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You don’t want a camera that will stop working in the middle of your real estate photo shoot. Since shutter count varies across camera models, knowing how to check shutter count on Canon will give you a clear idea of the condition of your camera and how long it will serve you.
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Shutter count, also known as shutter actuation number, 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 an approximate shutter count of 30,000 to 300,000.
Keeping in mind that unexpected shutter failures and replacements can cause inconveniences, checking your Canon shutter count is advisable, especially if you are buying a used camera model.
Considering Canon stores its shutter count information deep within the camera, finding your Canon shutter count is a bit challenging compared to other brands. Fortunately, you can find your shutter count on a Canon camera using the following methods.
EOSInfo is a Windows program that lets you view important Canon camera information, such as battery charge, shutter count, firmware update, serial number, copyright strings, and date and time.
Although the program only works for Windows users, it is compatible with a wide range of Canon cameras, such as the 60D, 50D, 70D, 5D Mark II, and 450D. For Mac users, you can download the 40D shutter count software to view the Canon shutter count.
To find the shutter count, install this program on your computer, connect your Canon model to the computer using a USB cable, and then run the software. It will read and display the shutter count of your camera.
Your shutter count is typically saved in your image's Exchangeable Image File data. Also, the EXIF data displays all the information concerning your images, such as shutter speed, ISO, date and time, aperture, and exposure settings on your Canon camera. To access the mechanical shutter actuations of your camera:
Another way to find the shutter count is to use ShutterCheck, which is an application that allows Mac users to identify the camera's shutter count. Like EOSInfo, it allows you to discover your Canon DSLR's details, such as the shutter count, battery charge level, serial number, artist, and firmware version.
Download and install the program on your Mac, then connect the camera via a USB cable to find the shutter count. If you are using modern Canon EOS models such as the 1D X Mark II, 5Ds, or 5D Mark IV, the program might allow you to view a wider range of information related to your camera, including the shutter actuation count.
Besides the number of images captured with your camera, the program also allows you to know the number of shots captured using the Live View mode or the viewfinder.
You can use several open-source websites to find out the shutter count of your camera. Some of these websites include camerashuttercount.com and myshuttercount.com. They are free and easy to use, making them ideal for beginners who can't find their shutter actuations.
Choose any recent photo in a RAW format captured with your device and upload it to the website. The site will analyze your image parameters and display the current count. The most appealing feature about these sites is that they do not save your images, and no one will view your shots.
The website removes your photos after you are through with the session. However, before uploading your RAW file to the website, it is advisable to research whether it supports your digital camera.
Canon manufacturers ensure that the process of checking the shutter actuations is not straightforward to protect you from hackers who might try to reset it. As a beginner, the most straightforward way to find the shutter count is to return the camera to a Canon-authorized store.
Although you may have to pay to check the shutter actuation number, it is one of the most convenient and reliable methods, as the authorized stores have reliable hardware and software that allows them to inspect the Canon or Nikon cameras and assess the shutter.
Most professional photographers involved in day-to-day real estate
Eosmsg is among the most popular professional services professionals use to determine shutter actuation count. Unlike camerashuttercount.com, it is not a free service. However, it provides more parameters than free websites.
The program works even for checking mechanical shutter actuations, even in recent Canon models such as Canon EOS 80D or 4K cameras. Besides checking shutter actuation, Eosmsg shows the number of clicks of the mirror and shutter, whether the Canon camera is used or new, and its overall condition.
Although this is one of the oldest methods of evaluating the condition of your camera, it can help you find the shutter count if you are using an older model, such as the Canon 5D Mark II, or if the other methods do not work for your Canon camera.
You might only need to explore your camera's visual elements to find any signs of heavy use. For instance, if your camera's hot shoe or tripod mount on the bottom is worn out, there is a high probability of having high shutter actuation counts. Look for signs of recent replacement or fading on the hand grips.
Check the serial number to track down its manufacture date and predict your camera's service life. Also, you can find out the number of photos stored on the flash card of your Canon DSLR to determine the shutter counts. However, your camera's shutter count may be inaccurate if the flashcard is replaced or if you have ever reset the camera.
Shutter count refers to the number of times a camera's shutter has been activated or opened to capture a photo. Every time a photo is taken, the shutter opens and closes to allow light to hit the camera's sensor or film, and the number of times this happens is recorded as the camera's shutter count.
The shutter count is an important indicator of a camera's condition, as camera shutters break over time from usage.
You can compare a camera's current shutter count against the manufacturer's shutter rating, which is the average expected number of shutter counts (clicks) your camera is expected to provide before the shutter breaks.
Knowing a camera's shutter count can also be helpful when buying or selling a camera, as shutter counts can provide an idea of the camera's overall condition and potential value. For instance, if a used camera has a high shutter count, it may be less valuable than a similar camera with a lower shutter count.
The main difference between mirrorless cameras and mirrored cameras when it comes to shutter count is the way the shutter mechanism works. In a mirrored camera, the shutter is located between the lens and the camera body, and it opens and closes to expose the camera's sensor or film to light. In a mirrorless camera, the shutter is located at the sensor level, and it opens and closes to expose the sensor directly to light.
As a result, camera shutters tend to have a longer lifespan for their shutters compared to mirrored camera shutters. This is because the shutter mechanism in a camera doesn't experience the same mechanical wear and tear as a mirrored camera's shutter, which moves up and down every time a photo is taken.
Additionally, some mirrorless cameras have electronic shutters, which don't have any mechanical parts or a physical shutter that can wear out over time. Instead, they use the camera's sensor to capture the image, which means they don't have a physical shutter that can wear out over time. An electronic shutter is generally more durable than a mechanical shutter, and it can often last for hundreds of thousands of shots.
That being said, it's still important to check the shutter count on a camera when buying or selling a used camera, as some models may still experience wear and tear on their shutters over time. Checking the shutter count can provide valuable information about a camera's condition and potential lifespan, regardless of whether it's a mirrored or mirrorless camera.
No, you cannot reset your Canon count unless you return it to the Canon service center. The actual count is stored in the memory, and resetting it yourself is considered fraud. Canon manufacturers do this to protect used Canon cameras from being sold as new, tarnishing the company's reputation.
Most entry-level cameras from Canon can sustain a shutter actuation count of around 50,000 to 300,000 before the need for shutter replacement. Meanwhile, professional DSLRs can have a high shutter count of 500,000, depending on the model.
No, your camera's shutter count does not affect photo quality. A high count only affects the mechanism's physical wear and tear, not the picture quality of a digital camera.
Knowing how to check your Canon shutter count is handy when you want to avoid unexpected shutter errors during a photo shoot or when buying a used unit. Although the best method depends on personal preferences, similar to Sony and Nikon cameras, the above methods are easy and convenient for determining the shutter actuations of any camera model.
