Sirpixxalot Loc: NNJ

You don't have to send an image to anyone you can figure this out on your own as many times as you like. Download a software called "Opanda" from any site (Google it, I think Cnet has it) for free and run you image through it will open up Exif data of the image and gives shutter count (actuations) as well.

It is undisclosed by all major camera manufacturers that after how many actuations shutter will start to show wear/play, however all experts and professionals think that after 100,000 actuations shutter show wear/play. Normally all professionals try change their camera after 50K.

Hope this helps, Happy Clicking.

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

http://www.olegkikin.com has interesting shutter life expectancy charts for a lot of cameras.
I got this address from http://www.digital-photography-school.com thanks to gwong1.

randymoe

lol

photeach Loc: beautiful Kansas

Someone could make some money with a big poster showing the different levels of digital cameras. I get so confused between what is a point & shot, a bridge, a DSLR, an enthusiast-level, and a professional-grade camera.

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

In general, point-and-shoot cameras are usually very small, have small image sensors, and perhaps some versatility.
In most cases they fit in your pocket and are inexpensive.

Bridge cameras are also point-and-shoot but are larger and heavier, have larger image sensors and have more versatility. They are usually cameras with a fixed zoom lens and do not contain a reflex mirror. These are much cheaper than a DSLR and are ideal for an amateur on a fixed budget. They usually cost more than a pocket point-and-shoot, and they're too large to fit in your pocket.

A DSLR and Sony's NEF have interchangeable lenses, are larger and heavier than a bridge camera and have an unlimited number of options to make it as versatile as you want. They also have larger image sensors than the bridge cameras that make them more light sensitive and better resolution. That just names a few, the drawback is the investment you have to make to purchase a good camera/lens combination and their accessories.

A professional camera is all the above in DSLR, is of more rugged construction and usually has a better, and larger image sensor. These are the cameras people buy to make a living with.
They are unsurpassed in quality and cost a lot more to buy.
That's why pro photographers charge what they do for a photo session, along with their knowledge and overhead costs.

Be aware that I didn't include every possibility, just a short explanation of them.

Hope this opens a door for you.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Correct address: http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Not all cameras store shutter actuation count in Exif:
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/finding-your-cameras-current-shutter-actuations

Ljensen Loc: OKC

I recently used IrfanView to get a shutter count on my Nikon D50.

Steps:
1. Download and install IrfanView (free). Available at www.irfanview.com.
2. Download and install the IrfanView metadata Plugin. Also at www.irfanview.com.
3. Take a shot with the D50, get it onto my PC, and open it in IrfanView. The picture info option reports the photo EXIF data, which includes something called 'Picture Count'. I assume that's roughly equivalent to shutter actuation.

tcrow99

Hello all. This is my first post on this site. There is a shutter count recorded in the Nikon maker notes recorded with each digital photo (at least for a D7000). There are a number of programs which allow you to access it. Hope this helps.

Terry

dasboat Loc: Vernonia,Ore.(Vernowhere)

It did'nt work on my 5D.Answer"It looks like your camera doesn't supply the necessary information. "

Jackinthebox Loc: travel the world

What do you do with the info, once you got it. Plan replacement, repair, maintenance? Does it malfunction totally or will there be subtle signs? Is it self repairable or require repair shop or Manufacturer service? Are parts available? Any one with experience as such? Any other questions?
I never thought this was an issue in the film camera days. I still have a Canon A1 and it keeps on ticking, never takes a licking.

dasboat Loc: Vernonia,Ore.(Vernowhere)

Resale value,like mileage on a car.

Jackinthebox Loc: travel the world

Good comment but....If one went by a car odometer one would be foolish. There is a lot more to a car resale value than milage shown. How can the shutter count, once obtained, be manipulated? I only have the picture count on my Canon 60D. Only used one SD card this far so is that numer correct?
BTW: another thing, with canon at least, I find hard to understand. they do not show numbers over 9999. Odd in todays age.

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

The odometer analogy is good, it is not the ONLY thing you look at, but it is one.

As far as replacement, Canon quoted me "around" $200 to replace the shutter. They also said, most cameras make it somewhere between 100k and 150k actuations.

GT

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

I guess the shutter count for a camera tells you how much life you have in your camera. Sort of like having a compression test in your cars engine