How to check the shutter count on the Sony A7
The shutter count is the number of photos a camera has taken. It's the first thing to check before you buy a used Sony A7, and worth adding to your listing when you sell one.
How to check the shutter count on the Sony A7
- Take one photo with the camera (ideally in ARW format) and copy the original file to your computer or phone.
- Open the Reti shutter counter and add the file.
- You'll see the shutter count, the shutter wear rating and whether the camera has the latest firmware.
Some newer Sony models only store the count on a photo taken with the mechanical shutter, so turn off the electronic shutter before the test.
Sony A7 shutter life
The typical shutter life of this model is about 200,000 shots (estimate for this class of camera).
What shutter count is high on the Sony A7
| Shutter count | Rating |
|---|---|
| up to 50,000 shots | Low |
| 50,000 to 120,000 shots | Medium |
| over 120,000 shots | High |
This is a rough guide: a shutter can fail earlier or last much longer than its typical life.
What else to check on a used Sony A7
- Sensor: one photo of the sky and one with the body cap on show dust and dead pixels. On a mirrorless camera the sensor is exposed every time you change lenses, so dust is more common.
- Autofocus: a few photos of the AF test chart show whether the lens focuses in front of or behind the target.
- Screen and electronic viewfinder: check for dead pixels and colour casts with the screen test.
- Lens mount and contacts: play with a lens attached, dirty or bent contacts.
- Card slot, doors, rubber grips and hot shoe: looseness, cracks and signs of a drop.
- Battery: does it last for a few dozen shots.
For the full checklist to take to the seller, see How to check a used camera before you buy.
Other Sony models
Sony A7 III · Sony A7 IV · Sony A7 II · Sony A7R III · Sony A7R IV · Sony A7S III · Sony A9 · Sony A6000 · Sony A6400 · Sony A7R II · Sony A7C · Sony A6100 · Sony A6300 · Sony A6600 · Sony ZV-E10