How the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony A7 IV 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 | R6 Mark II | A7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Sony A7 IV |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| Sensor | 24.2 MP full-frame | 33 MP full-frame |
| Category | full-frame mirrorless | full-frame mirrorless |
| RAW format | CR3 | ARW |
| Shutter type | Mechanical + electronic | Mechanical + electronic |
| Rated shutter life | 300,000 | 150,000 |
The R6 Mark II is rated for 300,000 actuations versus 150,000 for the A7 IV — roughly 100% more rated shutter life. In practice that means a used R6 Mark II at a given actuation count has consumed a smaller share of its rated life than a A7 IV at the same count.
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 R6 Mark II is the newer design (2022 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 A7 IV leads at 33 MP full-frame against the R6 Mark II’s 24.2 MP full-frame — worth having if you crop hard or print large, while the R6 Mark II keeps file sizes and low-light noise in check.
If you are buying used and plan to shoot heavily, the higher 300,000-actuation rating on the R6 Mark II gives you more headroom before a shutter service becomes a consideration.
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 R6 Mark II writes CR3 files and the A7 IV writes ARW files — ShutterCount handles both formats natively.
See the full model guides for each body: Canon EOS R6 Mark II shutter count and Sony A7 IV shutter count.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is rated for 300,000 actuations, higher than the Sony A7 IV’s 150,000. Individual shutters can last well beyond — or occasionally fall short of — the official rating.
Take a photo, then drop the resulting CR3 (R6 Mark II) or ARW (A7 IV) RAW file into shuttercount.app. The count is read from the file’s MakerNote entirely in your browser — no upload, no account.
The R6 Mark II is newer (2022), which tends to mean better resale value and longer support; the A7 IV 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: