Whether you’re a beginner or a professional photographer, you should consider checking the shutter count of your camera.
After all, this tells you the number of times your camera’s shutter mechanism has been fired.
Not only does this tell you about usage, but also the life span of the camera.
In simple words, by knowing the shutter count, you find out how many pictures you’ve taken.
The cameras with high shutter counts may require shutter replacements. And this also tells you that it’s been fired way too many times.
A lower shutter count, on the other hand, is good news. It is because it indicates that your camera has a long way to go without requiring a shutter replacement.
But how do you find the shutter count of your camera, particularly the Canon 5D Mark iii?
In this post, I’ll make provide you with the easiest way to find the shutter count on Canon 5D mark iii.
So let’s dive in!
Find the shutter count on Canon 5D mark iii
Many camera models come with important information related to the camera. You just navigate to the menu settings and find the information regarding the shutter actuation.
Here’s how to find the shutter count on 5D mark iii.
- Turn on your camera and ensure that you’ve put the fully-charged battery
- Rotate the camera’s mode dial to “P” (Program mode) or “M” (Manual mode)
- Press the “Menu” button on the back of the camera to access the menu
- Use the navigation buttons (such as the arrow keys or wheel) to navigate to the “Info” tab in the menu
- Scroll down to the “Camera Settings” or “Camera Info” option and select it
- Now, look for the “Shutter Count” or “Shutter Actuations” information. It should indicate the number of shutter actuations
Note: In some cases, the shutter count might not be displayed directly in the camera’s menu. If you can’t find it, you can try following the other steps that I’ve provided below.
Also Read: Charge Canon Camera Battery Without a Charger
Step 1: Turn on your camera
The first step is to switch on your camera. Make sure that you’ve inserted the battery and that it’s fully charged. Once you’ve done that, you can move to the next step.
Step 2: Install the magic lantern for Canon 5d mark iii
Before you can find the shutter count of your camera, you’ve to install software called a magic lantern.
It will allow you to access more features and options that also include shutter actuations.
That said, install the magic lantern for your Canon 5d Mark iii.
Once you’ve successfully installed it on your SD card, you can put it back in your camera.
Step 3: Press the delete button
On your camera’s body, find the delete button and press it. The delete button has a bin icon.
On your camera’s screen, you’ll the “Shutter count” label. Next to it, you can see the total count of shutter actuations.
It will show you the combined count of pictures and videos you’ve taken.
And that’s another way to find the shutter count on Canon 5D mark iii.
Try third-party software to find the shutter count
If the camera itself doesn’t provide the shutter actuations info, you can always rely on third-party software. You’ll need to use third-party software like EOSInfo, ShutterCount, ExifTool, and Tornado EOS, to name a few.
Before you install any software, make sure your firmware is updated to the newest version.
Also, if you’ve had trouble with your chosen software, you can try using other alternatives I’ve provided.
That said, here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the shutter count on Canon 5D Mark iii using the software.
Step 1: Download any software
Pick any of the software that I’ve highlighted above. Go to its website to Install and run it on your computer. Usually, the software is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. So don’t worry about it!
Step 2: Connect your Canon camera
Connect your Canon 5D Mark III to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure your camera is turned on.
Step 3: Launch the software on your computer
Click to open the software that you just installed on your computer. It should detect your camera automatically.
Step 4: Look for the “Shutter Count” info
After the software has recognized your camera, it will display various details, including the shutter count on your computer’s screen.
Look for the “Shutter Count” or “Actuations” section in the software. The exact location may vary depending on the version of software you’re using.
Step 5: Finally, you’ve got the shutter count of your camera
After you’ve got the shutter count of your Canon 5D Mark iii, you can take note of it.
After all, this number shows you the total number of times the shutter has been actuated.
If you’ve got the lowest shutter count, your camera has a long way to go!
But if the number is close to a high shutter count, it’s best to plan for a replacement.
The maximum shutter count on Canon 5D mark iii
For most photographers, the maximum shutter count helps them make a purchase decision.
Generally, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, like most DSLR cameras, doesn’t have a specified maximum shutter count.
The shutter mechanism in a camera is not designed to last forever and will eventually wear out over time.
However, the maximum shutter count for the 5D Mark III is approximately 150,000 actuations.
Although these cameras are built like tanks, the shutter life varies depending. For example, you should take into consideration other factors such as usage patterns, shooting conditions, and how well the camera is maintained.
So it doesn’t mean that your camera will die if it exceeds 150,000 actuations.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, after following this step-by-step guide, you now have got the shutter count of your camera. In other words, you now know how many pictures and videos have been captured by your Canon camera. With this information, you can sell your camera to new potential buyers. After all, it’s the most important factor new buyers look into before buying a used camera.