Comparing Shutter Noise Of Popular Cameras

Photographer Davin Lavikka released this short and neat video documenting the shutter sounds of several popular camera's. It's a great comparison for those photographers who have a legitimate concern over shutter noise. The video also showcases the Olympus silent shooting mode, which as seen in the video, is virtually inaudible.

Of course, everyone has a preference for shutter sounds. Personally I'm quite fond of how muted and beefy the D810 sounds. The Olympus E-M5 ll silent shooting mode is very effective though and I can imagine would be of interest to folks who shoot wildlife.

Which shutter sound catches your fancy?

[via ISO1200]

Peter House's picture

Peter House is a commercial fashion photographer from Toronto, Canada. He shoots over 10,000 pieces of clothing every year for a variety of lookbooks. Clients range from small local boutiques to international brands such as Target, Winners, and Sears. In addition to that Peter runs one of the most popular rental studio's in the Toronto area.

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9 Comments

Meh, these ain't got nothing on the meaty *WHUMP* of my Hasselblad 501 CM.

Hasselblad HD, mmmmmmm

my thoughts exactly. Loudest. Shutter. Ever.

No, I think my Bronica S2A is the loudest or maybe my RB67 Pro?? As for the quietest and smoothest camera with a mirror, well that would be my Sigma SD1M.

I miss the satisfying sound of the RB67.

My old Pentax is hands down the loudest camera I've ever heard. And if you go longer than 1/30, there is an extra special noise that happens from what must be a loose component. My favorite camera ever, but totally useless if you're trying to get close to wildlife.

I have to agree with Roger Jones, the quietest shutter I head has been the Sigma SD1M which surprised me as my Pentax k5 and k3 already had a really quite shutter compared even to most mirror-less cameras while my old d3 was rather loud (more like shutter shout lol).

The Sigma DP's with the lead shutters though are virtually silent :D

Wow! That Olympus E-M5 ll is quiet! I've heard that for court photographers, the Leica film rangefinder was the "gold standard" for how quiet a camera could be in the courtroom. Leica has just been bested!

I have two film cameras, Canon A-1 and Canon F-1N, both with their respective motor drives (MA Motor Drive and AE Motor Drive FN); and a Canon 5D Mk III. I prefer sound of the F-1N with the auto film advance. It sort of goes "zing" with the film advance included.

I have a mirrorless Olympus. It's super quiet and doesn't scare the critters away, though it isn't completely silent. Quiet shutters are a nice plus of the mirrorless systems.