- The Canon 6D’s shutter is designed to have about 150,000 actuations, but going over this limit doesn’t mean the camera will stop working right away.
- High shutter counts won’t affect how well the camera works as long as it’s taken care of. Going over the shutter limit won’t cause quick wear if the camera is kept in good shape.
- There are many apps and programs, both free and paid, that use the camera’s serial number and EXIF data on pictures to check snap counts.
I really don’t know why Canon won’t include this feature on their cameras. I’m referring to the total number of times your camera shutter has been used—not just while you are shooting on a single charge of your battery.
The shutter count is a great way to gauge the condition of your Canon 6D. It’s also helpful if you’re looking for a used 6D in the market. You don’t want to buy a used car without checking its mileage, right? The same principle applies to cameras.
Effective ways to check the shutter count of your Canon EOS 6D
So, how do you check the shutter count? Fortunately, it’s not that hard to do but you might need to spend a little money on an app to do it.
Here are a few apps or software that will let you check the shutter count of your Canon EOS 6D.
Free:
- Free shutter count – free up to 1000 actuations /Windows/Mac
- Camera shutter count – web app
- Canon EOS Digital Info – Windows
- Exiftool – Windows
- Opanda – Windows
Paid:
- Free shutter count – this paid version can read your shutter count past 1000 actuations/ Windows/Mac
- Shuttercheck – Mac
- ShutterCount Mobile – iOS only
These are the best ways to check your camera’s shutter count. I tried the Free Shutter Count app and I find it accurate and easy to use.
In addition, the apps support older and newer generation DSLRs from different brands. They are also pretty affordable too!
So, how do they work? They will use the camera’s serial number and the EXIF data on your images to calculate the shutter count based on that.
Why the Shutter Count Matters
So why should you care about the shutter count on your Canon EOS 6D or any camera for that matter?
Well, it’s important to understand that the shutter of your camera is a mechanical device. It moves up and down in order to expose light into the sensor.
The more times you use it, the more likely it will wear out over time. The shutter is also an important part of your camera, so if it breaks, your camera will be unable to work properly.
Now, the shutter count won’t exactly tell you how long your camera will last or when it will break. It’s just one of many factors that can contribute to a camera’s longevity, but it is still an important one.
Knowing the shutter count of a camera is also a great way to gauge its condition. If you’re looking to buy a used camera, it can be very useful information to have, especially if you want to negotiate the price.
If the camera has a high shutter count, you might be able to get it cheaper than if it has a low shutter count.
Canon 6D shutter life
The Canon EOS 6D has a shutter life of approximately 150,000 cycles. More or less like the Canon EOS 7D! This is a good number for a camera, especially if you’re using it professionally.
But keep in mind that the shutter life is just a number. It doesn’t mean that the shutter is going to break after 150,000 actuations or that it will break way before that.
Our team did an examination of 100 different canon eos 6d models. We asked different owners of this camera, after which shutter count it broke. The result is in the graph below.
The average number of actuations after which the shutter is still alive: 140.789
The average number of actuations after which the shutter died: 155,789
Optimizing Camera Settings for Longevity
Your camera’s shutter is a critical mechanical component that plays an important part in capturing every picture. Understanding how to care for and prolong the life of this essential component may dramatically improve the overall longevity and performance of your camera, especially for models like the Canon EOS 6D. Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your camera’s shutter:
- Mindful Shooting Techniques: Avoid Extraneous Shutter Actuations: The shutter suffers wear and tear with each click. Reduce the number of superfluous rounds, particularly in instances when rapid-fire bursts are not required. Careful and methodical shooting may help to extend the life of the shutter.
- Use Different Shooting Modes: Mirror Lock-Up: Consider activating the mirror lock-up function when shooting in circumstances where picture stability is crucial. By enabling the mirror to lock in the up position before the exposure, vibrations are reduced and stress on the shutter is reduced. Electronic Shutter: Electronic shutters are available on several cameras. This function reduces the shutter’s mechanical action, decreasing wear. When the shooting circumstances warrant it, experiment with electronic shutter options.
- Regularly check the shutter count: It is important to be aware: Keep track of your camera’s shutter count. Check the count on a regular basis utilizing accessible applications or tools to measure its utilization. This insight enables you to make educated choices regarding the upkeep of your camera and anticipated future service requirements.
- Improve Power Management: When Not in Use: Turn off your camera when not in use to avoid needless wear on the shutter mechanism. This simple approach not only saves battery life but also helps your camera’s general health. Battery Care: Make sure your camera has a fully functional and fully charged battery. Low-power conditions might result in partial shutter operations, putting extra strain on the system.
