Knowing your Nikon camera’s shutter count can be important when it comes to determining its overall condition and value. It can also help you avoid buying a camera that has been damaged or abused by its previous owner.
However, the shutter count on any Nikon camera is a bit confusing and difficult to find. This article will explain what shutter count means, a list of Nikon cameras and their shutter life ratings, how it affects your camera’s value, and how you can find your camera’s shutter count.
What Is A Shutter Count?
Let’s put this: Shutter count is the number of times the camera’s shutter has been used. The camera’s shutter is a small curtain that opens and closes when you take a picture.
Each time the shutter opens and closes, it records an exposure thus recording the number of times it’s been used.
The shutter is a mechanical device that can break over time. When the shutter breaks, it can cause the camera to malfunction.
The shutter count is a good way to determine how many times a camera has been used and can help determine its current value.
Why Do You Need To Know Your Nikon Camera’s Shutter Count?
Maybe you’re wondering why it’s important to know the shutter count of your trusty friend. Well, there are many reasons why a photographer would want to know how many times their camera’s shutter has been used.
One reason is that the shutter count is a useful tool to have when you’re trying to decide if you should buy a used camera or not.
If the shutter count is low, it means that the camera has been used very little (but not always) and probably doesn’t have many issues with it. If the shutter count is high, there’s more of a chance that the shutter might fail soon.
Nikon Cameras Shutter Count Guide
Mirrorless Cameras
Nikon Z5
NikonZ6
Nikon Z6II
Nikon Z7
Nikon Z7II
Nikon Z9
Nikon Z30
Nikon Z50
Nikon Z fc
DSLR Cameras
Nikon D3000
Nikon D3100
Nikon D3200
Nikon D3300
Nikon D3400
Nikon D3500
Nikon D5000
Nikon D5100
Nikon D5200
Nikon D5300
Nikon D5500
Nikon D5600
Nikon D7000
Nikon D7100
Nikon D7200
Nikon D7500
Nikon D200
Nikon D300
Nikon D300S
Nikon D500
Nikon D600
Nikon D610
Nikon D700
Nikon D750
Nikon D780
Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
Nikon D810
Nikon D810A
Nikon D850
Nikon D40
Nikon D40X
Nikon D50
Nikon D60
Nikon D70
Nikon D70S
Nikon D80
Nikon D90
Nikon D2H
Nikon D2Hs
Nikon D2X
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D3
Nikon D3S
Nikon D3X
Nikon D4
Nikon D4S
Nikon D5
Nikon D6
Nikon Df
Nikon Shutter Count Limit (Lifespan)
All cameras have a shutter life rating or life expectancy. This is the estimated number of times the camera’s mechanical shutter can be used before it starts to fail.
For example, most Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a lifespan rating of about 100,000 shutter releases.
So, what will happen if a camera already reached its expected lifespan?
Thankfully, most of the time the camera will still work flawlessly! I have a lot of cameras that exceeded their shutter count limit, but I haven’t had any problems with them.
In fact, some of my cameras can still go past their estimated lifespan by a few thousand shutter releases!
And lastly, I believe that camera manufacturers have these ratings to help consumers understand what to expect from their cameras. But, it’s important to note that they are only estimates and not hard rules.
Checking The Shutter Count
You can’t find the overall camera’s shutter count through your camera itself. You can use a software or an application that can view the EXIF data of your images to check the shutter count.
We have several guides on how to find the shutter count for Canon, Sony, and Fuji cameras as well. For Nikon, luckily, we have the option to check the number with various free and paid apps. Here are the apps that I have used and found them helpful:
Checking the shutter count is easy and won’t take more than a few minutes. All you have to do is take a new photo and upload it to one of the links above. The app will then show you the shutter count of your camera.
Ideal Shutter Count for A Used Nikon Camera
Based on my experience, the ideal shutter count for Nikon cameras is around 1,000-50,000. I never had any problems buying used cameras within this range.
I also make sure to check every corner of the camera and its sensor for scratches and other signs of wear and tear.
One thing to note when buying used is don’t get easily fooled by buying a low shutter count camera. And why is that? Well, there’s a chance that the camera was used as a video camera which can put a lot of stress on its sensor.
That’s why it is really important not just to rely on shutter count alone, but to also look at the camera’s overall condition.
FAQ
Can the shutter count be reset?
Yes, the shutter count can be reset. However, in order to do this, you need to replace the shutter itself with a new one. This means that you will have to pay the extra cost of having your camera repaired by a professional.
I already reached my camera’s rated shutter life expectancy, now what?
There’s no need to panic! It will still work just fine for you to use your camera. The shutter life expectancy is merely a guide to let you know how many shutter releases you can expect from your camera. Most of the time, the camera will outgrow its rated shutter life expectancy.
Can I repair my camera’s shutter? And if so, how much will it cost me?
In the event that your camera’s shutter fails, you can have it repaired. The cost of shutter repairs will vary depending on the model and brand of your camera. It’s better to bring it to an authorized repair center as soon as possible.
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.