Try Opanda http://www.opanda.com/en/iexif/

Somewhere in the exif data is a line that shows shutter actuations

You can also do it out of Photoshop. I can do it out of CS2 and Adobe Elements 6 just fine.

Take the last frame you shot, or shoot a frame if you dumped them all.

Go File info, hit Advanced in the left column when the window opens.

Go to the line that says http ns adobe.com.exif/1.0/aux and hit the little plus sign to expand the info

You will then see a line that says aux:ImageNumber:

That number is the tag for the shutter actuation.

If you have to shoot a frame to do this, hopefully it won't put you over the limit 

And just a note for anyone who wants to try it - it only works on cameras that supply Aux info, usually SLRs. Won't work with a point & shoot.

Is this different for different cameras?

I have a Canon 20D and when I follow your directions above I do see the tag, but the ImageNumber is 33 (it was the 33rd in the sequence I shot that day). That was only visible for the RAW file, not the JPEG.

Did a little digging and from what is being said around the forums, it only works on xD bodies for Canon. For total actuations on a 20D or a 30D a 20D, some say you would have to send to Canon so the Special Secret Software there can decode it, and they will charge a fee.

Although I did find this on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/groups/canon20d/discuss/72157594389608272/

It's a long and laborious thread, but see if it helps you out. Really I only think the trouble is worth it if you buy a camera used or it is getting up in age.

Also see this blog post if the Flickr thread is too much for you.

http://zecoj.com/2007/01/31/canon-eos-20d-shutter-count/

Anyway, the info that I posted earlier works on Nikon D70 and younger in age (it likely will not work on old Nikon D100) . There are posts saying for Canon you need a raw file.

The good new is I got my 5D II.  The bad news is I got two of them from different sources (long story, won't bore you with the details), both shipped the same week - one the kit, the other body only.  I want to return the kit because I don't need the lens, but B&H won't take them back if you have over 200 shots on the counter. 

I have no idea how many test shots I have taken.  I zeroed out the camera when I prepared to return it but apparently there is some internal counter in the camera that tells them how many shots.  I doubt I shot over 200 test shots with it, but would like to be certain otherwise they will charge a restocking fee of over $500.

Anyone know how to check how many actual shots were fired?

Why not ask B&H how you can check it yourself. Or how they check it.

If you are over 200 and cannot return it ... sell the lens and camera separately. Not ebay! To someone you trust or will put cash in your hand. If I had the extra money I would send you a bank certified check or money order for it.

Good luck!
-Larry

Quote from: stormchaser on January 04, 2009, 21:13

You can also do it out of Photoshop. I can do it out of CS2 and Adobe Elements 6 just fine.

Take the last frame you shot, or shoot a frame if you dumped them all.

Go File info, hit Advanced in the left column when the window opens.

Go to the line that says http ns adobe.com.exif/1.0/aux and hit the little plus sign to expand the info

You will then see a line that says aux:ImageNumber:

That number is the tag for the shutter actuation.

If you have to shoot a frame to do this, hopefully it won't put you over the limit 

And just a note for anyone who wants to try it - it only works on cameras that supply Aux info, usually SLRs. Won't work with a point & shoot.

Yep this is the way to do it, no need to download any fancy software.

it doesn't work with 40D, neither it worked with 350D. I've read that Canon SLRs don't show it in EXIF unlike Nikon... perhaps it's different in 5D MkII

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions!  I really appreciate it and have tried everything.  Looks like with all Canon's except the 1D series models only Canon has the software to test the actual counter. 

How on Earth B&H can tell how many shots were fired if only Canon service has the ability, I don't know.  Probably they were taking my word for it and I could only estimate, but near as I could figure it was between 205 and 220.  They wanted to charge a 10% restocking fee, which is rather hefty at $350. 

I've decided to just keep the kit and return the body only.  Crutchfield makes it very easy to return with a 30 day no questions asked policy.  They even send you the label so you can drop off at UPS and not have to pay shipping.

I feel really bad returning to them as they are such a great store and so friendly.  They will definitely be getting all the business I can give them in the future. 

I already have the lens, and it is a great lens!  I agree JoAnn, it is my favorite for day tripping when I don't want to carry a big kit (which is pretty much all the time!)

Now I have two of them, LOL.  Guess if the one I have ever goes bad I will have a spare.