Drop an ARW RAW file from your Sony A7S II (ILCE-7SM2) and get the shutter actuation count in seconds — processed entirely in your browser, never uploaded anywhere.
Check Shutter Count →The Sony A7S II (2015) revolutionised video production by offering internal 4K recording in a compact full-frame mirrorless body. With a 12.2 MP full-frame sensor optimised for low-light performance and an ISO range extending to 409,600, it became the go-to camera for filmmakers, documentary shooters, and event videographers. Despite its video-centric design, the A7S II's mechanical shutter is still an important consideration when buying used.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Rated Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony A7S II (ILCE-7SM2) | 2015 | 12.2 MP full-frame | ~200,000 actuations | ARW |
| Sony A7S (ILCE-7S) | 2014 | 12.2 MP full-frame | ~200,000 actuations | ARW |
| Sony A7S III (ILCE-7SM3) | 2020 | 12.1 MP full-frame | ~200,000 actuations | ARW |
The A7S II does not display the shutter count in its menus. The count is embedded in every ARW RAW file, encrypted within the MakerNote.
When buying a used A7S II, keep in mind that a low shutter count does not necessarily mean low total use — the camera may have been used extensively for video without incrementing the mechanical counter.
The Sony A7S II is rated for approximately 200,000 actuations. Since many A7S II units are used primarily for video, shutter counts tend to be lower than average:
| Shutter Count | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 0 – 10,000 | Very low use — typical for video-only units |
| 10,000 – 40,000 | Light use — excellent condition |
| 40,000 – 100,000 | Moderate use — well within rating |
| 100,000 – 180,000 | High use — approaching rated life |
| 180,000+ | Near or past rated life |
For a primarily video-focused body, also inspect the sensor, mount, and body condition — these are better indicators of total use than shutter count alone.
The Sony A7S II writes images in Sony's ARW format. ShutterCount parses the TIFF/EXIF structure, locates the Sony MakerNote, and reads tag 0x9050. This tag is encrypted using Sony's cubic-residue cipher (b³ mod 249). After decryption, the shutter count is found at byte offset 0x003a.
This is the same tag and offset used across the entire Sony Alpha lineup, from the A6000 to the A1.
Shoot an ARW RAW file and drop it into shuttercount.app. The encrypted shutter count is decrypted from tag 0x9050 in your browser — no upload needed.
No. Video recording does not increment the mechanical shutter counter. Only still photo actuations are counted.
The encrypted MakerNote block is difficult to tamper with. While basic EXIF fields can be edited, the encrypted shutter count reflects what the camera wrote at capture time. Always verify from an original ARW file.
The A7S II remains capable with internal 4K recording, exceptional low-light performance, and S-Log2/S-Log3 profiles. It lacks 10-bit colour depth and advanced AF tracking found in the A7S III, but for documentary, event, and run-and-gun work, it is still a solid performer at its current used price.
The A7S (2014) introduced the 12 MP low-light concept but lacked internal 4K. The A7S II (2015) added internal 4K and 5-axis IBIS. The A7S III (2020) brought 10-bit 4:2:2, a flip screen, improved AF, and a new menu system. All three share approximately the same shutter rating.
ShutterCount supports all modern Sony bodies. See related guides: