How do you check the shutter speed of your camera?

Shutter reading (shutter count) indicates how many photographs have been taken with the camera using the mechanical shutter. It is one of the most important pieces of information when buying or selling a second-hand camera, as the shutter is a part of the camera that is subject to wear and tear. In this guide, we explain how to check the shutter count on Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, OM System and Panasonic cameras, and what constitutes a good count.

In a nutshell: how to check the shutter reading

Camera brand	Where can I find the reading?	The easiest way
Canon	From the camera’s memory; not usually in the image’s EXIF data	ShutterCount (Mac) or EOS Info (Windows)
Nikon	From the image’s EXIF data	Upload a photo to camerashuttercount.com
Sony and Fujifilm	From the image’s EXIF data	Upload a JPG image to apotelyt.com
OM System and Olympus	From the camera’s hidden menu	Key combination in the camera menu
Panasonic	From the camera’s hidden menu	Key combination specific to the model

Always use an image that has been transferred directly from the camera. Images saved via Lightroom or another programme usually do not include the shutter speed.

What does the shutter speed reading tell us?

The mechanical shutter is a part of the camera that wears out with use. Manufacturers design the shutter to withstand a certain number of shots, and by comparing the shutter count with this figure, you can see how far along the camera is in its lifespan. You can often find a model-specific estimate by searching for ”[camera model] shutter life expectancy”.

If, for example, a camera’s shutter is rated for 200,000 shots and the shutter count is 100,000, the camera is roughly halfway through the shutter’s estimated service life. However, the camera will not break down once this limit is reached. Many shutters last significantly longer than promised, and a worn shutter can be replaced during servicing.

What is a good shutter speed?

• Amateur cameras: Fuses are generally rated for around 100,000–200,000 operations.
• Advanced and professional cameras: typically 200,000–500,000 shots.
• Rule of thumb: Less than half of the manufacturer’s estimate is a good figure, and fewer than 20,000 shots is a low number for a second-hand camera.

The shutter reading doesn’t tell the whole story. Also check the condition of the sensor, the lens mount and the overall condition of the camera. We’ve put together a checklist in the article buying a second-hand camera.

The electronic shutter does not increase the reading

Mirrorless cameras can also take photos using an electronic shutter, and some models do not have a mechanical shutter at all. An electronic shutter does not wear out mechanical parts, and is not usually counted towards the shutter count. This is why even a mirrorless camera that has been used extensively may still have a moderate shutter count.

Canon: Checking the shutter count

Canon does not usually record the number of images in the image’s EXIF data, so this information is retrieved by connecting the camera to a computer.

• ShutterCount (Mac): Our favourite, which we also use ourselves at Foto Monza. The app reliably reads the shutter count from almost all Canon cameras. It is a paid app and is only available for Apple devices From the App Store.
• EOS Info (Windows): free EOS Info works with some older models, but does not support the latest cameras.
• Online service: camerashuttercount.com shows the reading from the display on some Canon models.

Nikon: checking the shutter speed

With Nikon, it’s easy to check, as the camera records the shutter speed in the image’s EXIF data.

1. Take a new photo with your camera in JPG or NEF format.
2. Transfer the photo to your computer directly from the memory card.
3. Download image camerashuttercount.com-website. The website displays the shutter reading and often also the estimated remaining life of the shutter.

Sony and Fujifilm: checking the shutter speed

Sony and Fujifilm also store the shutter speed in the image’s EXIF data.

1. Take a new photo with your camera in JPG format. RAW files are not supported.
2. Transfer the photo directly from the memory card.
3. Download image Apotelyt’s Shutter Count Finder -service.

Not all the latest models are supported yet. If the service cannot detect your camera, please bring it to our shop and we’ll have a look at it for you.

OM System and Olympus: checking the shutter speed reading

OM System and Olympus cameras display the shutter speed in the camera’s hidden menu. The exact order may vary slightly depending on the model.

1. Turn on the camera while holding MENU- the button at the bottom.
2. Go to the settings menu (the spanner icon), then select LCD brightness and press ORIGINAL-arrow.
3. Click to copy INFO and after that OK. The screen turns black and numbers appear on it.
4. Press in order UP – DOWN – LEFT – RIGHT – TRIGGER – UP.
5. Go to page 2 ORIGINAL-arrow. Points MS or R are photographs taken with a mechanical shutter, and ES is an electronic shutter.

Panasonic: Checking the shutter reading

On Panasonic cameras, the shutter speed can be found in the hidden menu, but the key combination varies depending on the model. You can find model-specific instructions From the Apotelyti website, and a practical example from this video.

Shutter count on our used cameras

We’ll tell everyone our second-hand cameras The shutter count is included in the product name and on the product page (for example, SC 10000), so you can see straight away how many shots the camera has taken. We check every camera before it goes on sale, and its condition is stated by fitness level. All second-hand cameras come with a warranty of at least 90 days and a 30-day right of return.

Latest second-hand cameras

Would you like to check the shutter count on your camera? Bring your camera to our shop in Kouvola and we’ll check it for you. If you’re trading it in for a new one, we’ll give you a quote for your old camera at the same time. The trade-in price is usually around 15 % better than the price you’d get if you were just selling it. Read more: sell or swap your camera.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good shutter speed setting for a second-hand camera?

It depends on the model. The shutters on amateur cameras are generally rated for around 100,000–200,000 shots, whilst those on professional cameras are rated for significantly more. Anything less than half the manufacturer’s estimate is a good figure.

Can you see the shutter speed in the image details?

With Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm, you can usually see this when a photo has been transferred directly from the camera. With Canon, the reading is usually obtained by connecting the camera to a computer, whilst with OM System, Olympus and Panasonic, it can be viewed via the camera’s hidden menu.

Does an electronic shutter increase the shutter reading?

Not usually. An electronic shutter does not wear out any mechanical parts, and the number of photos taken with it is not counted towards the mechanical shutter’s count.

What happens when the valve reading exceeds the manufacturer’s estimate?

The camera does not break down automatically, and many shutters last significantly longer than promised. When the shutter eventually wears out, it can be replaced at an authorised service centre.

Can I check the shutter reading in the shop?

Oh dear. Bring that camera to our shop in Kouvola, and we’ll check the shutter count and let you know how much you could get for it if you were to sell it or trade it in.