Nikon D4S shutter count determination

Nikon embeds information on the number of actuations that the shutter of a D4S has undertaken in EXIF data. These metadata are saved alongside each and every image file. EXIF-readers, such as the App below, can read this information and, thus, convey how many shots a camera has taken so far. The shutter count is particularly useful as an indicator of how intensively a Nikon D4S has been used and what remains in terms of the lifespan of the camera shutter.

Nikon D4S

How many images has my D4S taken up to now?


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That said, the actuation count is not just an indicator on whether or not the shutter might soon need to be replaced, but more generally on the overall condition of your D4S. A high shutter count indicates that the camera has been intensively used and probably also been subject to more bumps and knocks, more frequent exposure to dust, and more recurrent usage in the rain than a D4S that has been kept in a drawer most of the time and therefore shows a low actuation count. As a result, second-hand buyers on Ebay or Craigslist are willing to offer a higher price for a D4S with a low number of shutter releases than for one with a high actuation count.

What is the shutter life expectancy of my Nikon D4S?

Shutter life ratings differ across cameras, ranging from 50 000 shots for entre-level models to 500 000 actuations for some professional cameras. For the D4S, Nikon claims a shutter life expectancy of 400 000 actuations. However, it is important to note that the shutter rating does not provide a guarantee of a certain photo count before shutter maintenance or replacement are needed. The shutter might fail earlier, or it could last longer without causing any problems. The shutter rating should, thus, be seen as representing a statistically determined failure average or Mean Time Before Failure.

Most photographers are unlikely to come close to the shutter life expectancy of their imaging tools. For example, if one were to take 400 photos each and every day, this would mean 12 000 actuations per month and 144 000 shots per year. In this case, one would reach a count of 400 000 images in about three years. Few people use their cameras as regularly and intensively, and if they do, their cameras might well be up for a replacement after three years anyway for reasons other than shutter failure. Nevertheless, shutters do sometimes break down during photo sessions and such adverse events are getting more likely as the shutter count increases.

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