What's your shutter count?

flar · #1 Posted: **Sep 26, 2008, 7:53 PM**

Mine's currently 36,503 on my Nikon D50.

And does anyone know the expected lifespan of the shutter mechanisms in DSLRs?

Don B. · #2 Posted: **Sep 27, 2008, 10:27 AM**

I have two cameras now:

Canon 5D, in service since October 2005, about 40,000
Canon Digital Rebel Xti, in service since June 2008, about 2,000

The big dSLRs have something like 200,000 shutter actuations (e.g. 1DS Mark II or III). The middle dSLRs like the 5D have 100,000, and lesser dSLRs like the Xti are rated for 50,000.

I interpret this information to mean that these numbers are probably an average, but just because you hit that number does not mean your camera is going to blow up and stop functioning. I believe you run an increasing risk of shutter failure as you near or pass that number, and then you have to replace the shutter, which frankly I know nothing about.

--don

flar · #3 Posted: **Sep 27, 2008, 10:51 AM**

Thanks, the D50 is probably rated somewhere around 50,000 too. As much as I like the D50, I will probably get a new camera before it dies. And if the shutter ever did wear out, the cost of replacement is probably only worthwhile on the higher models.

HomeInMyShoes · #4 Posted: **Sep 27, 2008, 10:57 AM**

I take so few photos. I do know I hadn't turned the counter on for the first while, but right now it says 7,775. Probably add around 3,500 to that number so about 11,000.

If you really like the camera it might be worth replacing. I'd like a few more pixels out of my D50, but overall I'd miss it a lot.

flar · #5 Posted: **Sep 28, 2008, 2:50 AM**

I really like the D50 and would keep it forever if only it had 10 megapixels instead of 6. I've looked briefly at some of the newer Nikon models and much prefer the D50's controls.