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Nikon 1 S1 Shutter Count:
How to Check & What It Means

The Nikon 1 S1 (2013) — the entry-level gateway into the Nikon 1 system, with a 10.1 MP CX sensor, 15 fps burst, and hybrid phase-detect AF. Estimated shutter life ~50,000 actuations. The count is stored in NRW RAW files via the Nikon MakerNote.

Check Shutter Count →

Nikon 1 S1 — Shutter Rating

The Nikon 1 S1 was announced at CES in January 2013 as the first camera in the simplified “S” line of the Nikon 1 system. It features a 10.1 MP 1-inch CX CMOS sensor, Nikon’s hybrid phase/contrast-detect AF (PDAF for fast subject tracking), 15 fps mechanical shutter burst, Full HD 1080/60i video, and a built-in pop-up flash. The body is compact and minimalist, with fewer external controls than the J-series to lower the entry barrier. The Nikon 1 system was discontinued in 2018. Estimated shutter life is approximately 50,000 actuations.

ModelReleaseSensorEst. Shutter LifeTier
Nikon 1 S1201310.1 MP 1" CX CMOS~50,000Entry (S-series)
Nikon 1 S2 (successor)201414.2 MP 1" CX CMOS~50,000Entry (S-series)
Nikon 1 J3 (contemporary mid)201314.2 MP 1" CX CMOS~50,000Mid (J-series)
Nikon 1 V1 (premium)201110.1 MP 1" CX CMOS~50,000Premium (V-series, EVF)
Discontinued system: Nikon officially discontinued the Nikon 1 system in 2018. No new Nikon 1 bodies or lenses are being produced. Used body availability is good but lens selection on the used market is limited. The 1 Nikkor lens mount is not compatible with Z-series or F-mount without adapters.

How to Check Shutter Count on the Nikon 1 S1

  1. Via ExifTool: Run exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.NRW. The Nikon 1 series stores shutter count in the NRW MakerNote under the standard Nikon ShutterCount field (tag 0x00A7).
  2. Via shuttercount.app: Drop an NRW file into the browser tool. Nikon 1 NRW files share the same MakerNote structure as NEF files, so the count is typically readable.
  3. Via camera menu: MENU → Setup (wrench) tab → Shutter Count. Shows the cumulative mechanical actuation count on the S1’s 3-inch LCD.
  4. When buying used, ask the seller to provide an NRW file or photograph the Shutter Count screen in the camera menu.

What Is a Good Shutter Count for a Used Nikon 1 S1?

Actuation Count% of Est. LifeAssessment
0 – 2,0000 – 4 %Near new — very low use
2,000 – 15,0004 – 30 %Light use
15,000 – 35,00030 – 70 %Moderate use
35,000 – 45,00070 – 90 %High use — negotiate price
45,000 +90 %+Near or past estimated life
Battery note: The Nikon 1 S1 uses the EN-EL20 battery (rated ~230 shots/charge). Replacement batteries are available but original Nikon EN-EL20 batteries on 10+ year old bodies may have significantly reduced capacity. Budget €25–40 for a third-party replacement.

Nikon 1 S1 — FAQ

S1 vs J3 — which is better?

The J3 (released at the same time) offers a 14.2 MP sensor (vs 10.1 MP), more external controls, a hot shoe, and built-in Wi-Fi. The S1 is simpler with fewer buttons for users who want automatic handling. For enthusiast use, the J3 or J4/J5 offer better image quality and control. The S1 is better suited to casual family/event photography where ease of use matters most.

Are Nikon 1 lenses still available?

Yes, on the used market. The 1 Nikkor lens range includes the 10mm f/2.8, 10–30mm f/3.5–5.6, 30–110mm f/3.8–5.6, 6.7–13mm f/3.5–5.6, and several others. The FT1 adapter allows F-mount Nikon lenses on 1-series bodies with centre-point AF only. No Z-mount or F-to-1-Nikkor adapter was ever officially produced by Nikon.

What to inspect when buying a used S1?

Check shutter count via NRW file or camera menu. Test AF speed and accuracy (PDAF is the S1’s key feature). Verify the pop-up flash cycles correctly. Inspect the 1 Nikkor lens mount contacts for corrosion. Test the EN-EL20 battery life (buy a replacement regardless). Check the 3-inch fixed LCD for dead pixels and impact scratches. Confirm the video recording function works (1080/60i).

Other Nikon 1 Camera Shutter Count Pages