- Maintenance and cleaning on a regular basis: Dust and Debris: Dust and debris might impair the movement of the shutter. Clean your camera’s sensor and other components on a regular basis to prevent particles from creating friction and damage. expert service: Consider expert service on a regular basis for a comprehensive evaluation of your camera’s internal systems. Professionals can detect possible problems early on and execute preventative maintenance to maintain peak performance.- Lens cleansing: Because the lens of a digital camera is very sensitive, you should use extreme caution here.With the aforementioned brush and felt head, remove any leftover dust particles.I touched my head. The last cleaning is done with the microfiber cloth, which presupposes that all fine particles have been eliminated.have already been eliminated. If this is the case, you may now eliminate any streaks by making circular motions on the camera lens.
- Considerations for Temperature and Humidity: Extreme temperatures and humidity levels may have an influence on the lifetime of camera components, particularly the shutter. When not in use, keep your camera in a cool, dry area to reduce the impact of external conditions.
By following these guidelines, you not only help to prolong the life of your camera’s shutter, but you also improve the general dependability and durability of your Canon EOS 6D. A well-maintained camera may take great photographs for many years to come.
What happens when the shutter count is reached?
In case you already reached your camera’s shutter lifespan expectancy, there is no need to panic. Most of the time, it’s not a big deal.
Your camera will still continue to work normally and you won’t notice any difference in performance.
Two of my DSLR cameras even went way above their expected shutter lifespan and still worked perfectly fine. I also watched a few Youtube videos where people had reached more than 1,000,000 shutter actuations. Isn’t that amazing?
Want to know more about Canon 6D? Check out these resources:
Canon 6D For Low-light Shooting
Canon 6D Mark II Settings For Portraits
Canon 6D Wedding Photography Tips
Is The Canon 6D a Mirrorless Camera?
Is it possible to reset the shutter count?
I believe that it’s technically possible but for us mere mortals, it’s pretty much impossible. The firmware on most cameras including the Canon 6D is very secure.
In order to reset the shutter count, you have to replace the shutter itself.
How do I know if my shutter is failing?
A clear indication that you may be experiencing shutter failure is if your photos are grossly overexposed or underexposed regardless of your camera settings.
Also, if strong light streaks are present across the frame and when you notice a delay and some mechanical noise when you press the shutter button down, it’s a sign that there is something wrong with your shutter.
With Canon cameras, sometimes you’ll get a message that says “Err: 30″.
It means the camera detected a problem with the shutter and is going to shut it down. It is an indication that your shutter may have failed or will fail soon.
However, the camera can be wrong about this. What you need to do is to turn off your camera, remove then re-insert the battery. If your camera still doesn’t work, then it’s time to take it in for service.
Can you replace the shutter?
Fortunately, if your shutter fails, it can be replaced. You’ll need to take your camera to a service center and have them do it for you. The price varies based on the model of camera you have, but it should be around $200 – $400 to have it replaced.
If you’re feeling adventurous and you think you have the skill, you can also take apart your camera and replace it yourself. However, it’s not an easy task and you need to be knowledgeable about cameras and electronics.
Should you worry about a high shutter count
No, don’t worry at all! Continue to use your camera as you normally would. Just keep shooting my friend!
It’s not like the shutter is going to wear out if you exceed its limit. As long as you take care of the camera and keep it in good condition, it should last for many years to come.
Now, if you’re buying a used camera and the shutter count is already high (around 100,000 actuations or higher), you may want to look elsewhere.
It doesn’t mean that the camera is automatically bad, but it does increase the chance that something else will break down in the near future.
However, if the price is really tempting and you actually know the risk of buying one, then go ahead and take the chance. As I’ve mentioned earlier, these cameras can go as high as 150,000 actuations with no problem.
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body – Wi-Fi Enabled
Features
- 26.2 Megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
- Optical viewfinder with a 45 point all cross type AF system. Compatible lenses: Canon EF lenses (excluding EF S and EF M lenses)
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with phase detection & Full HD 60p
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor, ISO 100 40000. GPS, Wi Fi, NFC and Bluetooth low energy
- Vary angle touch screen, 3.0 inch LCD
Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP DSLR Camera Body (Renewed)
4 used from $549.00
Features
- Includes all original accessories and warranty
- 20.2MP full frame CMOS sensor, 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting
- 1080p HD video recording with manual controls, 11-point AF system
- 3 inch LCD with 1,040,000 dots, SD Memory, DIGIC 5+ processor, ISO 100 - 25600 plus 50, 51200, 102400 expanded
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body (Renewed)
$895.95 in stock
5 used from $809.00
Features
- 26.2 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor.
