When a deal interests you, make an effort to learn as much about the state of the camera as possible. Online outlets that sell used goods don't always give you the details that you need. When choosing a used DSLR, buying peer-to-peer is always a worthwhile experience to seek out, as you will be able to ask about all of these things respectfully. This is one thing that you should be especially wary of any sort of funky growth even on the outside of the hull should be your cue to see yourself out. Like a keyboard, the buttons should not stick or become jammed when you press them.Ĭameras that have been left out in the car overnight under the right conditions may develop mold or fungus on the inside. The same goes for the threaded hole at the bottom of the DSLR body, as well as the hot shoe. The connections and any mounted ports should be clean and clear of debris or residue. Ask to test the mount with your own lens before actually buying it, if possible. Anything knocked loose or dented will potentially leave you with a camera that you cannot use. The state of the lens mount is of vital importance. Focus on the parts of the camera that move or are exposed to the air from the inside. Unless the scratch happens to be on the sensor of the camera or marring the lens, a bit of wear and tear is nothing to worry about in an otherwise well-kept and functional used DSLR.
You can then use the app to link your Android device to the used DSLR and find the shutter count.
Canon-backed outlets and repair shops will be able to supply you with the info, but this may not be a feasible way of checking the camera before actually purchasing it. You can also try Magic Lantern to get access to this elusive little number.Īlternatively, you can also download the DSLR Controller app for $10.
It's available on both Mac and Windows.įor a used Canon camera body, shutter count options will be a bit slimmer. Interpreting this data is as simple as uploading the photo to one of many third-party websites or downloadable apps and waiting for the results. If the camera is a Nikon or a Pentax, you will find the shutter count in the EXIF metadata that comes attached to each photo taken. If they aren't sure, you've got a couple of fact-checking options, depending on the brand of the camera. To see if the camera that you're considering makes the grade, ask the person or company that you're buying from. The original ratings of the camera will inform your eventual decision. Again, not always so, but something to consider. In other words, the more expensive a camera was originally, the more likely it will make the grade. Much like when buying a car, the difference between what is considered a high shutter count and what is considered a low shutter count will not always automatically amount to what is a good shutter count.įor a top-of-the-line used DSLR, many will cite the ceiling of acceptability as being upwards of a 400,000 shutter count. So, what is a high shutter count for a DSLR? A good shutter count for used camera bodies will depend on the model.Īlthough mid-level DSLRs will generally be rated for up to 150,000 no matter what, then is a good shutter count lower? In terms of ideal shutter count, used camera bodies with less than 5,000 on the record can be considered practically new. Every time you hit the button and take a photo, the shutter will actuate, resulting in a shutter count that is equal to the number of photos taken since the camera was purchased. Shutter actuation is a term that describes the action of the DSLR shutter as it turns and allows one photo's worth of light into the camera's body. Simply put, this is the number of times that the camera has been used to produce an image. Those in the business will measure the "mileage" on a DSLR in terms of its shutter count.