Frequently Asked Questions

Shutter count (also called actuations) is the number of photos taken with your camera. This is an important metric that indicates the usage and remaining life of your camera's mechanical shutter. Every time you press the shutter button and take a photo, the count increases by one.

Camera manufacturers rate shutters for a specific number of actuations (typically 50,000-500,000 depending on the model). Knowing your count helps estimate your camera's remaining lifespan and can significantly affect resale value. Buyers often check shutter count before purchasing used cameras.

Simply upload a recent photo from your camera to our free tool above. We'll extract the shutter count information from the EXIF data embedded in the photo. The process takes just seconds and requires no registration or software installation.

Shutter count information is only available in original RAW files (NEF, CR2, ARW, DNG, PEF, etc.) from your camera. JPEG files that have been edited, processed, or exported from software usually don't contain this information. Please upload an unedited RAW file directly from your camera memory card.

Yes, absolutely. Your photo file is never stored on our servers. We only extract and store the EXIF metadata (camera model, shutter count, exposure settings) for displaying your results. The actual image is deleted immediately after processing. Your privacy is our top priority.

This depends on the camera model. Entry-level DSLRs are typically rated for 50,000-100,000 actuations, mid-range cameras for 150,000-200,000, and professional cameras for 300,000-500,000. A camera with less than 25% of its rated shutter life used is generally considered in good condition.

We support most major brands including Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, and Fujifilm. If your camera stores shutter count in its EXIF data, our tool will be able to read it.

In most cases, no. Shutter count data is typically only embedded in original RAW files (NEF, CR2, ARW, DNG, etc.) straight from your camera. When you export to JPEG or edit the file, this metadata is usually removed. However, some cameras (particularly newer Nikon models) do include shutter count in unedited JPEGs taken directly from the camera.

The rated shutter life is a conservative estimate, not an expiration date. Many cameras continue functioning perfectly well beyond their rated actuations—sometimes 2x or 3x the manufacturer's rating. When the shutter eventually fails, it can usually be replaced by a professional repair service for $200-$400, which is often worth it for a quality camera body.

No, the electronic shutter has no moving parts and doesn't contribute to mechanical wear. However, most cameras only track mechanical shutter actuations, so photos taken with the electronic shutter may not be included in the count. Some newer mirrorless cameras track both separately.

Shutter count is a good indicator but not the only factor. A camera with 10,000 actuations that was stored in humid conditions may have more issues than one with 100,000 actuations that was well-maintained. Also consider sensor condition, button wear, cosmetic damage, and whether the camera was used professionally (intensive bursts) or casually.

While theoretically possible, resetting shutter count requires specialized equipment and technical knowledge, making it rare. When buying used cameras, look for consistent wear patterns—a camera claiming 5,000 shots but with heavily worn buttons, grip, or viewfinder would be suspicious. Check multiple photos from the seller to verify consistency.

RAW file formats typically contain shutter count: NEF (Nikon), CR2/CR3 (Canon), ARW (Sony), DNG (Adobe/Pentax/Leica), PEF (Pentax), ORF (Olympus), RW2 (Panasonic), and RAF (Fujifilm). We support all these formats. Files must be original and unedited to preserve the metadata.

Different tools may read different EXIF fields or interpret the data differently. Some cameras store multiple counters (total shots, mechanical shutter only, etc.). Small variations (±10) are normal. Large discrepancies suggest one tool may be reading the wrong field or the file has been modified.

Not necessarily. A professionally-maintained camera with 200,000 actuations might be a better buy than a poorly-maintained one with 20,000. Professional photographers often sell cameras that have been regularly serviced and cleaned. Check the overall condition, ask about service history, and factor in the price—high-count cameras should be significantly cheaper.