Your camera’s shutter count or shutter actuation number is the number of times you’ve physically fired your camera’s mechanical shutter. So, if your digital camera doesn’t spend most of its time on a shelf collecting dust or nestled safely in a camera bag, it’s important to know your shutter count. The age of your camera has less to do with its lifespan than its amount of use.

Unless your compact digital, mirrorless, or DSLR camera is brand new, periodically checking your shutter count is a good idea.