Did you know that your camera has an average lifespan? It's measured by the camera's shutter actuation count.

The count refers to the number of times the shutter has fired. It's an important number for several reasons, making it worthy of our - and your - attention in this post. If you're thinking about buying a used camera or selling yours, you'll want to read on. 

Importance of the Shutter Actuation Count

We've previously written about buying used gear to save money. It can be a wise choice when it comes to your camera gear. (There's also the option of selling your equipment when you're upgrading.) The camera's shutter actuation count can play an influential role in either scenario. 

Every camera has a lifespan, and every camera brand has its own average lifespan. The shutter actuation count gives you an idea of how many functional years the camera might have left. That number can affect a camera's value, whether you're buying or selling a used camera.

For example, would you buy a camera that probably has about one year of life left, and how much are you willing to pay for such a short lifespan?  

The Average Camera Lifespan

Most professional photographers will probably never hit their camera brand's stated shutter actuation count. They'll likely upgrade before they get even close to it. 

Most DSLRs, if well maintained, will perform well for about 5-10 years and at least 100,000 shutter actuation, with pro-level cameras lasting at least 400,000 shutter actuation. Most consumer cameras are probably reliable for about 200,000 - a number we will focus on in the next section.

It's important to note that given how quickly technology advances, today's DSLRs are more likely to become outdated before they wear out.  

If you're curious about what you can expect for your camera's lifespan, check out the Camera Shutterlife Expectancy Database. The database relies on user data.  

A Closer Look at Shutter Actuations & Used Cameras

We consider 200,000 shutter actuation as a good general number to use as an average lifespan expectation. If you're considering a used camera, it's probably wise to use about 60,000 - 65,000 actuation as a maximum count.

How to Determine Shutter Counts

• Canon: Canon is one of the toughest brands to determine the shutter actuation count, for some reason. Here are some options: Upload your image to camerashuttercount.com to determine the shutter count. If you have a Windows computer, another option is to download EOS Info, which works with most DSLRs to identify the shutter count. If you use a Mac, you can use 40D Shutter Count program, which works on various cameras, except the 1D series.

• Nikon: The shutter count is stored in each photo's EXIF data. Snap a photo, upload the image to the website myshuttercount.com. It will note the number (count) of that image.

• Sony: To see your shutter actuation count, upload an image from the camera to this website: SONY Alpha shutter/image counter.

• Pentax: Same as Nikon. The shutter count is stored in each photo's EXIF data. Snap a photo, upload the image to the website myshuttercount.com. It will note the number (count) of that image.

• Olympus: The number is actually on its menu! Here's how to find it:

1. With the camera on, open the memory card door.

2. Simultaneously press "PLAY" +" OK."

3. Now press the dial in this specific order: up, down, left, and right.

4. Press the shutter release button fully.

5. Press up on the dial. The shutter count should now be visible.

Other Elements that Affect Value

The camera's shutter actuation count isn't the only thing that might affect its performance, lifespan, and value. Here are several other things to consider:

• Moisture/water: Heavy moisture or water can destroy a camera. Drop your camera in a body of water, and you risk damage to its electronic components. Always protect your camera from moisture or water.

• Impact: Impact trauma to a camera can affect the lifespan and performance of a camera, if not completely destroy your camera. Impact trauma can include dropping your camera on a hard surface such as pavement.

• Electronic: Once in a while, we will hear of a camera damaged or destroyed from electronic damage, such as a short circuit when plugging it into something.

• Extreme temperatures: Very few electronic equipments hold up well to extreme temperatures unless they're built for them. Cameras are no different.

We hope you found our post on shutter actuation counts helpful! If you're interested in buy a used camera or selling your equipment, now or in the future, knowing the shutter actuation count can help you make some decisions.

But knowing the count can even help you plan and budget for when you might need to purchase your next camera because the current one might be reaching the end of its lifespan.

One last thing to note is that the count should be used as an average. Many cameras, especially pro-level ones, extend well beyond their average lifespan, while others won't last as long as expected.