Shutter Count for 2nd hand camera


Jazzye

New Member
Sep 9, 2012
29
0
0
Jurong
Hi, for 2nd hand DSLR, whats the average shutter counts for it to be considered "mint" condition?
 

Entirely up to you. For me, mint means the body is in tip top condition. Shutter count is not usually that critical, but I would say less than 5000. But could also be 50,000. Mint is a cosmetic description, not shutter count.
 

Last edited:
Hi, for 2nd hand DSLR, whats the average shutter counts for it to be considered "mint" condition?

There is no industry standard for shutter count to be mint..
 

Mint could also be seen as percentage, considering the average expected life span of a shutter. Since this varies heavily between entry level cameras and professional bodies the question is to generic to get a precise answer. And then there are people who insist on 'virgin' cameras ... If unsure or too worried get a body with remaining warranty and extend if possible.
 

I dontknow. But when you mention mint. I would think you're referring to the camera body..buttons..etc. Not really the shutter count...
And to be fair. Different model have a different max.no of shutter counts. So...you got to think again whether it is consider mint condition to you or not.

Of course buying 2nd hand the lower # the better. So..why not set a number for yourself and look around. Alas, a camera is much more than just the shutter count...
 

Just wondering, why are some people so particular about shutter count? What is the physical effect that one will see when the shutter is 'worn out'? Moreover, there average shutter count by the time a user attempt to sell his camera body is about a few thousand or 10k plus. Some often-used bodies maybe 50-80k. Still significantly lower than the 'lifetime' of e.g. 200k counts. Moreover, shutter replacement is really relatively cheap? What's the fuss?

Entertain me if I'm wrong. Thanks :)
 

Know why I'm so "bothered" by shutter count?

Cos sellers like to mention that, saying "mint condition, shutter count less than 10k".

Naturally that got newbies like me curious as to is shutter count really important?

Make sense?
 

Maybe expert like you guys should ask why sellers are highlighting shutter count when they are advertising? Then probably newbies like me wouldn't ask such "silly" question huh?
 

Thanks! Now I know shutter count doesn't really matter :)
 

Hmm..look at it this way.
The shutter count of a camera is like a car's mileage. So theoretically, the lower the better. as its more "new". Like mention before. How much is low or high... - subjective..so you decide

Anyways, nowadays camera can take up to ten of thousand some even up to few hundred thousand. So dont get too carried away with the numbers.. As long it works. Its good. :bsmilie:
 

Once again, thanks for clearing my doubt!! :)
 

I tend to see shutter count as an indication of how much wear and tear has gone into the cam. The cam has various mechanical and electrical parts, and the sensor as well. A camera with 400k shutter count would have had more wear and tear internally (though not visible), vs one with just 10k.

I had a heavily used camera which suffered burnt or dead pixels on sensor. Though it is hardly visible on photo and can be easily pp-ed.
 

Know why I'm so "bothered" by shutter count?

Cos sellers like to mention that, saying "mint condition, shutter count less than 10k".

Naturally that got newbies like me curious as to is shutter count really important?

Make sense?
read this, [h=3]Seeking advise - deal[/h]
let say, you get an used camera, the shutter counts is not the same as what the seller told you, how would you feel?

how long you need to source for a use camera you are looking for with a shutter counts and price which you find is a good deal?
 

Some often-used bodies maybe 50-80k. Still significantly lower than the 'lifetime' of e.g. 200k counts.

The reported lifetime actuation should be taken as a guide IMO as there have been known occasions where the camera fails way before that. 200K would seem like the count for a D800/4. A D90 is rated around 100k.
 

Maybe expert like you guys should ask why sellers are highlighting shutter count when they are advertising? Then probably newbies like me wouldn't ask such "silly" question huh?

Right sorry but this sounds a little rude to me.

Sellers often highlight the count because many buyers ASK about the count. For some of them it matters because it gives them a gauge of how long more the camera can last (though that is often subjective). As a buyer it would kinda suck to buy a D90 that has 100K shutter actuation and have it to fail a hundred shots later and pay another amount for a replacement.

Again as mentioned by other CSers, it might not matter to some what the count is. As long as you're comfortable in purchasing the camera whilst knowing all the plus and minuses then that's all that really matters.
 

Shutter count is like the volume of coke in a can of coke. Can appearance (camera body) very mint, but inside half of the coke drank (shutter count used), if you not thirsty (don't shoot much), drink a bit of the half then throw the can (upgrade or quit hobby), no problem. If very thirsty (machine gun dude), drink till the end (shutter unit finish life and bye), then maybe trouble for you to refill (change shutter unit = extra cost). Of cause you get extra saliva (seller's hand sweat) when buying an open can :bsmilie:
 

Oh no, sorry didn't mean to sound rude at all! Peace :)
 

It is really not hard to guess why people list the shutter count. It is another means of determining the age and wear of the item.
 

TS it is recommended to get a used body with less shutter count, just like getting a used car with low mileage.

you may check the expected shutter durability rating for Canon DSLR here: Canon Digital SLR Camera Reviews

Just select your EOS body and read through the reviews. For example you are eyeing on a used EOS 60D with 90k shutter count (rated 100k shutter durability), the shutter will need to be replaced anytime as the shutter count is nearing 100k... you may shoot till 150k clicks before the shutter dies, or sui sui the shutter dies on the next morning in your hands.