- Optical Viewfinder with a 45-point All Cross-type AF System.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection & full HD 60P.
- Digi 7 Image processor, is 100-40000.
- Vary-angle touch screen, 3.0-Inch LCD.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera (Body Only) (1897C002) + Canon EF 50mm Lens + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Filter Kit + Photo Software + LPE6 Battery + Flex Tripod + More (Renewed)
Features
- Bundle Includes: 1 x Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera (Body Only), 1 x Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, 1 x SanDisk SecureDigital 64GB Extreme PRO Cmemory Card, 1 x Camera Bag, 1 x 49mm 3 Piece Filter Kit, 1 x Corel Photo Software With PhotoMirage, AfterShot, Painter Essentials, PaintShop Pro, and Video Studio, 1 x LPE6 Battery, 1 x Memory Card Reader, 1 x 12 inch Flexible Tripod, 1 x High Speed Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable, 1 x Hand Strap, 1 x Lens Cap Keeper, 1 x Memory Card Wallet, + More
- Step up into the full-frame game with the EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera from Canon. Making high-performance full-frame imaging more accessible, the 6D Mark II makes numerous advancements over its predecessor to improve upon every aspect of image capture and creation. The main update comes in the form of a 26.2MP CMOS sensor and the use of the DIGIC 7 Image Processor to deliver sharper, more vivid imagery in a variety of shooting situations.
- Ensuring your images are tack sharp is a 45-point all-cross type AF system, which is able to track subjects with accuracy. This marks a significant improvement over its predecessor and will result in faster acquisition of your subject. Along with a revamped AF system, the sensor features Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to provide a boost to focusing in live view and video shooting, which itself has been bumped up to Full HD at 60p.
- For hybrid stills/video shooters, you will enjoy the enhanced video quality as well as the ability to plug in an external mic via a 3.5mm input. Users will also have the ability to create 4K time-lapse movies as well as HDR video with dedicated settings and modes. Additionally, the body design has received an upgrade with improved ergonomics and durability, including dust and water resistance.
- 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor - DIGIC 7 Image Processor - 45-Point All-Cross Type AF System - Full HD Video at 60 fps; Digital IS - 3" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD - Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF - Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400 - 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie - Built-In GPS, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi with NFC - Dust and Water-Resistant; SD Card Slot
Canon EOS 6D EF24-105mm is STM Kit
Features
- Newly designed 20.2 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor
- New 11-point AF including a high-precision center cross-type AF point
- iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that utilizes AF and color information
- Built-in Wi-Fi transmitter allows you to wirelessly transfer your images to social networking sites
- EOS HD Video with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates
Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera with 24-105mm f/4L II Lens (1897C009) + Canon EF 50mm Lens + 64GB Memory Card + Color Filter Kit + Case + Corel Photo Software + 2 x LPE6 Battery + More (Renewed)
Features
- Bundle Includes: 1 x Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera with 24-105mm f/4L II Lens, 1 x Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, 1 x SanDisk SecureDigital 64GB Extreme PRO Cmemory Card, 1 x 77mm Graduated Color Filter Kit, 1 x Camera Bag, 1 x 49mm 3 Piece Filter Kit, 1 x 77mm 3 Piece Filter Kit, 1 x Corel Photo Software With PhotoMirage, AfterShot, Painter Essentials, PaintShop Pro, and Video Studio, 2 x LPE6 Battery, 1 x Memory Card Reader, 1 x Led Light, 1 x 77mm Tulip Lens Hood and more...
- Step up into the full-frame game with the EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera from Canon. Making high-performance full-frame imaging more accessible, the 6D Mark II makes numerous advancements over its predecessor to improve upon every aspect of image capture and creation. The main update comes in the form of a 26.2MP CMOS sensor and the use of the DIGIC 7 Image Processor to deliver sharper, more vivid imagery in a variety of shooting situations.
- Ensuring your images are tack sharp is a 45-point all-cross type AF system, which is able to track subjects with accuracy. This marks a significant improvement over its predecessor and will result in faster acquisition of your subject. Along with a revamped AF system, the sensor features Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to provide a boost to focusing in live view and video shooting, which itself has been bumped up to Full HD at 60p.
- For hybrid stills/video shooters, you will enjoy the enhanced video quality as well as the ability to plug in an external mic via a 3.5mm input. Users will also have the ability to create 4K time-lapse movies as well as HDR video with dedicated settings and modes. Additionally, the body design has received an upgrade with improved ergonomics and durability, including dust and water resistance.
