Explain Shutter Count

So, what is up with shutter count? Who do people get so excited about it? Are there actual statistics showing DSLRs belong on the scrap heap after a certain number of shutter activations? Has anyone actually worn out a DSLR, ever? Was it repairable? I'm skeptical about the whole metric.

It's just like date code.

I were to sell two 5D II with shutter counts 200K and 10K for the same price (working perfectly) which one would you pick?

it's more like the mileage of a car than a date code. a car with 200k on it can ride for another 100k, but it is more likely to break down in the next 10k than a car with only 30k on the dial. obviously the car with only 30k on the clock can break down even on the next mile, so always take it with a grain of salt.

Canon issues a "ballpark figure" for camera bodies in regards to an "estimated expected" shutter activation count. There is nothing guaranteed in this. It just is a round figure implying the engineering that has gone into the particular model.

Yes, shutters do fail. It may be at greater or fewer than the "spec". But it does happen. And Canon service does handle shutter failures, although if the camera is out of warranty it costs, I believe it can cost somewhere in the area of $300USD, but that's just an impression I've gotten from forum posts -- I've never had to have one done myself.

For 1D series it's more like $500.

Honestly, It wouldn't really matter I don't think. All shutters would be prone to failure regardless of actuations. As long as the camera has been kept clean and has been cared for throughout it's life, I don't think I would have a problem buying that 5D2 with 200k on it.

sloanbj wrote in post #12294761
..... Are there actual statistics showing DSLRs belong on the scrap heap after a certain number of shutter activations?

Not the scrap heap, but the shutter is a weak link and does break

sloanbj wrote in post #12294761
Has anyone actually worn out a DSLR, ever?

Yes, search broken shutter and you'll find quite a few threads. It is not common but it does happen.

sloanbj wrote in post #12294761
Was it repairable?

Generally yes. from what I have gathered the cost is ~$300US.

sloanbj wrote in post #12294761
I'm skeptical about the whole metric.

Nothing to be skeptical about. The metric is one Canon acknowledges and supplies.

-Strike- wrote in post #12294795
Honestly, It wouldn't really matter I don't think. All shutters would be prone to failure regardless of actuations. As long as the camera has been kept clean and has been cared for throughout it's life, I don't think I would have a problem buying that 5D2 with 200k on it.

I will not have any problem either but I wouldn't pay the same.

Oh yeah, I don't think I would pay the same price either. However, I wouldn't be afraid to buy, that's for sure.

I too don't understand why people get hung up about their shutter count.
I've done three shutters in two bodies over the years.
Two in my 10D, both were well over the rated number of actuations.
My 1D MkII let go at slightly under the rated number.
Each time the cost to replace the shutter was around Au$600.
As has been mentioned, a shutter may fail at any number of actuations. I know it will happen at some stage. For me, it's just a part of the territory.
Would I have a problem buying a used camera? Not at all.