Drop an ARW RAW file from your Sony FX9 and get the exact shutter actuation count in seconds — processed entirely in your browser, never uploaded anywhere.
Check Shutter Count →The Sony FX9 (ILME-FX9, 2019) is a full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS Cinema Line camera with 15+ stops of dynamic range, dual base ISO (800/4000), and — uniquely among Cinema Line cameras — a built-in motorised variable ND filter (1/4 to 1/128 stop). It was Sony's first Cinema Line camera to combine a full-frame sensor with the variable ND and was designed for documentary, commercial, and episodic television production.
Sony does not publish a mechanical shutter rating for Cinema Line cameras. The FX9 is primarily operated with an electronic shutter for all video recording; the mechanical shutter is activated only during still ARW image capture.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Est. Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony FX9 | 2019 | Full-frame BSI Exmor R | ~100,000 (est.) | ARW |
| Sony FX6 | 2020 | 10.2 MP full-frame BSI | ~200,000 (est.) | ARW |
| Sony FX3 | 2021 | 12.1 MP full-frame BSI | ~200,000 (est.) | ARW |
| Sony FX30 | 2022 | 26 MP APS-C BSI | ~200,000 (est.) | ARW |
Cinema cameras that have been used primarily for video production typically show very low mechanical shutter counts. An FX9 with a high count was likely used for significant still photo work alongside video — investigate the use history.
| Actuation Count | % of Est. Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5,000 | 0 – 5 % | Very low — typical for video-first use |
| 5,000 – 25,000 | 5 – 25 % | Low mechanical use — some stills alongside video |
| 25,000 – 60,000 | 25 – 60 % | Moderate — significant still use for a cinema body |
| 60,000 – 90,000 | 60 – 90 % | High mechanical use — negotiate price |
| 90,000 + | 90 %+ | Near or past est. life — budget for shutter service |
Like all Sony Alpha and Cinema Line cameras, the FX9 stores the shutter count in ARW files under an encrypted MakerNote block at tag 0x9050. ShutterCount applies Sony's decryption algorithm and reads the count at the appropriate byte offset for the FX9's sensor and firmware combination. All processing happens locally in your browser; the ARW file is never transmitted anywhere.
Yes. The FX9 includes a focal-plane mechanical shutter used for still image capture. For all video recording, the FX9 uses its electronic shutter — no mechanical wear occurs during video production.
The FX9 offers a built-in variable ND filter and dual base ISO not present on the FX6. The FX6 is more compact and adds 12G-SDI output. Both are full-frame Cinema Line cameras with ARW still capability readable by shuttercount.app. Choose the FX9 if the built-in ND is a workflow priority; choose the FX6 for a smaller body with more video I/O.
Yes. The FX9 includes a mechanical shutter for still photo capture. All video uses the electronic shutter only.
Possibly — if the JPEG retains the Sony MakerNote. Many editing tools strip MakerNote data from JPEGs. For the most reliable result, always use an original ARW file directly from the camera.
For a cinema camera, a low mechanical shutter count usually means the FX9 was used primarily for video — the most common use case. It does not indicate that the camera was lightly used overall. Assess the body condition, port wear, and operating hours independently.