The Google Pixel 7 (2022) captures RAW in DNG format via Pro mode and has no mechanical shutter — the image counter stored in each DNG file records total electronic captures. Drop a RAW DNG file to read it instantly.
Check Image Counter →The Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google’s second-generation Tensor G2 chip and pairs it with a dual-camera system: a 50 MP Samsung GN1 main sensor (1/1.31″, f/1.85, OIS, PDAF) and a 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 114°, fixed focus). Unlike the Pixel 7 Pro, the standard Pixel 7 has no telephoto camera.
Like all Pixel phones, the Pixel 7 uses CMOS electronic readout exclusively. There is no mechanical focal-plane shutter. The image counter in RAW DNG files increments with every capture, including video frames captured as stills in certain modes.
| Model | Release | Main Sensor | Telephoto | Shutter Type | RAW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 7 | 2022 | 50 MP GN1 (f/1.85) | None | Electronic | DNG (Pro) |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | 2022 | 50 MP GN1 (f/1.85) | 48 MP 5× (f/3.5) | Electronic | DNG (Pro) |
| Google Pixel 8 | 2023 | 50 MP GN6 (f/1.68) | None | Electronic | DNG (Pro) |
| Sony A7 IV | 2021 | 33 MP Full-Frame BSI | N/A | Mech. + Electronic | ARW |
.dng.exiftool -ImageNumber yourfile.DNG to read the counter directly.The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro share the same Tensor G2 chip and 50 MP main sensor. The differences that matter for photography:
| Feature | Pixel 7 | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Telephoto | None | 48 MP 5× (f/3.5, OIS) |
| Ultrawide AF | Fixed focus | Autofocus (macro capable) |
| Display refresh | Fixed 90 Hz | 1–120 Hz LTPO adaptive |
| Display size | 6.3″ flat OLED | 6.7″ curved LTPO OLED |
| Battery | 4,355 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Wireless charging | 20 W | 23 W |
For most photographers, the telephoto gap is the largest practical difference. The Pixel 7’s lack of a telephoto means any zoom beyond ~2× is digital crop from the 50 MP main sensor — usable for moderate crops but no substitute for an optical telephoto at longer reach.
| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Battery health | Settings → Battery → Battery health. Significant degradation typically appears after 2+ years of heavy use on any Tensor-chip Pixel |
| Display condition | Inspect the 6.3-inch OLED for burn-in (navigation bar, notification icons), dead pixels, and edge separation |
| Camera lenses | Check both lenses for scratches or fogging; test the ultrawide for distortion artifacts at the edges |
| Back glass / frame | Inspect Corning Gorilla Glass Victus rear panel and aluminum frame for cracks and dents |
| Fingerprint sensor | Test the optical under-display fingerprint sensor; response degrades with certain screen protectors |
| Image counter | High count (>25,000) indicates regular photography use — context only, not a wear indicator |
The image counter is stored under ImageNumber in the DNG EXIF metadata. This persistent hardware counter increments with every capture across both cameras and all modes. It cannot be reset by a factory reset or Android software wipe.
Tensor G2 brings a revised ISP with improved noise reduction, better video stabilisation, and faster on-device processing for Pixel’s computational photography features (Magic Eraser, Real Tone). In RAW DNG output — which bypasses the computational pipeline — the two chips produce similar results, as RAW represents sensor data before Google’s algorithms apply.
Tensor G2 introduced Photo Unblur as a new Pixel-exclusive feature. Photo Unblur operates only on JPEG/processed images; it has no effect on DNG RAW files, which preserve the original sensor data without computational sharpening applied.
No. All Pixel phones use CMOS electronic readout. There is no focal-plane shutter mechanism and no mechanical wear to assess.
Open the Camera app, tap More, switch to Pro mode, then tap the file format indicator and select RAW or RAW+JPEG. This setting resets between sessions.
No. The image counter is stored in persistent device hardware and cannot be reset by a factory reset, Android wipe, or any user action.
A typical user captures 5,000–20,000 photos per year; an active photographer or frequent RAW shooter may exceed 40,000 per year. Unlike a DSLR, a high image counter carries no wear implication — battery health is the primary condition indicator.
Yes — the Pixel 7a also captures DNG files in Pro mode and its image counter is readable via shuttercount.app. Note that the 7a uses a different 64 MP Samsung GW1 main sensor (vs the Pixel 7’s 50 MP GN1) and includes optical image stabilisation on the main camera only.