EOS 1 series - Shutter count in Exif metadata? Chuck?

[Doug_Kerr]

The metadata reading tools ExifTool and GexifView report, for JPG files (I think CR2 files as well) from Canon EOS 1D Mk III and EOS 1Ds Mk III bodies a Maker Note metadata item identified as "ShutterCount" ("Shutter Count" in GexifView).

One might think that this is intended to present the cumulative count of shutter actuations for the body involved.

However, there are various reports that this value is seemingly not consistent with the approximate shutter actuation count. One form of such report suggests that the indication for the next shot may "jump" after replacement of the memory card. Others merely say that the number reported is far from consistent with the known history of the body.

Note that I don't think there is confusion here with the frame index or directory index, both of which are reported separately.

I do not have either such camera, so I am unable to conduct testing here to further probe this matter.

Chuck, can you tell us whether in fact this Maker Note Exif metadata item is intended to report the total of shutter actuations for the body, and, if so, to what Canon EOS camera models does this apply?

Thanks so much.

[ChuckWestfall]

Hi, Doug:

Ultimately, Exif metadata does not provide a reliable method of determining shutter actuations for EOS cameras. The only sure way to get accurate information is through diagnostic software and other means that are available exclusively to authorized Canon service technicians.

Also, since the Maker Note field in the Exif metadata for image files from Canon cameras is considered proprietary information by the company, I am not at liberty to discuss any details about it.

[Doug_Kerr]

Hi, Chuck,

Originally Posted by ChuckWestfall

Ultimately, Exif metadata does not provide a reliable method of determining shutter actuations for EOS cameras. The only sure way to get accurate information is through diagnostic software and other means that are available exclusively to authorized Canon service technicians.

Also, since the Maker Note field in the Exif metadata for image files from Canon cameras is considered proprietary information by the company, I am not at liberty to discuss any details about it.

Thanks you for the clarification.

Best regards,

Doug