

But if you’re not sure, you can find it out a few ways, depending on the model. The number is often provided when cameras are being sold secondhand. So how do you find out a camera’s shutter count? Higher-count cameras may have seen professional use (and a harder life), while lower counts indicate casual consumer use. If a camera has a very high count of 100,000 or more, it’s probably best avoided, especially because this number will also give you a little insight into the owner’s use of the camera. Fewer than 10,000 shots on a camera that is 2-5 years old is very low, with the normal amount being around 30,000-50,000. When browsing, low shutter counts often indicate less heavily-used items.

Cameras are rated for shutter durability, with enthusiast models often rated around the 150,000-shot mark, and professional models rated at 300,000 shots or higher. Generally, the shutter count will give you a great indication of the amount of use a camera has seen, similar to checking the mileage on a car. (The shutter count is also known as the number of shutter actuations.) The shutter count of a camera is simply the number of times the shutter has been fired in its lifetime. Cameras are complex machines, so there are a few key indicators to look for when shopping for a secondhand body.
