Using numeric suffix of filenames written
by the camera on a flash card is not
equivalent to camera's shutter count (the
suffix resets to 0 after 9999). Here are
examples when the filename does not
indicate the true number of pictures taken
with the camera.
- A new flash card is inserted
containing a picture file with
higher numerical suffix. The
numbering then continues with this
higher suffix.
For example, if the last file
written by the camera was
IMG_3750.JPG, this indicates that
the shutter count is 3750. If a new
flash card is inserted with a file
IMG_4100.JPG, then the next picture
taken with the camera will be
written under IMG_4101.JPG. The
shutter count in this case will be
only 3751.
- If a blank flash card is inserted
afterwards, some cameras like the
Canon 60D will continue previous
filename numbering; for example,
will write file IMG_4102.JPG when
shutter count is 3752.
The file name is edited to lower
the numerical suffix. Some cameras,
such as the Canon 5D Mark II, will
use the card filename to construct
the name for the next picture. This
results in a much lower perceived
shutter count than the true shutter
count.
For example, let's say the filename
is edited from IMG_9000.JPG to
IMG_2000.JPG. The next picture file
written by a camera like Canon 5D
Mark II will be IMG_2001.JPG. The
perceived shutter count is 2001,
whereas the real shutter count is
9001.
- Pictures are taken when the camera
is connected directly to a computer
(without a flash card inside).