How the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and Sony A1 compare on rated shutter life, sensor and value — and how to read the exact actuation count of either from a RAW file, free and in your browser.
Check Your Shutter Count →| Spec | R5 Mark II | A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Canon EOS R5 Mark II | Sony A1 |
| Released | 2024 | 2021 |
| Sensor | 45 MP full-frame | 50.1 MP full-frame |
| Category | full-frame mirrorless | full-frame mirrorless |
| RAW format | CR3 | ARW |
| Shutter type | Mechanical + electronic | Mechanical + electronic |
| Rated shutter life | 500,000 | 500,000 |
Both bodies carry the same 500,000-actuation rating, so shutter durability is a wash — your buying decision comes down to sensor, features and price, not shutter wear.
Rated figures are manufacturer estimates, not hard limits. Many bodies shoot well past their rating, while a small number fail earlier — the rating is best read as a durability class, not a countdown. When buying used, what matters is the actual actuation count relative to that rating, which you can read for free below.
The R5 Mark II is the newer design (2024 vs 2021), which usually means longer firmware support, a more current autofocus system and a stronger residual value — but also a higher used price.
On resolution the A1 leads at 50.1 MP full-frame against the R5 Mark II’s 45 MP full-frame — worth having if you crop hard or print large, while the R5 Mark II keeps file sizes and low-light noise in check.
Remember you are also choosing a system: Canon (CR3 files) and Sony (ARW files) have different lens line-ups, so weigh the glass you already own or plan to buy.
The R5 Mark II writes CR3 files and the A1 writes ARW files — ShutterCount handles both formats natively.
See the full model guides for each body: Canon EOS R5 Mark II shutter count and Sony A1 shutter count.
Both the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and the Sony A1 are rated for 500,000 shutter actuations, so neither has a durability edge on paper.
Take a photo, then drop the resulting CR3 (R5 Mark II) or ARW (A1) RAW file into shuttercount.app. The count is read from the file’s MakerNote entirely in your browser — no upload, no account.
The R5 Mark II is newer (2024), which tends to mean better resale value and longer support; the A1 is often the better bargain used. Always verify the actual shutter count from an original RAW file before buying.
No. Only the manufacturer’s service centre can reset the hardware counter, and only after a physical shutter replacement. EXIF editors can rewrite surrounding metadata but cannot alter the in-camera counter, which is why you should always read it from an untouched CR3/ARW RAW file.
Compare shutter life and value across other popular bodies: