How to Check Canon EOS R Shutter Count: A Simple Guide 2024
“The Canon EOS R is a mixed bag. It has classic Canon color science and a comfortable feel, but it falls short for action photographers with its slower frame rate and less-than-stellar autofocus. If you’re already invested in Canon’s EF lenses and value image quality, it’s a decent option, but be aware of its limitations.”
SLR Lounge
The Canon EOS R has a rated SHUTTER LIFE EXPECTANCY of 200,000. It’s shorter by 100k than the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. Nevertheless, it’s still quite long and can last even a decade.
How to Check Canon EOS R Shutter Count
Easy As 1, 2, 3
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)
- For Canon Mirrorless and DSLRs
- Connect your Canon EOS R 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)
- Search it on the App Store. They have a mobile version too
- Install and run
- Connect your Canon R 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
EOSMSG (Windows Users)
- It’s a shutter counter software for Windows users
- Pay a small fee of $5 for this version. The DSLR version is completely free
- Download, install, run, and connect your camera via USB
- It works well but some people are having second thoughts since it’s a software from China?
Canon Pro Mirrorless Cameras Shutter Lifespan Table
They Are Built To Last
| Canon EOS R6 Mark II | 300,000 |
| Canon EOS R6 | 300,000 |
| Canon EOS R3 | 500,000 |
| Canon EOS R5 | 500,000 |
| Canon EOS R | 200,000 |
Why Do You Want This Number?
It Does Matter….. A Little Bit
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 R with 80,000 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 R Shutter Replacement Cost
Don’t Worry, It’s Not That Expensive
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 5D Mark II with a 300,000 shutter count and I’ve never had any issues with it yet.