How many shots has my Nikon taken?
Knowing the number of shots your digital camera has taken is useful as an indicator of device usage and remaining shutter life expectancy. Nikon embeds information on the number of shutter releases for many of its cameras in EXIF (EXchangeable Image File) data. These metadata are saved alongside each and every image file. EXIF-readers can access this information (see the App below) and, thus, convey how many images a camera has taken so far.
How to find the actuation count?
In order to find out how many shots your Nikon has taken, just upload a new, unedited JPG image using the dialog box below. Smaller files will upload faster. Your image will be deleted from the server once the EXIF-information has been read.
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Current value of your camera at
ebay.com
- Mention this webpage in your network of friends and followers.
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- Bookmark it in your browser for future reference.
- Create a hyperlink by copying the text below into your web-project or discussion forum entry.
- The uploaded image contained only very rudimentary EXIF data.
- Did you perhaps submit an image that was photoshopped or transferred wirelessly between devices?
- If so, you may want to try again by uploading an image that comes directly from the camera.
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unprocessed image
- Canon includes the shutter count in EXIF data only for a few, older cameras.
- However, other methods exist to retrieve the shutter count for more recent EOS cameras.
- Find out about the available options in the Canon Shutter Count Hub.
Canon Shutter Count
Retrieval Options
The shutter count of the following Nikon cameras is accessible via the app. Please let me know, if you succeed in retrieving the actuation count for another Nikon camera.
Nikon Coolpix A
Nikon 1 AW1
Nikon 1 J1
Nikon 1 J2
Nikon 1 J3
Nikon 1 J4
Nikon 1 J5
Nikon 1 S1
Nikon 1 S2
Nikon 1 V1
Nikon 1 V2
Nikon 1 V3
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 D40
Nikon D40X
Nikon D50
Nikon D60
Nikon D70
Nikon D70S
Nikon D80
Nikon D90
Nikon D200
Nikon D300
Nikon D300S
Nikon D500
Nikon D600
Nikon D610
Nikon D700
Nikon D750
Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
Nikon D810
Nikon D810A
Nikon D850
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 Z6
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon Z7
Nikon Z7 II
Nikon Z30
Nikon Z50
Nikon Zfc
Why does the shutter count matter?
The shutter count corresponds to the number of images a camera has captured with its mechanical shutter. Mechanical focal-plane shutters consist of a pair of light-tight curtains that move to uncover the sensor during the exposure time. Every actuation, that is every shutter opening and closing, will cause some minimal wear and tear that will eventually result in malfunction and the need for repair or replacement. A shutter can fail completely on one incident, but more likely it will deteriorate gradually. It becomes unreliable when shooting at high shutter speeds or the first and second curtains get out of sync, so that the shutter speed becomes inaccurate. If these warning signs appear, it is time to take action and get your camera shutter replaced. Shutter replacement costs generally fall into the range of US$200 to US$400, plus the hassle of having to send the camera to the service center.
That said, the actuation count is not just an indicator on whether or not the shutter might soon need to be replaced, but more generally on the overall condition of the camera. A high shutter count indicates that the camera has been intensively used and probably also been subject to more bumps and knocks, more frequent exposure to dust, and more recurrent usage in the rain than a camera that has been kept in a drawer most of the time and therefore shows a low actuation count. As a result, second-hand buyers on Ebay or Craigslist are willing to offer a higher price for a camera with a low number of shutter releases than for the same model with a high actuation count.
What is the shutter life expectancy of my Nikon?
Shutter life ratings differ across cameras. Most modern interchangeable lens cameras, such as the Nikon D3500, have shutters that support at least 100 000 actuations. Semi-pro models, such as the Nikon D500, are rated for about 200 000 shots, while professional cameras, such as the Nikon D5, have shutters that can sustain 400 000 actuations. It is important to note that the shutter rating does not provide a guarantee of a certain photo count before shutter maintenance or replacement are needed. The shutter might fail earlier, or it could last longer without causing any problems.The shutter rating should, thus, be seen as representing a statistically determined failure average or Mean Time Before Failure.
Most photographers are unlikely to come close to the shutter life expectancy of their imaging tools. For example, if one were to take 100 photos each and every day, this would mean 3 000 actuations per month and 36 000 shots per year. In this case, one would reach the end of the expected lifespan of a Nikon D3500's shutter in about three years. Few people use their cameras as regularly and intensively, and if they do, their cameras might well be up for a replacement after three years anyway for reasons other than shutter failure. Nevertheless, shutters do sometimes break down during photo sessions and such adverse events are getting more likely as the shutter count increases.
Watch how a shutter breaks down
Are you curious what it looks like when a shutter breaks down? The team at Continue Crushing Tech pushed a camera to its extreme by shooting it in burst mode for hours until the shutter gave up. The camera used was not a Nikon, but a Canon 7D Mark II. Nevertheless, the adjacent video gives you an impression on how it looks if a camera shutter fails. In this particular case, the 7D Mark II made 199 591 shots and thereby about reached the shutter's formal rating of 200 000 actuations.
FAQ on checking the shutter count
Below are some frequently asked questions concerning the camera shutter count.
What is a safe shutter count on my Nikon camera?
A large number of shutter actuations is a sign that you enjoyed shooting with your camera and that it has been a useful tool. However, if you are trying to sell on Ebay or Craigslist, you should be aware that a camera with a shutter count that exceeds 50 percent of the rated shutter life will be traded at a marked discount.
Does the use of the electronic shutter augment the shutter count?
No, using the electronic shutter does not lead to any actuation of the mechanical shutter and does not increase the camera's shot count metric.
How are videos reflected in the shutter count?
When recording moving images, cameras use their electronic shutter and not their mechanical one. Taking videos, thus, does not increment the shutter count by the (large number of) image captures in movie mode.
Shouldn't the shutter count of my brand new Nikon camera be zero?
Cameras undergo final quality checks at the factory that frequently involve a number of shutter releases. It is, thus, normal to see a low, non-zero shutter count for a new camera.
Isn't shutter failure covered by Nikon's warranty?
If a shutter malfunctions because of a manufacturing fault (and not because of wear and tear) and if this failure happens during the warranty period, Nikon will indeed replace the shutter free of charge.
What should I do if my Nikon camera reaches the end of its rated shutter life?
You can continue to use the camera, but should be mindful that the likelihood of a shutter failure is heightened. Hence, you might want to avoid using the camera during an important event or trip, or ensure that you have a backup camera available.
What happens to the actuation count if my camera's shutter is replaced?
If your shutter malfunctions and needs replacement, the service center will disassemble your camera, substitute the shutter with a new one, and reset the shutter count to zero.
Can I reset the shutter count on my Nikon camera?
No, it is not possible to reset the actuation count to zero. Only Nikon service centers can do this if they install a replacement shutter.
Can I replace the shutter of my Nikon camera myself?
Yes, if you are a capable mechanic (and a bit daring), you can dissemble your camera and replace the shutter. Shutter units for many camera models are sold on Ebay.
How can I extend the lifespan of my camera's shutter?
Exposure to dust and dirt will result in increased wear and tear on the moving parts of the shutter mechanism. Hence, being careful and protecting the camera from the environment when changing lenses can help to make your camera's shutter last longer.
Camera comparisons
Does your camera show an elevated shutter count? Is it time to start thinking about a camera upgrade? Check out how different cameras – new and not quite as new – compare in terms of size, sensors, features, and their reception by expert reviewers by selecting two comparators from the menu below. You will then promptly be taken to a detailed side-by-side comparison.
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