Originally posted by JinDesu You can take pictures to check the shutter count, yes. It can take pictures without a lens. You would import the photo and use something like PhotoMe (google this) to check the EXIF for the shutter count.
You can also update without any issue.
The dots may be dust on TOP of the focusing screen (you have access to the bottom). I have a bunch on my screen - no amount of wiping or blowing will dislodge it. Smaller dots tend to be impossible to see once you have a lens on. I have a few larger ones that I have grown to ignore.
Indeed, ignore this. I learned the hardway that focus screens are delicate and that you can learn quickly to ignore these small flecks of dust that won't affect the image because they're not in path of the sensor. If you don't learn to ignore these guys, you're likely going to do something that will cause you to need to learn to ignore longer trails and dings you put in it with your rocket blower and other items.
So, ignore it. It's minor, it's really nothing, and pretty much every camera will have these. When you have a lens on, you shouldn't notice them, though now you might just because you know they're there.