Drop an ARW RAW file from your Sony A7S (ILCE-7S) and get the shutter actuation count in seconds — processed entirely in your browser, never uploaded anywhere.
Check Shutter Count →The Sony A7S is Sony's first video-focused full-frame mirrorless camera, released in 2014. Its 12.2 MP sensor prioritises low-light performance and high ISO sensitivity over resolution, making it a favourite among filmmakers and videographers. Despite its age, it remains popular on the used market.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Rated Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony A7S (ILCE-7S) | 2014 | 12.2 MP full-frame | ~100,000 actuations | ARW |
| Sony A7S II (ILCE-7SM2) | 2015 | 12.2 MP full-frame | ~100,000 actuations | ARW |
| Sony A7S III (ILCE-7SM3) | 2020 | 12.1 MP full-frame | ~200,000 actuations | ARW |
The A7S 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, ask the seller to provide an original, unedited ARW file shot recently for the most accurate reading.
The Sony A7S is rated for approximately 100,000 actuations. Since the A7S is heavily used for video, the mechanical shutter count is often much lower than on photo-oriented bodies:
| Shutter Count | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 0 – 10,000 | Very low use — near new |
| 10,000 – 30,000 | Light use — excellent condition |
| 30,000 – 60,000 | Moderate use — well within rating |
| 60,000 – 100,000 | High use — approaching rated life |
| 100,000+ | Beyond rated life — shutter replacement may be needed |
The Sony A7S 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 0x0032.
This is the same offset used by the original A7 and A7 II. Newer models like the A7 III and A7S III use offset 0x003a instead.
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. The encrypted counter in tag 0x9050 is persistent and not affected by formatting the card or resetting the camera.
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.
No. The mechanical shutter count only increments when a still photo is taken. Video recording does not actuate the mechanical shutter, so video-heavy A7S units often have surprisingly low shutter counts.
ShutterCount supports all modern Sony bodies. See related guides: