The Google Pixel 9 Pro (2024) 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 9 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip and features a significantly upgraded triple-camera system compared to its predecessor: a 50 MP main sensor (Samsung GNK, f/1.68, PDAF, OIS), a newly upgraded 48 MP ultrawide with autofocus (f/1.7 — up from 12 MP fixed-focus on the Pixel 8 Pro), and a 48 MP 5× telephoto (f/2.8, OIS). The addition of autofocus to the ultrawide enables macro photography at up to 2 cm subject distance.
Like all Pixel phones, the Pixel 9 Pro uses CMOS electronic readout exclusively across all cameras. There is no mechanical focal-plane shutter. The image counter in RAW DNG files increments with every capture, including video frames captured as stills.
| Model | Release | Main Sensor | Shutter Type | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | 2024 | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) | Electronic only | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | 2024 | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) | Electronic only | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | 2023 | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) | Electronic only | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Sony A7 IV | 2021 | 33 MP Full-Frame BSI | Mechanical + Electronic | ARW |
.dng extension.exiftool -ImageNumber yourfile.DNG to read the counter directly from metadata.The image counter provides useful usage context, but battery health and physical condition are the key metrics for a used Pixel 9 Pro:
| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Battery health | Settings → Battery → Battery health (or Adaptive Battery information). Significant degradation typically appears at 2+ years of use |
| Display condition | Inspect the 6.3-inch LTPO OLED for burn-in (navigation bar, status bar icons), dead pixels, or edge separation |
| Camera lenses | Check all three lenses for scratches or internal fogging; test the 48 MP ultrawide autofocus specifically at macro distance |
| Back glass | Inspect Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panel for cracks; back glass replacement is costly on Pixel models |
| Face Unlock & fingerprint | Test optical under-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock in dim conditions |
| Image counter | High count (>30,000) indicates regular photography use — context only, not a wear indicator |
Google’s Pixel phones produce DNG RAW files that capture the raw sensor data before Google’s computational photography pipeline (HDR+, Night Sight, Magic Eraser) processes the image. Unlike Apple ProRAW, Pixel DNG files are “purer” RAW with less computational baking — editors have full control over tone mapping and noise reduction.
The image counter is stored in the DNG EXIF metadata under ImageNumber. This is a persistent counter maintained in device hardware, incremented by every capture across all cameras and modes. It cannot be reset by a factory reset or software update.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s Video Boost feature uses the Tensor G4 chip’s image signal processor (ISP) to process video after capture, enabling features like super-resolution video and Night Sight Video. Video Boost is a video feature only — it does not produce DNG files. RAW capture remains limited to Pro photo mode.
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, switch to Pro mode, then tap the file format indicator and select RAW or RAW+JPEG. This setting is not persistent — you must re-enable it each session.
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 5,000–25,000 photos per year; an active photographer or social media user may exceed 50,000. Unlike a DSLR, a high image counter carries no wear implication — battery health is the primary condition indicator.
Yes — the Pixel 9 Pro Fold also captures DNG files in Pro mode and its image counter is readable via shuttercount.app in the same way. The Fold has four cameras (external, wide, ultrawide, telephoto); the counter is shared across all of them.