects such as flying birds and speeding cars.
What is the 500 rule shutter? ›What Is The 500 Rule In Photography? The 500 rule states that you should use an ISO of 3200 or 6400, an aperture of f/2.8 (and as wide as your lens will allow), and a shutter speed of 500 divided by that of the lens's focal length to achieve the best results with a full-frame camera.
Is 1k shutter count good? ›How many shutter count is too much? Shutter count is like the mileage on a car: it is a very rough guideline to tell you how hard it has been used. The shutters in consumer-grade cameras are rated for 50,000 to 100,000 actuations. Professional grade cameras are rated for 150,000–300,000 actuations.
What is the shutter life of 5D Mark IV? ›Canon EOS 5D Mark IV shutter rated lifespan is 150000 actuations. Shutter count histogram. Last updated on 2/24/2023.
How long does a Canon shutter last? ›
Most entry-level DSLR cameras should be able to withstand at least 50,000 actuations, while mid-level models should last for more than 100,000 actuation cycles. Enthusiast-level DSLRs are normally rated for 150,000 to 250,000 actuations while professional DSLRs are rated for 300,000 to 500,000 actuations.
How much shutter count is good? ›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).
Does Canon reset shutter count? ›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.
Do mirrorless cameras 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. Depending on your camera, it might be easy or rather difficult to check your shutter count.
What happens when shutter count is reached? ›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.
Is ISO the shutter speed? ›The ISO controls the the amount of light by the sensitivity of the sensor. The shutter speed controls the amount of light by the length of time.
What shutter speed is to fast? ›Fast shutter speed freezes the motion in your image. Fast shutter speed is 1/125 sec or faster. 1/1000 sec is super fast shutter speed. Fast shutter speed lets less light into your camera and will effect exposure making your images darker.
What happens when you half press the shutter button? ›When you half-press the shutter, the camera meters and locks focus assuming you are in single-shot focus mode. After the shot is taken, the meter resets and the camera is ready to focus again.