How to check the shutter count on the Nikon D800
The shutter count is the number of photos a camera has taken. It's the first thing to check before you buy a used Nikon D800, and worth adding to your listing when you sell one.
How to check the shutter count on the Nikon D800
- Take one photo with the camera (ideally in NEF format) and copy the original file to your computer or phone.
- Open the Reti shutter counter and add the file.
- You'll see the shutter count, the shutter wear rating and whether the camera has the latest firmware.
Nikon D800 shutter life
The typical shutter life of this model is about 200,000 shots (manufacturer's figure).
What shutter count is high on the Nikon D800
| Shutter count | Rating |
|---|---|
| up to 50,000 shots | Low |
| 50,000 to 120,000 shots | Medium |
| over 120,000 shots | High |
This is a rough guide: a shutter can fail earlier or last much longer than its typical life.
What else to check on a used Nikon D800
- Sensor: one photo of the sky and one with the body cap on show dust and dead pixels.
- Autofocus: a few photos of the AF test chart show whether the lens focuses in front of or behind the target.
- Viewfinder, mirror and focusing screen: scratches, marks and dust you see in the viewfinder but not in photos.
- Lens mount and contacts: play with a lens attached, dirty or bent contacts.
- Card slot, doors, rubber grips and hot shoe: looseness, cracks and signs of a drop.
- Battery: does it last for a few dozen shots.
Known issue with this model: some early bodies had trouble focusing with the left AF points. Run the AF test on the far-left point too.
For the full checklist to take to the seller, see How to check a used camera before you buy.
Other Nikon models
Nikon D750 · Nikon D850 · Nikon D810 · Nikon D700 · Nikon D610 · Nikon D7500 · Nikon D7200 · Nikon D5600 · Nikon D3500 · Nikon Z6 · Nikon Z6II · Nikon Z7 · Nikon Z5 · Nikon D3200 · Nikon D3300 · Nikon D5300 · Nikon D7000 · Nikon D7100 · Nikon D90 · Nikon Z50