Shutter Count

I appreciate that when you purchase a new camera the shutter actuations may not be exactly at zero, there has to be some testing done for QA. I purchased a new 5D Mk III yesterday from Henrys Camera, a reputable store that I have dealt with in the past and always been very satisfied with their service. I was specific that I did not want a returned model but one that was new in the box. I took it out of the box today and starting shooting - I noticed that my picture count started at over 4,000.

Is this normal? Am I just being a bit paranoid? I found two programs that will show shutter actuations but I can't get them to work.

http://www.eoscount.co​m/ with IE should give you an accurate count.

kwando wrote in post #15066659
http://www.eoscount.co​m/ with IE should give you an accurate count.

I tried that but I don't have a Paypal account and it costs a small fee now. It seems like a lot of work simply to get an answer. Might have to do that if I can't get any response.

Thanks anyway.

The file number will be one higher than the highest of the count in the camera and the highest numbered file on the card when inserted. If you used a used card in the camera, then it will start counting where the other one left off.

There is a menu function to reset the count if you would prefer to start at img_0001 again.

You say your picture count started at over 4000, this is not the same a shutter activations .

If you put a previously used memory card in the camera the image number will be taken fom the last image number on the card (default setting on a new body, but can be changed)

So if you had you card in another camera and shot 4129 photos, and then put that card in your brand new camera the first image will be number 4230.

macroimage wrote in post #15066722
The file number will be one higher than the highest of the count in the camera and the highest numbered file on the card when inserted. If you used a used card in the camera, then it will start counting where the other one left off.

There is a menu function to reset the count if you would prefer to start at img_0001 again.

Thanks for the response. If I follow what you're saying, if my used card had last shot photo number 4,100 then my file numbering would start at that? Even if I formatted the card first? But the count will only be set with the first card used in a new camera and the camera will follow along from there?

Chiefy wrote in post #15066742
If I follow what you're saying, if my used card had last shot photo number 4,100 then my file numbering would start at that? Even if I formatted the card first?

Yes, that is what would happen. Formatting the card first in either camera wouldn't change this. If you formatted the card in your 7D, then it would start the numbering at 4100. If you put the card into the 5D then formatted it, you would still start at 4100 since the card got read by the camera before formatting. Only formatting in a card reader could have avoided this.

You can always reset it anyway with the menu setting.

macroimage wrote in post #15066804
Yes, that is what would happen. Formatting the card first in either camera wouldn't change this. If you formatted the card in your 7D, then it would start the numbering at 4100. If you put the card into the 5D then formatted it, you would still start at 4100 since the card got read by the camera before formatting. Only formatting in a card reader could have avoided this.

You can always reset it anyway with the menu setting.

Thanks guys. I appreciate that 4,100 is very few actuations in the grand scheme of things, but I wanted to make sure I had a camera that was not returned for some odd reason.

Feel better now

That is not the case always, remember each time you hit Live View or go to Video mode (if available), one shutter count is added.

Chiefy wrote in post #15066702
I tried that but I don't have a Paypal account and it costs a small fee now. It seems like a lot of work simply to get an answer. Might have to do that if I can't get any response.

Thanks anyway.

Just FYI, you don't need a PayPal account to use http://eoscount.com; PayPal processes credit cards without an account.

"Is my new camera really new?" question comes up frequently. One guy found out his "new" 5D III was 6000+ actuations used (http://forums.dpreview​.com …rum=1032&messag​e=42002247), but hopefully stores will stop such practice if the shutter count can be easily checked.

Chiefy wrote in post #15066807
Thanks guys. I appreciate that 4,100 is very few actuations in the grand scheme of things, but I wanted to make sure I had a camera that was not returned for some odd reason.

Feel better now

Actually 4,100 is is a whole lot. You're talking about a brand new camera not a used one. I would be livid if I bought a new body with that many shots on it. It would promptly be returned. Glad it was just the card though.