How do I tell how many shots my 20D has taken?

[DavoMrMac]

OK, so I got my new 20D today, and just know it was not a sealed new unit, as the battery was open and charged, date and time set etc.

Anyway, is there a way I can tell if any shots were taken with this body.

The file numbering is set to continuous and although I started with a fresh format card, my first folder was '114 Canon' - and mu first image was 'IMG_1409.JPG'.

So it there a menu selection that tells me how many times the shutter has been fired?

and how do I reset the file number so it starts at folder '101' and file number '001' - I have always struggled understanding this and would really appreciate the advice?

[dhbailey]

That means that 1409 shots have been taken at a minimum. You were handed a returned camera -- take it back and demand a brand-new-in-the-original-sealed-box camera.

There is no way to tell other than the picture names, at least for ordinary people. I guess there might be some software that Canon folks might have that can tell them.

[pierrot]

1409 times ;)

[kawter2]

1409 times ;)

You can also use one of these ;)


http://www.gamblersgeneralstore.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/counterclicker1.jpg

[ShadowFlyP]

1409 times ;)

This might not be entirely accurate. I upgraded from an A80 to a 20D recently. When I got the 20D I took a card from the A80 that already had pictures on it and stuck it in the 20D. It then set my counter on the 20D to right where I left off on the A80. So, its really not possible to tell how many times the camera has been shot using this method (file numbering).

[kawter2]

This might not be entirely accurate. I upgraded from an A80 to a 20D recently. When I got the 20D I took a card from the A80 that already had pictures on it and stuck it in the 20D. It then set my counter on the 20D to right where I left off on the A80. So, its really not possible to tell how many times the camera has been shot using this method (file numbering).


My 20d got hit with the exact same thing when i first got it!!

IMO the file numbering and folder structure etc on the 20d is HORRIBLE (IMO the only negative thing i can say about the camera)

[robertwgross]

File numbering is fine on a 20D.

If you take a new camera and introduce an old CF card from some other camera's 500 shots, then you will likely see the new one take up numbering with 501.

---Bob Gross---

[kawter2]

File numbering is fine on a 20D.



It might be fine for you, but IMO things that bug me are..


1. It should show how many total actuations have occured on the camera

2. You should have an option to borrow the number format from the card, or ignore it

3. Folders, what the heck is up with the folder's etc.. When I shoot an event I end up with all these folders. On a 1 serries and other brands of cameras you can avoid this.. 20d.. nope.

[Feihung08]

File numbering is fine on a 20D.

If you take a new camera and introduce an old CF card from some other camera's 500 shots, then you will likely see the new one take up numbering with 501.

---Bob Gross---
Is that what happened DavoMrMac??
Did you use an older CF card....or is that the one that came with the camera?
And did you buy it at a retail store??

[DavoMrMac]

I bought it from a retail store, newly formatted (in my Mac) CF card, so should've started at 101 or 001.

I have now also checked my sensor and it is really dirty, a new camera should be pristine or almost pristine, maybe the odd speck, but I count about 20.

Will get them to order a new one tomorrow and keep using this one, so at least I can get familiar with it whilst waiting.

[Toogy]

BTW, Canon does not seal it's boxes for 20D (and most of it's camera products), so it is impossible to get a factory sealed 20D box.
Just thought I would clarify.

[Phil V]

newly formatted (in my Mac) CF card, so should've started at 101 or 001.

No it shouldn't, if you format a CF card it still remembers the file numbering
Try it again when you get the new one, try a cheap brand new CF card first, then put in a used CF card (formatted) and watch it grow. Then put in the new card and watch it carry on growing. I appreciate this is a PITA but Canon has done this on purpose to ensure you don't end up with duplicate filenames.:rolleyes:

As for the dust, you can decide whether that's acceptable or not.

[Phil V]

I bought it from a retail store, newly formatted (in my Mac) CF card, so should've started at 101 or 001.

No it shouldn't, if you format a CF card it still remembers the file numbering. I appreciate this is a PITA but Canon has done this on purpose to ensure you don't end up with duplicate filenames.:rolleyes:

Can you delete this duplicate please Mods?:o

[DavoMrMac]

Toogy, it is a shame they don't seal their 20D boxes.

My previous 350D was sealed with the special offer tape (for the memory card and vouchers).

Hmmmmmm, oh well, better luck 2nd time around for me.

[robertwgross]

( 20D )

1. It should show how many total actuations have occured on the camera

2. You should have an option to borrow the number format from the card, or ignore it

3. Folders, what the heck is up with the folder's etc.. When I shoot an event I end up with all these folders. On a 1 serries and other brands of cameras you can avoid this.. 20d.. nope.

For mine, #1 shows the total actuations. #2 never happens, because I don't use my CF cards anywhere else. #3, the folders look right to me, about a hundred shots per folder. That's the way they all are, and that is what I purchased. If you don't like the way the camera is, then don't buy it. Either that, or write a nasty letter to Mister Canon.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

No it shouldn't, if you format a CF card it still remembers the file numbering

There is formatting, and then there is formatting.

If you format a CF card in a camera, you are doing a quick format. This compares the old CF count to the camera's count and makes new folders, among other things.

If you do a complete CF format in a computer, you can completely wipe the slate clean, so to speak. Then put it in the camera to do the quick format. By the way, if you wanted to, you could remove the camera's main battery and memory battery to force it to forget the camera's count.

---Bob Gross---

[DavoMrMac]

Good point about removing the memory battery.

Any other way of doing a factory reset?

[OviV]

The way that numbering is handled by Canon is the same way that it is handled by other compliant manufacturers. It is an industry standard not a Canon only thing. If you take your card from your 20D and format it on your nikon coolpix that is set to continuous numbering. It will reset to where your 20D left off. This is of course assuming that the camera's number is lower than the card's number. Highest number wins.

Ovi

[kawter2]

For mine, #1 shows the total actuations. #2 never happens, because I don't use my CF cards anywhere else. #3, the folders look right to me, about a hundred shots per folder. That's the way they all are, and that is what I purchased. If you don't like the way the camera is, then don't buy it. Either that, or write a nasty letter to Mister Canon.

---Bob Gross---


#1 You can't prove that if you sell it..... hummnnn...

#2 People are only allowed to have 1 card per body? (or do I have to format EVERY time i take the cards out.. great feature) Also I shoot on CF supplied by customer sometimes.. I'd better flame them for not complying to Canon standard & My expectation

#3 I shoot events w/ over 400 images, it gets anoying that they can't all be in one folder... You can do that with a 1 serries, I guess that is a "PRO" feature

[robertwgross]

#1 You can't prove that if you sell it..... hummnnn...

#2 People are only allowed to have 1 card per body? (or do I have to format EVERY time i take the cards out.. great feature) Also I shoot on CF supplied by customer sometimes.. I'd better flame them for not complying to Canon standard & My expectation

#3 I shoot events w/ over 400 images, it gets anoying that they can't all be in one folder... You can do that with a 1 serries, I guess that is a "PRO" feature

1. I've never tried to sell a camera, and I've never tried to prove anything of the count. That is your problem, not mine.
2. Of course, many cards per body are fine. I use about ten, so again that is your problem, not mine.
3. I've never shot an event with more than 300 images, and I had no problem with that, either.

---Bob Gross---

[kawter2]

1. I've never tried to sell a camera, and I've never tried to prove anything of the count. That is your problem, not mine.
2. Of course, many cards per body are fine. I use about ten, so again that is your problem, not mine.
3. I've never shot an event with more than 300 images, and I had no problem with that, either.

---Bob Gross---


You never cease to amaze me ;)