Finding your Canon camera’s shutter count isn’t as simple as some other manufacturers make it.
Since it's not stored in EXIF data, you won't be able to follow the same steps required to find a Nikon camera’s shutter count. So, I’m going to show you an alternative method using two pieces of software for macOS and Windows users, respectively: ShutterCount and Canon EOS Digital Info.
Finding your camera’s shutter count is useful if you’re selling your camera, since it’s a better indication of the wear and tear it may have experienced than its age alone.
Most manufacturers provide an estimated shutter count lifespan. For example, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is rated for 150,000 shutter actuations – but at the time of writing, there are examples of this camera over at MPB that far exceed this number. And that’s certainly not unusual.
But another reason you might like to look up your Canon camera’s shutter count is for no other reason than it’s often just cool to know. As Henri Cartier-Bresson famously said: “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” So it’s certainly a useful figure to know!
How to find your Canon camera shutter count
1. Download the software
Download ShutterCount via the App Store if you’re using macOS, and Canon EOS Digital Info via your browser if you’re using a Windows computer. Physically connect your Canon camera to your computer using the USB cable that came with it and switch your camera on.
2. Find your shutter count
If you’re using ShutterCount, the camera will automatically connect, supplying you with the camera model, serial number (also useful when selling), shutter count and rather interestingly, shutter wear.
This is calculated as a percentage, suggesting it’s finding what percentage of the camera’s estimated shutter life your shutter count represents.
If you're using Canon EOS Digital, click ‘Connect’ and you’ll be greeted with the camera model, firmware version, attached lens, serial number, and shutter count.
If you’re not using a Canon camera, check out our guide on how to find your shutter count. Fujifilm and Olympus users, for example, can actually find their shutter count in-camera, simplifying the process somewhat.
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