How to Check Canon EOS 20D Shutter Count: A Simple Guide 2024

“While the 20D was well-regarded in 2005, it lacks features found on most current cameras. Limitations of this older model include a small LCD screen, no live view, and a restricted ISO range. Despite these drawbacks, I admit the Canon EOS 20D can still capture good photos.”

Fstoppers

The Canon EOS 20D has a rated SHUTTER LIFE EXPECTANCY of 100,000.

How to Check Canon EOS 20D Shutter Count

Canon 20D

Checking the shutter count of your camera shouldn’t be that hard. Here’s my no-fluff guide on how to do it. These apps are pretty affordable and they always worked for me.

Shuttercheck App for Mac (Highly Recommended)

ShutterCheck for Mac
  • For Canon Mirrorless and DSLRs
  • Connect your Canon EOS 20D to your computer with a USB cable and turn it on
  • It will display the shutter count almost instantly
  • I highly recommend this one! It’s accurate and cheap (about $10 as of the time of writing)

Shutter Count by Dire Studio (macOS and iOS Users)

ShutterCount Dire Studio
  • Search it on the App Store. They have a mobile version too
  • Install and run
  • Connect your Canon 20D with a USB cable and turn it on
  • It will then display the shutter count
  • I also have this app and it’s a great alternative. Fairly accurate as well

ExifTool (Windows and Mac Users)

  • A free Exif tool reader program that can read your camera’s metadata including its shutter count
  • Installing it is not the most straightforward thing to do. Read the installation instructions below
  • Download the 32-bit or 64-bit Windows Executable from the ExifTool home page.
    (The file you download should be named “exiftool-12.96_32.zip” or “exiftool-12.96_64.zip“.)
  • Extract the “exiftool-12.96_xx” folder from the “.zip” file, and place it on your Desktop.
    (Double-click on “exiftool-12.96_xx.zip” to open the archive, then drag “exiftool-12.96_xx” folder to your Desktop.)
  • Open the “exiftool-12.96_xx” folder from your Desktop.
  • You can now double-click on “exiftool(-k).exe” in this folder to read the application documentation, or drag-and-drop files and folders to run exiftool on selected files. To install exiftool for use from the command line, continue with the following steps:
  • Rename “exiftool(-k).exe” to exiftool.exe.
    (or “exiftool(-k)” to “exiftool” if file name extensions are hidden on your system)
  • Move “exiftool.exe” and the “exiftool_files” folder to any directory in your PATH (or any other directory of your choosing).
  • You can now run exiftool by typing “exiftool” at the command prompt (or “c:\path\to\exiftool” if the directory isn’t in your PATH).
  • (To get to the command prompt, select “Run…” from the Windows “Start” menu, then type “cmd” and press Return.)
  • After installing, drag a photo file onto the executable file. It will show its metadata then look for “shutter count”

Note: I’m not affiliated with any of them. I don’t have any special deals and receive no compensation or incentives to promote their products or services. My goal is to provide honest and unbiased information to help photographers check their cameras’ shutter count. I’ve personally used and paid for these apps.

Canon Advanced APS-C DSLR Cameras Shutter Lifespan Guide

Canon EOS 90D120,000
Canon EOS 80D100,000
Canon EOS 70D100,000
Canon EOS 60D100,000
Canon EOS 50D100,000
Canon EOS 40D100,000
Canon EOS 30D100,000
Canon EOS 20D100,000
Canon EOS 10D100,000

Why Do You Want This Number?

Knowing the shutter count of a camera is a great way to determine if the camera is truly brand new.

If you’re a buyer or a seller, knowing the shutter count will surely help! It can help determine the value of a used camera and can be a way to negotiate for a lower price. And yes, it does work all the time!

Now, if you’re going to ask me what is a good number for a used camera, The answer is that there isn’t one.

It all depends on the camera and how it was used. For example, if you’re looking at a Canon EOS 20D with 15,000 shutter actuations, that’s not necessarily bad. It could be considered low for this camera.

It is better to check for the overall condition of the camera. If it looks like it’s been well taken care of, then the shutter count doesn’t matter as much.

If you’re looking at a camera that has been used heavily and shows signs of wear and tear, then you might want to consider getting a different one.

Canon EOS 20D Shutter Replacement Cost

Image sensor

Shutter failure is sadly, UNAVOIDABLE even if you’re the most meticulous photographer in the world.

But it’s not the end of it all! In the event that your camera’s shutter breaks, you can usually get it repaired for a reasonable price.

It costs around $400-$500 in the USA. Your best bet is to call an authorized Canon Service Center near you to know the exact pricing and how to deal with your broken shutter

Debunking Common Myths

There are a lot of myths out there about shutter count and how it affects the value of a camera. Here are some common ones:

1. The higher the shutter count, the less valuable the camera is.

This is not true at all. The shutter count is only one factor in determining the value of a camera. The overall condition of the camera, how well it has been taken care of, and how much use it has seen are all important factors as well.

2. A camera with a lower shutter count will last longer than one with a higher count.

This is also not true. The shutter count does not indicate how long a camera will last. It simply measures how often the shutter has been opened and closed.

3. You should always buy a camera with a low shutter count.

Although buying a low shutter count camera is generally a good idea, it’s not always true. And why is that? In today’s world where videography is so popular, many people are using their cameras to shoot video.

While recording, the camera’s shutter mechanism was not affected. So, a camera that is mainly used for videos typically has a lower shutter count.

Again, check the condition of the camera! Look for dead pixels, dents, scratches, and other signs of wear.

4. Your camera will break once it reaches its shutter lifespan.

This is another myth that has been around for a long time. While it’s true that cameras can break, they don’t just break because they reach their shutter count limit. Most cameras are designed to last well beyond their rated life expectancy.

I have a Canon 6D Mark II with a 350,000 shutter count and I’ve never had any issues with it yet.

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