How do I know the mileage of Canon cameras?

When purchasing new photographic equipment, I want it to be really new and of high quality. At the time of buying a used photographic equipment, it is important to know the period of its use by the owner and the optimal assessment of the internal mechanisms and parts. Only licensed repair centers will be able to perform full diagnostics. For a quick preliminary estimate of the camera's mileage, you can do it yourself.

The mileage of a camera can be compared to the mileage of a car. This is an important technical condition on which the further operation of the device depends. Also, the price will depend on this. All cameras are equipped with a shutter. These are mechanical shutters, they regulate the light equipment that hits the camera sensor and are responsible for exposure. The shutter, like any other mechanical device, is subject to wear. The specific mileage depends on the camera model and the shutter installed:

• the simplest models - 15 thousand frames;
• professional models - 150-300 thousand frames.

These numbers indicate the vehicle's normal calculated mileage. But this does not mean that, having exceeded these parameters, the shutter will stop working with the last frame produced. Numeric values ​​indicate the reliability resource, set in the cameras by the manufacturer. Shutter mileage affects the quality of photos. Black stripes may appear in images with fast shutter speeds or flash mode. Also, the shutter is responsible for the quality of the exposure. The shutter also wears out while filming. However, this parameter is not displayed in diagnostics. At the time of recording, the video shutter is in the open position, but at this moment the internal mechanisms, battery, matrix and keys for controlling the device wear out.

It is important to find out the mileage of a Canon camera, both when purchasing used equipment and when choosing a new one in a store. After all, under the guise of new devices, restored equipment can also be sold. With careful use, the camera can last up to 10 years. There are parts that can fail faster, because their lifespan is measured by frequency of use, not time. But they must be replaced, this is precisely the element that the shutter is.

You can check the mileage of the camera using special programs. However, it should be noted that not all cameras allow you to find out the number of photos taken. Depending on the model and manufacturer, there are several options for how you can find out how many frames the shutter took. Despite the high technology of checks performed independently at home, it is important to remember about the possibility of some acceptable errors in the service.

They will not be significantly distorted from inspections performed at photo centers, but the difference can be noticeable. We will mention universal programs that are suitable for most brands.

• Camera shutter count - the program determines the state of the shutter curtain and its mileage online. The service supports new series of Nikon and Pentax cameras and some Canon and Sony camera lines. Interaction with the program is simple, without cables and wires connecting the camera to the computer. The photo is loaded into the program without processing, in JPEG or RAW format, the result is displayed instantly.

• EOSMSG program - suitable for various lines of cameras, a complete list of supported devices is available on the website.The service works when the camera is connected via a cable; before using the program, you must install the program on your computer. A significant disadvantage of the service is that work on the Windows 10 site occurs only in XP compatibility mode, otherwise the program generates an error.

You can use the service without a cable connection to a computer. However, this method is best used only in the absence of a cord. The new or last frame taken with this camera is used and downloaded to the computer. Then in the program, you must select the Choose A Photo function, thanks to which the picture will be uploaded to the service... Where further the same window will open as when working through a cable, and you can get information. To check certain manufacturers, there are both licensed and highly targeted check programs.

Canon EOS Digital info software is available for download from the official website. After downloading to your computer, you need to allow access and install the program. Then connect the camera via a cable, it is better to use the one that is included in the kit. If the camera has not been connected to a specific computer before, then first you need to automatically install the drivers. The system should see the camera drive with photos.

As a result of the check, you will have a list of information about the camera available for viewing:

• firmware version;
• mileage;
• charge level;
• device model and serial number, lens information and system date.

The advantage of the program is support for all series of cameras - from DIGITAL REBEL Xsi to the most popular Canon EOS 600D series. The advantage of the service is also that a complete check of the device takes place, and not of the photos taken on it.

Another program for estimating mileage - Shutter Count Viewer is also free, you can find it on the developer's website... Available for computers with Windows system software. The installation algorithm is the same as for the previous service. After starting the program, data is read from the EXIF ​​file, which displays the number of shutter releases for a particular camera. The disadvantage of the application is that information is available only about a limited number of SLR cameras, the list of models can be found on the website where the software is downloaded. These services will help you find out the technical serviceability of the camera and avoid buying a device with a minimum lifespan.

After checking the mileage of Canon photographic equipment and receiving the report, you can analyze the information. It is important to remember that the average shutter life depends on the specific make and model.

• Small models for amateur photography have a resource in the region of 20,000 frames.
• High-end mid-range cameras and "pseudo-mirror" models are designed to work without replacing the shutter, and are capable of taking 30,000 shots.
• SLR cameras of a simpler level are designed for an average of 50,000 frames.
• Mid-level "DSLRs" are capable of performing about 70,000 operations.
• Semi-professional SLR cameras are designed to produce up to 1 million photos.
• Professional SLR photographic equipment wears out only after 150-200 thousand copies of a photo have been taken.

The shutter can continue to operate even after the set limit of shots has been taken, but this is short-lived. Replacement can be done in any service for working with professional photo and video equipment. However, the average replacement cost is quite high. When replaced with professional equipment, it will be logical and profitable. With an inexpensive and basic camera, the cost can be up to half the cost of a new one. In such cases, it will be more profitable to buy a new camera.

Viewing the mileage through the Internet resources will allow you to make sure in what condition the equipment is and how long it will still be ready to serve you. When buying a used camera, if the words of the seller and the state of technology do not match, you can reduce the cost or avoid a bad deal.

How to find out the mileage of a Canon camera, see the video.