Why Is the Number of Actuations Important? (Note that this is solely about mechanical shutters. In mirrorless cameras, the shutter is open by default, and only closes when you take the shot. Some camera brands do not count this in the shutter count, though. When you press Live View on a DSLR, it counts as actuation, because the shutter has to open up. On DSLRs, the shutter is closed by default. Then, after the set time of the shutter speed, the second curtain shuts. When you press the shutter button, the first curtain slides up and lets the light onto the camera sensor. The most common type of shutter has two curtains.
Mechanical shutters are found in all DSLRs and most mirrorless cameras today. Exploring Shutter Actuations: How Does a Mechanical Shutter Work?
In this article, we’ll show you how to find your camera’s shutter actuations and what they mean for your photography. This is because they can help you determine how long your camera will continue to function properly before it needs to be serviced. Your camera’s shutter actuations are an important metric to track as you use your camera.