topic Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii in Camera Software

Shutter Count From EOS 5D Mark II

Derrick111 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:09:04 GMT

Hi, I just got a Canon 5D MKii from eBay and want to check the shutter count. I have read that people use EOS Utility software from the Canon software support pages to check the shutter count, but I don't see it listed. Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks!

/Derrick

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

shadowsports — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:34:19 GMT

Greetings,

The EOS Utility software does not typically display shutter count. I found an article as well that says it does with older cameras when tethered or by viewing and images EXIF data. I don't have any older body's to try this with. There are 3rd party applications that can or do. ShutterCount and EOSInfo come to mind.

Canon Support can also provide this information, but I do not believe the 5D2 is still eligible for service or repair. I believe its EOL.

Lets see what others suggest.

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Waddizzle — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:51:01 GMT

The EOS Utility does not provide a way to read Shutter Count. Unlike Nikon, Canon does not save the Shutter Count in the EXIF data of every photo.

The bottom line is this. The most reliable way to get an accurate Shutter Count is to send the body to Canon for a cleaning service, and have them read the count for you. Except, this camera body is no longer being service by Canon USA, I’m afraid.

There are software programs that clam to be able to read Shutter Count. I am told a couple of them are reliable. I’m telling you that most are not reliable.

Finally, there are many who argue that Shutter Count has dubious value, present company included. The shutter will fail whenever it gets ready to quit on you. Shutter Count is also a somewhat misleading metric of how much wear and tear the camera body has experienced.

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

shadowsports — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 18:10:18 GMT

Thanks for confirming this 🙂

@Derrick111

Something else to think about. Does a bulb or live view exposure count as a single shutter actuation or more.

To Waddizzle's point. Shutter count does not necessarily represent when a shutter will fail or how much wear a body has. You often start seeing warning signs of a failing shutter. Streaks of light, etc.

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Derrick111 — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 18:21:25 GMT

Thank you both. I am already aware of the metrics, but I still need the shutter count. A lot of people seem to be using EOSInfo. Is that one of the ones that is reliable? Where can I find this without getting an unsafe download? IN other words, where is the trusted place to get it? I could not determine from online searches... Thanks!

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Waddizzle — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 18:59:24 GMT

As I noted above, I feel Shutter Count is of dubious value. While some value it highly, I regard it as a can of worms that I would rather leave closed.

I have sold more than one camera body. When someone asks me for a Shutter Count I raise my asking price to cover the cost of sending it to Canon for an accurate count. Of course, people do not like that any more than I like going through the bother of providing a count.

Here’s why. It opens a line of back and forth discussion that I prefer to avoid. They ask for a count and you provide it. Now they want to know how can they be sure it is accurate. A copy of the Canon service ticket is the strongest argument, except they don’t want to pay the extra money for it.

The next questions are when was the Shutter Count recorded? How many photos have been taken since the Shutter Count was recorded? And, it continues downhill from there.

Some people get angry when I raise the price. I could care less. If they want a count, then they can buy the camera and get a count they can trust on their own. Just my two cents.

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Derrick111 — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:32:15 GMT

I appreciate your views on the shutter count, but I still want it. Can anyone please help me?

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Waddizzle — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:52:38 GMT

What OS are you running?

There is an app the runs on a Mac that is supposed to be accurate. I would not know because I do not use a Mac. Results may also be camera model dependent.

I have not heard of any reliable app for MS Windows. Beware of some apps the claim to provide a shutter count. Some actually modify the camera firmware so that they may read it and still get it wrong.

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Derrick111 — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:53:48 GMT

Windows 10 on one and Win 7 on another. I can do either if I must choose. Thanks!

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

normadel — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:55:17 GMT

WHY do you want it so badly? Don't trust the seller?

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Waddizzle — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:29:07 GMT

There are no reliable options of Windows Operating Systems. Just the one app for Macs.

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Derrick111 — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:49:53 GMT

OK, where can I safely download ShutterCount or EOSInfo then?

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

Waddizzle — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 21:08:14 GMT

@Derrick111 wrote:
OK, where can I safely download ShutterCount or EOSInfo then?

Posting the links would violate forum policy. I suggest you try a web search. Buyer beware.

Re: Sutter Count From 5D MKii

normadel — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 21:32:43 GMT

EOSInfo has been discontinued by the developer. That's a red flag. And it appears to be the only app that is Windows-capable.

Re: Shutter Count From EOS 5D Mark II

Peter — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:52:22 GMT

Some cameras from Canon save a release count in the image metadata. For example 1Ds, 1Ds II, R5, R6. I don't think 5D II does.