Drop an ARW RAW file from your Sony Alpha SLT-A55V and check the shutter actuation count — processed entirely in your browser, never uploaded anywhere.
Check Shutter Count →The Sony Alpha SLT-A55V (2010) was a landmark camera that introduced the world to Sony's SLT (Single Lens Translucent) technology at an accessible price point. By replacing the conventional moving mirror with a fixed translucent pellicle, Sony enabled continuous phase-detect AF during high-speed burst shooting — a capability that had previously required high-end DSLR bodies. The A55 features a 16.2 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, BIONZ processor, 15-point phase-detect AF, 10 fps continuous shooting, 1080i Full HD video, built-in GPS, and ARW RAW output. The mechanical shutter is estimated at approximately 100,000 actuations (not officially published by Sony).
| Model | Release | Sensor | Rated Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony SLT-A55V | 2010 | 16.2 MP APS-C | ~100,000 (est.) | ARW |
| Sony SLT-A65 (successor) | 2011 | 24.3 MP APS-C | ~100,000 (est.) | ARW |
| Sony SLT-A57 (mid-range) | 2012 | 16.1 MP APS-C | ~100,000 (est.) | ARW |
exiftool -ImageCount yourfile.ARW.
exiftool -ImageCount yourfile.ARW, or check in-camera via Menu → Setup 2 → Shutter Count.The A55 is now 15+ years old. Many used copies will have significant shutter counts. The actuation count gives you an objective measure of remaining shutter life.
| Actuation Count | % of Rated Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 10,000 | 0 – 10 % | Very low use — near new |
| 10,000 – 30,000 | 10 – 30 % | Low use |
| 30,000 – 60,000 | 30 – 60 % | Moderate use |
| 60,000 – 85,000 | 60 – 85 % | High use — negotiate price |
| 85,000 + | 85 %+ | Near or past rated life — budget for shutter replacement |
The A55's fixed translucent mirror cannot be cleaned without disassembly. Dust affects phase-detect AF accuracy; delamination is a more serious defect that requires mirror replacement. Inspect at an angle under strong light before buying.
The A55 is well-known for overheating during extended video recording. Bodies used heavily for video may have cosmetic wear around the grip and LCD from use, even if the shutter count is low — video recording does not increment the mechanical shutter counter.
The built-in GPS module may take longer to acquire a fix on older bodies, especially if the battery has been fully discharged frequently (GPS almanac data is battery-backed). This is a minor inconvenience, not a fault.
The A55 uses the NP-FM500H battery, widely available as third-party replacements. Verify the battery holds charge and that the original charger is included or that a compatible third-party unit is available.
Drop an ARW file into shuttercount.app for an instant in-browser result, or run exiftool -ImageCount yourfile.ARW on desktop.
No. The translucent mirror is fixed and does not move. The shutter count reflects only mechanical shutter actuations, not mirror cycles.
Sony has not published an official rating for the A55. Community estimates put it at approximately 100,000 actuations.
Only a Sony authorised service centre can reset the hardware counter after a physical shutter replacement. Always verify from an original ARW file.