Getting shutter count for Canon cameras: I was surprised how difficult it was to get the shutter count for a Canon camera. Local camera store gave me instructions but it did not work...

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

I was surprised how difficult it was to get the shutter count for a Canon camera. Local camera store gave me instructions but it did not work for Canon because Canon does not recognize EX files.

I then watched U-Tube and followed instructions but although the software did recognize my camera, it did not provide the shutter count.

I finally called Canon and explained my frustration. The Canon tech said Canon requires you to send your camera to the factory to get the shutter count. You must pay shipping both ways and provide insurance and request signature of receiving party. There is also a $59 dollar charge. I asked about the apps claiming to give you the shutter count and he said even if they work, they are inaccurate.

The tech also informed me that a new shutter was under $100 with a labor charge of $200 for a total of about $300.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks,
Jim

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I say much the same to everyone who asks about an EOS camera. What camera is involved?

In the old, pre 2006 days, Canon did store the shutter count in the EXIF like Nikon has. Then, until around 2018, the value was in the camera and you needed some software to access that value. Still newer cameras have the value in the camera, but now only if you send it to Canon to access that value.

Knowing your camera, we might be able to point to software that can access the value, if available. The software might be for a modest fee. Hard to say until you reveal the camera involved.

Is knowing the shutter count really important? Is it $100+ important when you consider the shipping and insurance.

Regarding a new shutter (not a sensor), that is not an issue until you actually have a problem. Only then, if ever, do you assess if the repair is even worth it given whatever the replace value of the camera is at that future point.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

CHG_CANON wrote:

I say much the same to everyone who asks about an ... (show quote)

I was trying to find out on shutter count of EOS 80D

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

junglejim1949 wrote:

I was surprised how difficult it was to get the sh... (show quote)

It amazes me the hyper obsession about shutter count today.
How did we ever survive in the past not knowing.

PS, shutter count has nothing about the life of the camera. It could fail after 5 clicks or 8,000 clicks.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

An EOS 80D shutter is rated 100,000, an advanced model in the EOS line-up. That would be 1000 images a day, every day, for 1000 days, or more than 2-calendar years @ 1000 per day. The likelihood of reaching 100,000 is low. The likelihood of the camera failing before 100,000 is low, but possible, it's probably more possible the camera's shutter will last well beyond 100,000.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

For an EOS 80D, it looks like $10 gets software that runs on some Apple systems and can determine an EOS 80D. https://shuttercheck.app/

If there's an Apple version, there's probably a Windows version too. Check all the specs, including OS version and supported camera models, before buying shuttercheck or any other software.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

CHG_CANON wrote:

For an EOS 80D, it looks like $10 gets software that runs on some Apple systems and can determine an EOS 80D. https://shuttercheck.app/

If there's an Apple version, there's probably a Windows version too. Check all the specs, including OS version and supported camera models, before buying shuttercheck or any other software.

Thanks Paul

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Architect1776 wrote:

It amazes me the hyper obsession about shutter cou... (show quote)

I agree Architect1776. There is too much concern with shutter count, especially with newer cameras. I have a camera for sale and am being asked for the shutter count.
I think I might just send it to B&H.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

The count I could get was how many shots since I last formatted my memory card!

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

PHRubin wrote:

The count I could get was how many shots since I last formatted my memory card!

I get a count when I put in new battery but that is not my total shutter count.
This has gotten too complicated.
Thanks

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

Maybe some people are too concerned with shutter count, but when buying a used car, I bet you check the mileage. Mileage or shutter count doesn’t guarantee anything, either dependability or failure. But it does stack the deck in one direction or the other.

Miles and shutter count does give you probability quotients. Not that long ago I saw two Nikon D3 (I think) cameras on eBay. One had a shutter count of over 3 million (!) and the other around half that. I’m sure the shutters had been changed countless times. Even with a brand new shutter in either camera, there was a good chance there were other mechanical and electrical components that were worn. The mirror hinge and focus motor would be the first two I’d wonder about.

I think it’s obvious, but compare a camera with 100k clicks to the same model with 1 million clicks and you know which one has a higher probability of failing. So if I’m going to purchase a well used camera, I’m going to be one of those people overly interested in shutter count.

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

junglejim1949 wrote:

I was surprised how difficult it was to get the sh... (show quote)

This works if you have a Mac or iPhone.

https://www.direstudio.com/shuttercount/

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Jrhoffman75 wrote:

This works if you have a Mac or iPhone.

https://www.direstudio.com/shuttercount/

Is there a PC or android app?

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

junglejim1949 wrote:

Is there a PC or android app?

Not from those folks. It is the only one I have used in many years.

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

CHG_CANON wrote:

An EOS 80D shutter is rated 100,000, an advanced model in the EOS line-up. That would be 1000 images a day, every day, for 1000 days, or more than 2-calendar years @ 1000 per day. The likelihood of reaching 100,000 is low. The likelihood of the camera failing before 100,000 is low, but possible, it's probably more possible the camera's shutter will last well beyond 100,000.

Better check your math.