The latest update to my ShutterCount app became available on the App Store earlier this week.
Newer Canon cameras, such as the EOS R and 1D X Mark III, feature a fully electronic shutter. Since it’s fully electronic, using it doesn’t count as “real, proper” shutter actuation. But as the cameras report the number of images taken with it, we thought letting you know that number would be a fun little addition to the app.
Mechanical and electronic shutter actuation counters on the Distribution Chart
The Distribuiotn Chart is the only place where the electronic counter is displayed, all other tabs use just the mechanical counter that actually contributes to shutter wear. As a consequence, you need either the Pro edition or the Live View pack for this feature to work. Cameras that provide this info are the 1D X Mark III, R, and “partially” the R5.
Partially, because there’s one more bug in the R5 firmware… Customers started reporting problems with the R5’s counter not being properly updated. We begun investigating these issues, and then suddenly the counter of my own R5 dropped from 3000 back to 1000.
Further analysis discovered that the camera fails to properly update or even corrupt the counter value. So now the app displays a warning if this is detected, and instead of the mechanical only counter, the value we display will include electronic actuations.
Handling the shutter counter bug found in the EOS R5 firmware
Yes, it may show a bigger number, but much better than having nothing at all. We sincerely hope that Canon will address this in a future firmware update.
Speaking of camera firmware bugs, we’ve added an interesting new feature that allows you to display the raw copyright information as appears in the camera’s memory. I was surprised to discover that Canon EOS firmware fails to properly handle this personal data, leading to potential leaks. Read my former post for full explanation.
Besides displaying raw copyright information, you now have a tool to properly, securely wipe owner name, author name, copyright and (if the camera supports it) IPTC information before selling a camera, for example. Both of these features are available from the Camera menu on a Mac and on the Camera Settings screen (available from the More tab) on iOS. Both require either the Pro edition or the Plus Pack, and can be used while a camera is connected.
I would like to note that in iOS 14.2 Apple finally fixed the non-operation USB connection bug introduced with iOS 14.0, so you can use this convenient connection method again.
Version 4.7 is also optimized for macOS Big Sur and runs natively on Apple Silicon Macs. The update is available on the respective App Store for your Mac, iPhone or iPad.
