Life Expectancy

avatar

IMG_6945.JPG

Did you know your camera has a life expectancy? At least on the mirrored ones, I don't know about mirrorless. It's the shutter count that matters in this instance, though of course any number of things can break inside the camera, depending on how you handle it. But the shutter, that you have very little control over, it just gives out at some point, no matter what you do. The more you shoot, the faster it will die. When? Nobody can tell you exactly. The shutter doesn't care if the camera stops smoking, eats healthy and exercises regularly, or whether or not it has any hereditary health issues, there is really truly nothing you can do.

I've known about this matter for a long time, but I haven't actually ever checked the shutter count on my DSLR. My sisters camera broke years and years ago because the shutter gave out, and I had the same camera, which is actually still in use, my dad has it. I don't know what the shutter count was on my sister's camera, and I don't know what it is on my dad's one, and I don't care. What I do care about is my current Nikon DSLR which I use almost daily.

I've been putting off checking the shutter count, and the life expectancy of said shutter. I finally did it and made some calculations on how long I can possibly except it to last. It's better to know and prepare right?

Insert nerd Eve here.

Nikon gives out a ballpark number of 150 000 clicks for the D7200 shutter, before it dies. But the reality is that it can vary greatly, and there is no way of predicting the exact number, not even close to it. Might need to consult a psychic for this one. Know anyone?

The current shutter count on my camera right now is 92 930, and my camera is 33 months old. Look at me sounding like a baby boomer telling you in months how old my child is.

33 months of shooting comes to 2816(and some change) pictures per month, and if I keep at that rate and my camera's shutter would die at 150 000 pictures, it would mean the camera has about 20 months left. That sounds really good still, I would be in no hurry to replace my camera.

BUT


In reality, there is no guarantee it will last up to 150 000 clicks, and there is no way of knowing if it can last up to 500 000 clicks. It's a total gamble! I did manage to find this cool site http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/nikon_d7200.htm where people have send their info about the same camera model I have. People are reporting numbers that vary greatly, some very concerning, others really positive.

So what happens when your shutter count is up and you can no longer take a photo? What are your options? There are two, either you buy a new camera, or replace the shutter. The latter option is something I think not a lot of people choose, because it's quite expensive and can be half the price of the whole camera. Might make more sense to invest in completely new one.

Personally; I'm down to a rabbit hole of looking at full frame (mine is crop sensor) Nikons. It's always been something I knew I'd want down the line, so I do have some choices to make. I think it might be smarter to sell my camera in the near-ish future, rather that wait its inevitable demise. The main problem is of course money, and that my lenses, which I love very dearly and that are top of the line, only work on the crop sensor, so I would need to replace them too. I've send a request to a camera shop about a few different camera bodies and asking what they would pay me for my old camera body. I'll wait and see what they have to say so I can make some informed decisions on what I should do with my gear. I just really hope the want doesn't become a need just yet.

birdy.jpg Picture number 92930.

Have you ever checked your camera's shutter count? I'd be really interested to know yours, and if you have ever shot so much that the shutter was done, and at what point was that.



0
0
0.000
18 comments
avatar

Looked at this image (the first one) for the last 31 minutes trying to work out how you took it whilst also being in front of your Nikon. I know the easy answer is that someone else took the picture...But I know you're trickier than that and so I deduced that it's all done with mirrors. 😂

0
0
0.000
avatar

Hahahaha for once, it was taken by someone else! 😁 But I have taken a picture with one camera, where you can see another camera and then me in front of that camera 😝

0
0
0.000
avatar

I checked it for my 15 year old Canon and apparently I don't take that many photos as it was near 10k.

0
0
0.000
avatar
(Edited)

That was interesting to read as I've just ordered my first dslr and had no idea that a shutter has lower life than the camera itself.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Happy to educate! :) What did you order?

0
0
0.000
avatar
(Edited)

Nikon d5600. Initially, I was pretty confused regarding what to buy, but then i decided to start with something basic and reliable.

0
0
0.000
avatar

That is a great choice, I think you'll be really happy with it! If I can make a recommendation of a great lens; the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 is the best value for money in terms of lenses for a crop censor Nikon :)

0
0
0.000
avatar
(Edited)

Oh! I love the images the 35 mm produces. And, I guess It'll be a kind of my all-time lens :) But, do you think it is suitable for nature close ups as well?

0
0
0.000
avatar

Awesome! I actually don’t even have that lens anymore, gave it to my sister because I have the Sigma 18-35mm which replaced the 35mm Nikkor for me. Kinda miss it though!

0
0
0.000
avatar
(Edited)

I'll buy it soon after learning to use my kit lens.. Anyway, it was nice to talk, thanks for conversing :)

0
0
0.000
avatar

That's right, that's a lifespan i was checking as well. As long as you clean your camera, mirror, sensor, and treat your bany right, you should be able to get more than the estimated amount of clicks.

My old canon 5dmii had over 200k clicks, not so sure about my 3 year old Sony 😁

0
0
0.000
avatar

Guess who has never touched the inside of her camera...

0
0
0.000
avatar

Never? What¿ but you change lenses,no? Do you have a dust blower? I usually clean it every now and then with it. (Camera turned off)

0
0
0.000
avatar

Yes, I sometimes change lenses :D but I have nothing to clean the insides with, and to be honest, I don't feel like I wanna go poking in there, might cause more harm than good.

0
0
0.000