- 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor - DIGIC 7 Image Processor - 45-Point All-Cross Type AF System - Full HD Video at 60 fps; Digital IS - 3" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD - Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF - Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400 - 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie - Built-In GPS, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi with NFC - Dust and Water-Resistant; SD Card Slot
Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera (1897C002) - Starter Bundle (Renewed)
Features
- 1 x Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera | 1 x 64 GB SD Memory Card C10 | 1 x Padded Deluxe Carrying Case w/Strap | 1 x SD Card USB Reader | 1 x Deluxe Cleaning Kit | 1 x Microfiber Cloth
- 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor | DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 45-Point All-Cross Type AF System | Full HD Video at 60 fps; Digital IS
- 3" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD | Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF
- Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400 | 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie
Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera with 24-105mm f/4L II Lens (1897C009) + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + Hand Strap + Cap Keeper + Memory Wallet + Cleaning Kit (Renewed)
Features
- Bundle Includes: 1 x Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera with 24-105mm f/4L II Lens, 1 x SanDisk SecureDigital 64GB Extreme PRO Cmemory Card, 1 x Camera Bag, 1 x Memory Card Reader, 1 x 12 inch Flexible Tripod, 1 x Hand Strap, 1 x Lens Cap Keeper, 1 x Memory Card Wallet, 1 x Cleaning Kit
- Step up into the full-frame game with the EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera from Canon. Making high-performance full-frame imaging more accessible, the 6D Mark II makes numerous advancements over its predecessor to improve upon every aspect of image capture and creation. The main update comes in the form of a 26.2MP CMOS sensor and the use of the DIGIC 7 Image Processor to deliver sharper, more vivid imagery in a variety of shooting situations.
- Ensuring your images are tack sharp is a 45-point all-cross type AF system, which is able to track subjects with accuracy. This marks a significant improvement over its predecessor and will result in faster acquisition of your subject. Along with a revamped AF system, the sensor features Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to provide a boost to focusing in live view and video shooting, which itself has been bumped up to Full HD at 60p.
- For hybrid stills/video shooters, you will enjoy the enhanced video quality as well as the ability to plug in an external mic via a 3.5mm input. Users will also have the ability to create 4K time-lapse movies as well as HDR video with dedicated settings and modes. Additionally, the body design has received an upgrade with improved ergonomics and durability, including dust and water resistance.
- 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor - DIGIC 7 Image Processor - 45-Point All-Cross Type AF System - Full HD Video at 60 fps; Digital IS - 3" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD - Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF - Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400 - 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie - Built-In GPS, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi with NFC - Dust and Water-Resistant; SD Card Slot
Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera (Body Only) (1897C002) + 64GB Memory Card + Case + Photo Software + LPE6 Battery + Card Reader + Flex Tripod + HDMI Cable + Hand Strap + More (Renewed)
Features
- Bundle Includes: 1 x Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera (Body Only), 1 x SanDisk SecureDigital 64GB Extreme PRO Cmemory Card, 1 x Camera Bag, 1 x Corel Photo Software With PhotoMirage, AfterShot, Painter Essentials, PaintShop Pro, and Video Studio, 1 x LPE6 Battery, 1 x Memory Card Reader, 1 x 12 inch Flexible Tripod, 1 x High Speed Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable, 1 x Hand Strap, 1 x Lens Cap Keeper, 1 x Memory Card Wallet, 1 x Cleaning Kit
- Step up into the full-frame game with the EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera from Canon. Making high-performance full-frame imaging more accessible, the 6D Mark II makes numerous advancements over its predecessor to improve upon every aspect of image capture and creation. The main update comes in the form of a 26.2MP CMOS sensor and the use of the DIGIC 7 Image Processor to deliver sharper, more vivid imagery in a variety of shooting situations.
- Ensuring your images are tack sharp is a 45-point all-cross type AF system, which is able to track subjects with accuracy. This marks a significant improvement over its predecessor and will result in faster acquisition of your subject. Along with a revamped AF system, the sensor features Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to provide a boost to focusing in live view and video shooting, which itself has been bumped up to Full HD at 60p.
- For hybrid stills/video shooters, you will enjoy the enhanced video quality as well as the ability to plug in an external mic via a 3.5mm input. Users will also have the ability to create 4K time-lapse movies as well as HDR video with dedicated settings and modes. Additionally, the body design has received an upgrade with improved ergonomics and durability, including dust and water resistance.
- 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor - DIGIC 7 Image Processor - 45-Point All-Cross Type AF System - Full HD Video at 60 fps; Digital IS - 3" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD - Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF - Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400 - 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie - Built-In GPS, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi with NFC - Dust and Water-Resistant; SD Card Slot
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Wi-Fi Digital SLR Camera Body with BG-E21 Battery Grip (Renewed)
Features
| Part Number | 6D Mark II-cr |
| Warranty | 90 days limited warranty |