How often do you think about your camera shutter count? I have to admit, I don’t do it too often, if ever. While we usually obsess over image quality, gear upgrades, and lens choices, Mark Denney reminds us there’s another number worth paying attention to: the number of times we’ve clicked the shutter.
If you’re wondering why this matters, how to check it, and what your shutter count says about your camera’s health, his latest video breaks it all down.
What Is Shutter Count, And Why Does It Matter?
Think of your shutter count like the mileage on a car. Every time you press the shutter button, you’re adding another “mile” to your camera’s life. Cameras, like cars, have mechanical components that wear down over time. And just like a car’s engine doesn’t last forever, your shutter has a lifespan too.
The camera shutter count tells you how many times your camera’s shutter has opened and closed to take a photo. The higher that number, the more wear and tear your camera has experienced.
How Long Do Shutters Typically Last?
This really depends on the type of camera you have. Entry-level DSLRs might be rated for around 100,000 shutter actuations, while professional models can last 300,000 to 500,000 clicks or even more. These numbers are estimates, of course—some cameras fail earlier, others go way beyond expectations.
Knowing your current shutter count can help you plan for what’s next. Maybe that’s budgeting for repairs, thinking about an upgrade, or selling your camera before its resale value dips too much.
How to Know Where Your Camera Stands
Mark breaks down general shutter count ranges to give you a sense of what’s normal:
- Under 10,000 clicks: Your camera is basically brand new
- 10,000–50,000: Normal range for a regularly used camera
- 50,000–100,000: You’ve been shooting a lot, but there’s still plenty of life left
- Over 100,000: Your shutter is aging—time to watch for issues
Once your camera hits that higher range, you might start noticing signs like black frames, inconsistent exposures, or misfires during fast bursts.
This got me interested to see how many clicks my Nikon D7000 has made so far. I’ve had it for ages (I think around 10 years) and I was certain that I’ve took his heart and soul by now. However, I was surprised to see “only” 30,789 clicks. I guess there’s still plenty of life left in my Nikon.
Camera Shutter Count Difference Between DSLR and Mirrorless
DSLRs rely only on a mechanical shutter, so every photo adds wear. However, mMirrorless cameras, though, are a bit different. Many of them include both mechanical and electronic shutters, or even hybrid modes like EFCS (Electronic First Curtain Shutter).
These hybrid or fully electronic modes help reduce vibrations, avoid rolling shutter, and—most importantly—extend the life of your camera by limiting mechanical wear. Mark points out that some cameras, like his Nikon Z8, don’t even have a mechanical shutter at all. While they still track shutter count, it’s purely informational—there’s no moving part to break.
What to Do If Your Camera Shutter Count Is High
Let’s say you check your camera shutter count and it’s getting up there—maybe 80,000 clicks. Mark says not to panic. Cameras don’t just shut down at a certain number. If everything’s working fine, keep shooting.
But it’s smart to stay aware. If needed, many manufacturers offer shutter replacements. And if you’re thinking about selling your gear, a high shutter count could mean lower resale value, so it might make sense to list it sooner rather than later.
How to Check Your Camera’s Shutter Count?
So, how do you actually find out your shutter count? Mark shares a super easy method that works for most brands. There’s a website camerashuttercount.com that lets you upload the most recent file and tells you how many clicks you’ve made so far. Here’s the screenshot for my camera count:
It’s a quick and fun way to check in on your gear—and maybe even get a little insight into how much you’ve really been shooting. It’s a small step, but knowing your camera shutter count can help you make smarter choices about your gear and avoid surprises down the line.
[The Hidden Number That Could Kill Your Camera (Don’t Ignore This!) | Mark Denney]