Drop an ARW RAW file from your Sony Alpha SLT-A57 and check the shutter actuation count — processed entirely in your browser, never uploaded anywhere.
Check Shutter Count →The Sony Alpha SLT-A57 (2012) is a mid-range APS-C SLT (Single Lens Translucent) camera featuring a fixed translucent mirror instead of a moving reflex mirror. This allowed Sony to deliver 12 fps continuous shooting with continuous phase-detect AF — a significant advantage over conventional DSLRs of the era. It features a 16.1 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, BIONZ processor, 15-point phase-detect AF, 1080/60p video, sweep panorama, and ARW format 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-A57 | 2012 | 16.1 MP APS-C | ~100,000 (est.) | ARW |
| Sony SLT-A58 (successor) | 2013 | 20.1 MP APS-C | ~100,000 (est.) | ARW |
| Sony SLT-A68 (last SLT) | 2016 | 24.2 MP APS-C | ~100,000 (est.) | ARW |
| Sony SLT-A77 (flagship SLT) | 2011 | 24.3 MP APS-C | ~150,000 (est.) | ARW |
exiftool -ImageCount yourfile.ARW.
exiftool -ImageCount yourfile.ARW, or check in-camera via Menu → Setup 2 → Shutter Count.| 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 |
Unlike a conventional DSLR, the A57 has a fixed semi-transparent mirror that cannot be flipped up for cleaning. Dust on this mirror affects phase-detect AF accuracy. Look at the mirror under a torch at an angle — a clean mirror should be evenly translucent with no dust clumps or delamination spots.
The A57 can shoot at 12 fps continuously. Bodies used for sports or action photography may have substantially higher shutter counts than the low asking price suggests — always verify the count from an ARW file before buying.
The A57 uses the NP-FM500H battery, shared with many Sony Alpha SLT bodies. Check the battery's health indicator and whether the original BC-VM10A charger is included.
The SLT-A68 (2016) is a significantly newer camera with 4D Focus (79-point phase-detect), 24.2 MP, and better video. If you need modern features, the A68 is usually worth the price difference. The A57 remains a solid value for those who primarily shoot stills with A-mount glass.
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. There is no mirror-related wear component in the SLT system.
Sony has not published an official rating. 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, not a screenshot.