How Much Does Shutter Count Really Matter When Buying a New Camera?

When you’re buying a camera, you may come across the term shutter count. But how important is it, really? In this blog post, we’ll break it down in simple terms and help you understand whether shutter count should be a big factor in your decision. Let’s also optimize it for search engines so you can find the information you need quickly.

What Is Shutter Count?

Shutter count refers to how many times a camera’s shutter has been activated to take photos. Think of it like the mileage on a car. Just as a car with fewer miles is expected to last longer, a camera with a lower shutter count is considered to be less “worn out.”

Why Shutter Count Matters

  • 1. Camera Durability: Every camera’s shutter mechanism is designed to last for a certain number of actuations (the technical word for shutter activations). Most modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are rated between 100,000 to 400,000 shutter actuations.
  • 2. Resale Value: A lower shutter count can increase the resale value of a camera. Buyers might prefer a camera with fewer actuations since it indicates less wear.
  • 3. Camera Lifespan: If you’re buying a used camera, the shutter count can help estimate how much life is left in the camera’s shutter.

Does Shutter Count Really Matter for a New Camera?

When you’re buying a brand-new camera, shutter count is usually not an issue. That’s because the camera will come with a shutter count close to zero. The bigger factors to consider are things like the camera’s sensor, features, and how you plan to use it.

However, if you’re buying a used camera, shutter count becomes more important. A camera with a very high shutter count might need repairs sooner, especially if it’s near or over the manufacturer’s rating.

How to Check Shutter Count

If you’re purchasing a used camera, many brands make it easy to check the shutter count. For example:

Canon and Nikon cameras often store shutter count in the metadata of images. You can upload a recent photo to a website or app that reads the EXIF data to find out the count. Our own “EXIF Viewer by Fluntro” for iPhone and iPad reads shutter count from EXIF Metadata.

Link to EXIF Viewer by Fluntro App – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exif-viewer-by-fluntro/id944118456

Sony, Fujifilm, and other brands may also offer tools or third-party services to check shutter actuations.

Nikon D610 Shutter Count Displayed using EXIF Viewer by Fluntro iOS App
Nikon D610 Shutter Count Displayed using Our EXIF Viewer by Fluntro iOS App

Should You Worry About High Shutter Count?

While shutter count is an indicator of usage, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Cameras that are well-maintained and regularly serviced can continue performing well, even with high shutter counts. In fact, some photographers report cameras surpassing their shutter ratings without any issues.

Important Tip: Don’t let shutter count be the only factor. Consider the overall condition of the camera, whether it’s new or used, and its features.

Final Thoughts: Shutter Count – How Much Does It Really Matter?

For new cameras, shutter count is not a big deal. You’ll likely get a camera with minimal shutter use, and the technology is designed to last for years.

For used cameras, however, you should pay attention to the shutter count. A camera with a very high shutter count might need repairs or replacements sooner, which could cost you more in the long run. However, if the camera is in good condition and has been well taken care of, it could still be a solid purchase.

When shopping for a camera, don’t obsess over shutter count alone. Look at other factors like the camera’s overall build, features, and how it fits your needs. Happy shooting!


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How to view Shutter count of Nikon, Canon or Sony Digital camera on your iPhone or iPad?

What is shutter count?

Shutter count is number of times camera’s shutter has been fired or actuated. The camera keeps on recording this number every time shutter actuates when you press the shutter button. It indicates how much camera has been used. Shutter life expectancy :- generally shutter count is rated from 50,000 to 4,00,000. After which shutter might be mechanically wear off and needs to get serviced. This wouldn’t be an issue for Digital camera’s using Electronic shutter. Electronic shutter works by turning on/off Camera’s image sensor to control exposure.

Some digital cameras / mobile phones cameras like iPhone does NOT store shutter count in EXIF Metadata. Some cameras does store shutter count inside its internal memory but doesn’t include them in EXIF Metadata recorded in photos shot on it. Camera Manufacturer might be able to get this working over firmware update or OS update incase of Mobile phone cameras.

How to view Shutter count on iPhone or iPad?

To check shutter count stored within EXIF Metadata, use any EXIF Apps from Appstore like ours “EXIF Viewer by Fluntro” that displays shutter count.

NOTE: This would work only if your Digital camera records shutter count within EXIF Metadata of Photos.

Step by step instructions

  1. Download the “Exif Viewer by Fluntro” App from Appstore –

Appstore Link: – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exif-viewer-by-fluntro/id944118456

Download EXIF VIEWER by FLUNTRO Appstore
Exif Viewer by Fluntro iOS Appstore screenshot
  1. After downloading and installing the app, open app and allow the app to access to your photos.
  2. Select the Desired Photo.
  1. Shutter count would be displayed on the EXIF Details of the specific photo.
Nikon D610 Shutter Count Displayed using EXIF Viewer by Fluntro iOS App
Nikon D610 Shutter Count Displayed using EXIF Viewer by Fluntro iOS App
  1. You can long press on it to copy “Shutter count 10800” text to clipboard and paste it on any other text field

LIST OF Cameras which stores shutter count in EXIF Metadata of photos

Nikon

Nikon D3000, Nikon D3100, Nikon D3200, Nikon D3300, Nikon D3400, Nikon D3500

Nikon D5000, Nikon D5100, Nikon D5200, Nikon D5300, Nikon D5500, Nikon D5600

Nikon D7000, Nikon D7100, Nikon D7200, Nikon D7500

Nikon D200, Nikon D300, Nikon D300s, Nikon D500

Nikon D600, Nikon D610,

Nikon D700, Nikon D750, Nikon D780

Nikon D800, Nikon D800E, Nikon D810, Nikon D810A, Nikon D850

Nikon D3, Nikon D3S, Nikon D4, Nikon D4S, Nikon D5, Nikon D6

Nikon D40, Nikon D40x, Nikon D50, Nikon D60, Nikon D70, Nikon D70s, Nikon D80, Nikon D90

Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z6_2, Nikon Z7, Nikon Z7_2, Nikon Z50

Nikon DF

Nikon 1 AW1, Nikon 1J1, Nikon 1 J2, Nikon 1 J3, Nikon 1 J4, Nikon 1 J5

Nikon 1 S1, Nikon 1 S2

Nikon 1V1, Nikon 1 V2, Nikon 1 V3

Nikon D2H, Nikon D2HS, Nikon D2X, Nikon D2XS

Canon

Canon EOS 1D, Canon EOS 1D Mark II, Canon EOS 1D Mark III

Canon EOS-1DS, Canon EOS 1DS Mark II

Canon EOS 5D, Canon EOS 600D, Canon EOS 700D, Canon EOS 60D,

Sony

Sony α7 II, Sony α7R II, Sony α7S II, Sony α7R III, Sony α7 III, Sony α7R IV, Sony α7S III, and Sony α7C

Sony Alpha 230, Alpha 290, Alpha 330, Alpha 390, Alpha 450, Alpha 500, Alpha 550, Alpha 560, Alpha 560, Alpha 580, Alpha 850, Alpha 900

Recommendation:

Highly recommend to try out Lite (FREE Version Trial version) first, EXIF Viewer by Fluntro Lite to double check whether your Camera records shutter count inside EXIF Metadata before downloading Paid Full version.

Appstore link of Free Lite version :- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exif-viewer-lite-by-fluntro/id979066584

Appstore link of paid Full version :- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exif-viewer-by-fluntro/id944118456