In-camera Shutter Count feature - does it exist?

[Afzal_BG_BR_UK]

Hi all,

Which Canon cameras (if any) have a built-in Shutter Count feature?

Which Canon camera software(s) can accurately determine the Shutter Count from all Canon DSLR’s?

Waiting to receive my used 7Dii. If the Shutter Count is low-to-average then I will keep it. Otherwise, if it is higher than I expect, then I will have to sell it on.

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

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@Afzal_BG_BR_UK wrote:

Hi all,

Which Canon cameras (if any) have a built-in Shutter Count feature? None

Which Canon camera software(s) can accurately determine the Shutter Count from all Canon DSLR’s? None

Waiting to receive my used 7Dii. If the Shutter Count is low-to-average then I will keep it. Otherwise, if it is higher than I expect, then I will have to sell it on.

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If you wish to purchase a 7D mark II, then there is not much of a need to worry about shutter count.  Check to see if the 7D2 is still being serviced by Canon USA. If they still are, then it is about to come to an end very soon.

FULL DISCLOSURE:  I feel shutter count is of dubious value.  It does not provide a complete metric on how wear and tear a camera has experienced.  A shutter will fail whenever it feels like it. Some shutters fail prior to the MTBF, Mean Time Between Fairlures, specification.  Some shutters may far exceed the MTBF specification.

DSLRs have another mechanism that is subject to failure, the mirror.  Mirror activations will ALWAYS be more than shutter activations.  You cannot fire the shutter without raising the mirror.  But you can raise the mirror without activating the shutter.

[normadel · Accepted solution]

To answer your questions:

1. NO cameras have this capability.

2. NO Canon software available to consumers can determine shutter counts. There used to be a third-party software developer who offered a program, but support for it ceased some time ago.

Who are you buying the camera from? If shutter count is really a top criteria, buy from a used equipment dealer who provides it. One in particular is MPB.com. They show shutter counts for their cameras. UsedPhotoPro.com does, at least sometimes.

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

Some high level cameras (1D X Mark III for one) report shutter count in intervals of 1000. 

[Faan · Accepted solution]

I also have a 7Dii.The only app to get shutter count is Astro photography tool.Download free from their website.

It is mainly for astrophotography but gives a shutter count right at the end.None of the other apps give a shutter count for the 7Dii.

[p4pictures · Accepted solution]

If you have an Apple computer then ShutterCount from DIRE studio in the Mac app store does work with the EOS 7D Mark II and reports the shutter count. I have used it for many EOS cameras including EOS 7D Mark II.

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

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@Afzal_BG_BR_UK wrote:

Hi all,

Which Canon cameras (if any) have a built-in Shutter Count feature? None

Which Canon camera software(s) can accurately determine the Shutter Count from all Canon DSLR’s? None

Waiting to receive my used 7Dii. If the Shutter Count is low-to-average then I will keep it. Otherwise, if it is higher than I expect, then I will have to sell it on.

---

If you wish to purchase a 7D mark II, then there is not much of a need to worry about shutter count.  Check to see if the 7D2 is still being serviced by Canon USA. If they still are, then it is about to come to an end very soon.

FULL DISCLOSURE:  I feel shutter count is of dubious value.  It does not provide a complete metric on how wear and tear a camera has experienced.  A shutter will fail whenever it feels like it. Some shutters fail prior to the MTBF, Mean Time Between Fairlures, specification.  Some shutters may far exceed the MTBF specification.

DSLRs have another mechanism that is subject to failure, the mirror.  Mirror activations will ALWAYS be more than shutter activations.  You cannot fire the shutter without raising the mirror.  But you can raise the mirror without activating the shutter.

[jrhoffman75]

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@Afzal_BG_BR_UK wrote:

Hi all,

Which Canon cameras (if any) have a built-in Shutter Count feature?

Which Canon camera software(s) can accurately determine the Shutter Count from all Canon DSLR’s?

Waiting to receive my used 7Dii. If the Shutter Count is low-to-average then I will keep it. Otherwise, if it is higher than I expect, then I will have to sell it on.

---

Canon currently lists the 7D Mark II as available for service till January 2027. My suggestion is consider the physical condition of the camera when you get it. If it looks like yo want it contact Canon to get the cost of a shutter replacement. Add that to the purchase price and see if you are willing to pay the amount.If so keep and enjoy the camera. The physical appearance is more indicative, in my opinion, than the shutter count.

[normadel · Accepted solution]

To answer your questions:

1. NO cameras have this capability.

2. NO Canon software available to consumers can determine shutter counts. There used to be a third-party software developer who offered a program, but support for it ceased some time ago.

Who are you buying the camera from? If shutter count is really a top criteria, buy from a used equipment dealer who provides it. One in particular is MPB.com. They show shutter counts for their cameras. UsedPhotoPro.com does, at least sometimes.

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

Some high level cameras (1D X Mark III for one) report shutter count in intervals of 1000. 

[Faan · Accepted solution]

I also have a 7Dii.The only app to get shutter count is Astro photography tool.Download free from their website.

It is mainly for astrophotography but gives a shutter count right at the end.None of the other apps give a shutter count for the 7Dii.

[p4pictures · Accepted solution]

If you have an Apple computer then ShutterCount from DIRE studio in the Mac app store does work with the EOS 7D Mark II and reports the shutter count. I have used it for many EOS cameras including EOS 7D Mark II.

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

There is also an iOS version for iPhone. 

[Afzal_BG_BR_UK]

Thanks buddy - I will look into this too!

I appreciate all your help!

[Afzal_BG_BR_UK]

I use both Mac & PC. So, this seems a good way to go!