The Google Pixel 7 Pro (2022) runs the Google Tensor G2 chip and shoots DNG RAW files in Pro mode. Like all smartphones, it uses an electronic CMOS readout with no mechanical shutter — the image counter stored in each DNG records total electronic captures. Drop a RAW DNG file to read it instantly.
Check Image Counter →The Google Pixel 7 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip and features a triple-camera system: a 50 MP Samsung GNV main sensor (f/1.85, 1/1.31″ optical format, sensor-shift OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 125.8° field of view), and a 48 MP 5× telephoto (f/3.5, 120mm equiv., OIS). The 5× telephoto is one of the distinguishing features over the standard Pixel 7. The phone outputs DNG RAW files in Pro mode, with no mechanical shutter involved in any capture.
| Model | Release | Main Sensor | Shutter Type | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 7 Pro | 2022 | 50 MP CMOS | Electronic only | DNG |
| Pixel 7 | 2022 | 50 MP CMOS | Electronic only | DNG |
| Pixel 8 Pro | 2023 | 50 MP CMOS | Electronic only | DNG |
| Pixel 9 Pro | 2024 | 50 MP CMOS | Electronic only | DNG |
DCIM/Camera on the device storage.Internal storage → DCIM → Camera and copy the .dng file. Alternatively, open Google Photos and download the original DNG from the library (tap the photo → three dots → Download).exiftool -ImageNumber yourfile.dng to read the counter directly..dng to contain the image counter.
The image counter carries no wear implication for a phone without a mechanical shutter. Focus on these factors when evaluating a used Pixel 7 Pro:
| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Battery health | Settings → Battery → Battery health. Under 80% is significantly degraded |
| Display | Check the LTPO AMOLED for burn-in (static UI elements) and dead pixels |
| Telephoto lens | Inspect the curved 5× telephoto lens glass for scratches; it protrudes and is easily scratched |
| Back glass | Check the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus back panel for cracks (repair is expensive) |
| Face ID equivalent | Test Face Unlock and fingerprint scanner reliability |
| Image counter | High count (>50,000) indicates heavy use — no mechanical risk, but useful context |
The image counter is stored in the DNG EXIF metadata under the ImageNumber field. This counter increments with every capture across all camera modes — Photo, Pro, Night Sight, Portrait, and Panorama. It cannot be reset by a factory reset or Android reinstall. The counter is the same field used by dedicated cameras, making it directly comparable for estimating total device usage.
The Tensor G2 handles Real Tone (accurate skin tone reproduction across all skin tones), Photo Unblur (removing motion blur from old photos), and Magic Eraser (removing unwanted subjects). These features operate on JPEG output. DNG RAW files capture pre-processed sensor data, bypassing these computational steps — giving editors full control over the raw pixel data.
No. All smartphones, including the Pixel 7 Pro, use CMOS electronic readout — there is no mechanical focal-plane shutter. The image counter in a DNG RAW file records total electronic captures. There is no rated shutter life or mechanical wear to consider.
The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger 6.7″ QHD+ LTPO display (vs 6.3″ FHD+ on Pixel 7), a 48 MP 5× telephoto camera (absent on Pixel 7), 12 GB RAM (vs 8 GB), and a curved-edge front glass. Both share the same Tensor G2 chip and 50 MP main camera. For photography, the telephoto is the main advantage of the Pro.
The Pixel 8 Pro upgraded to the Tensor G3 chip, added a temperature sensor, upgraded the ultrawide to 48 MP with autofocus (from a fixed-focus 12 MP on the 7 Pro), introduced Video Boost, and moved to a 6.7″ flat display. The image counter and DNG RAW structure are functionally equivalent on both models.
No. The image counter is stored in persistent hardware memory and cannot be reset by a factory reset, Android reinstall, or any user action. This makes it a reliable indicator of total usage when evaluating a used phone.
Yes — drop a DNG RAW file from the Pixel 7 Pro’s Pro mode into shuttercount.app and the tool will display the image counter. Standard JPEG files do not contain the counter field.