How to Check Olympus Camera Shutter Count
The shutter count can be checked by using a button sequence to bring up a diagnostics menu. An alternative method would be to check the exif image data for a jpeg, but that takes longer.
This should work for all Olympus PEN and OM-D Micro Four Thirds cameras and compacts made from around 2009 onward and the TG-5. It should also work for OM Systems cameras.
Steps to Check Shutter Count
Here are the steps to check the shutter count on Olympus mirrorless digital cameras.
- Hold the MENU button down and turn the camera on.
- Once the camera is on release the MENU button.
- Press the MENU button again.
- On the left, scroll to the SETUP MENU, which has the wrench icon.
- Go to the DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS AND COLOR TEMPERATURE MENU, you can press OK or RIGHT.
- Press RIGHT, INFO, and then OK
- A screen that shows the model number of the camera will appear.
- Press UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, SHUTTER, and then UP.
- There are four pages of information.
- Pressing RIGHT will get you to the screen that shows the shutter count.
- The shutter count will be displayed on the top line.
Turning off the camera and turning it back on will have it operating as normal.
Meaning of Letters
S is the number of times the flash has been fired.
I don’t know what C is.
U is the Ultra Sonic Filter count.
I don’t know what V is.
B is the number of shots taken using IBIS.
Pressing down should bring up page 3. Here you should see the serial number that is on the bottom of the camera under the CS.
The MCS represent information about the CPU and manufacture date.that displays the serial number of the camera.
Left is blank.
Up brings you back to the first page.
Importance of Camera Shutter Count
The shutter count of a camera refers to the number of times its shutter has been actuated, or in simpler terms, the number of pictures it has taken. It is an important piece of information to have when buying or selling a used camera because it can provide insight into the camera’s overall usage and condition.
Knowing the shutter count can help you assess the amount of wear and tear on the camera’s mechanical components, particularly the shutter mechanism. A high shutter count indicates that the camera has been used extensively and may be more prone to malfunctions or breakdowns. On the other hand, a low shutter count suggests that the camera has been used less frequently and may be in better condition.
The shutter count can affect the resale value of the camera. A camera with a low shutter count is generally more desirable and can command a higher price than one with a high shutter count. It is also important to note that some camera manufacturers may void the warranty if the shutter count exceeds a certain threshold, so knowing the shutter count can help you make informed decisions about buying or repairing a camera.
Mechanical vs Electronic Shutter
The main difference between a mechanical and electronic shutter is the way they operate and how they can impact camera wear.
A mechanical shutter physically blocks the light from reaching the camera’s sensor by using a set of curtains that move across the sensor. This type of shutter is typically found in DSLRs and older film cameras. The mechanical shutter is a physical component that can wear out over time with repeated use, and the number of actuations is referred to as the shutter count. A high shutter count can indicate a greater likelihood of wear and tear on the camera’s mechanical components, which can lead to a shorter lifespan.
An electronic shutter, on the other hand, does not have any physical moving parts. Instead, it uses the camera’s sensor to control the exposure time, electronically opening and closing the sensor to capture the image. This type of shutter is typically found in mirrorless cameras and some newer DSLRs. Since there are no physical components involved, electronic shutters generally have longer lifespans than mechanical shutters and are less prone to wear and tear.
In summary, mechanical shutters have physical components that can wear out over time and with repeated use, whereas electronic shutters do not have any physical components and are less prone to wear and tear.
What is a High Shutter Count for Olympus Cameras?
The expected lifespan of the shutter for Olympus mirrorless digital cameras can vary depending on the camera model and usage conditions. However, in general, Olympus cameras have an estimated shutter rating of at least 150,000 actuations, which means that the shutter should last for at least that many actuations before it may start to show signs of wear.
Links
biofos.com has information on accessing hidden menus on older DSLR Four Thirds cameras and olders compacts.