The question every camera owner eventually asks

"My shutter died. Should I repair it or buy a new camera?" This is one of the most frequent questions I get — and the honest answer depends entirely on which camera you have and what the current market looks like for it.

Shutter replacement cost by camera class

Camera Class / Model	Parts Cost (OEM shutter unit)	Labour	Total Estimate
Consumer (D3400, D5600)	$50–80	$60–100	$110–180
Enthusiast (D7500, D7200, D610)	$80–130	$80–120	$160–250
Full-frame (D750, D800, D850)	$120–200	$100–150	$220–350
Professional (D4, D4s, D5)	$250–400	$150–250	$400–650

When repair makes sense

• The camera body is in otherwise excellent condition with good optics investment attached to it.
• Repair cost is less than 50% of the used market value for the same model.
• The camera is a professional body (D750, D850, D800) where the cost-per-shot over another 100,000 frames makes repair clearly worthwhile.
• You have a sentimental or professional relationship with a specific body (calibrated lenses, known behavior, etc.).

When you should just replace the camera

• Consumer body (D3400, D5600) — repair cost often approaches the value of a similar-mileage replacement on the used market.
• Body has multiple issues beyond the shutter — sensor oil contamination, failing mirror mechanism, or intermittent electronics.
• Shutter failed well before the rated lifespan — suggests manufacturing or maintenance issues that may recur.