1. Introduction

A7Info is a program for displaying the metadata contained in the RAW and JPG files of Sony E-Mount cameras. The goal is to give camera users quick and comprehensive access to the EXIF and MakerNotes information in image files.

Features

• Display of EXIF and MakerNotes data (exposure, AF settings, lens data, shutter count and more)
• Display of autofocus positions in the image (FocusLocation, PhaseAF, TrackingAF, EyeAF)
• Camera settings as overlay similar to the camera display (OnScreen Infos)
• Display of the embedded preview image (RAW) or the complete JPG
• Display of the full raw image via the LibRaw library
• RGB histogram of the preview image
• Statistical analyses: aperture, ISO, exposure time, focal length, metering method
• Print of capture information as a data sheet
• Open files in external programs
• Crop Resolution Calculator: calculate resolution loss when cropping
• J/K keyboard navigation in the file browser
• Real-time search field for filtering EXIF/MakerNotes data
• Per-image star rating 0–5 (stored locally, Lightroom export available)
• Batch EXIF export as CSV or JSON

System Requirements

Supported Cameras

As of version 4.0.0 (April 2026). Due to the different characteristics of the cameras, differences in the displayed data may occur.

2. Download and Installation

The current version can be downloaded from the downloads page at soens.de/downloads.html.

On Windows, the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library is required and will be installed automatically if needed.

Uninstallation

The MaintenanceTool in the installation directory allows complete removal. On Windows, uninstallation can also be done via the Control Panel.

The program stores its settings at the following locations:

Updates

A7Info can optionally check for a new version on startup (internet required). Updates must be downloaded manually from the Downloads page and the setup run again.

3. Using the Program

Starting the Program

The program is started by double-clicking the program icon. It can also be launched from the command line with a start directory:

The specified directory overrides the last used directory from the previous session.

Main Window

The main window consists of the central preview image and several dockable windows that can be freely positioned. The arrangement is saved.

Toolbar

File Menu

SavePreview

Saves the currently displayed preview image as a JPG file at 1616 × 1080 pixels. The JPG quality (10–100 %) can be preset under Settings → General → Preview Quality.

Print

Prints a data sheet for the current image: thumbnail, camera and exposure data from the MainData window, and EXIF and MakerNotes. The scope is determined by the groups expanded in the EXIF window (or all data via Settings).

Delete

Moves one or more selected files to the trash. A confirmation prompt can be activated in Settings.

Export EXIF

Exports the metadata of all images in the current directory as CSV (for spreadsheet applications) or JSON (for custom scripts). All EXIF and MakerNotes fields read by A7Info are included.

Export Ratings to XMP

Writes the star ratings stored in A7Info as XMP sidecar files to the current directory. These can then be imported into Lightroom. Existing XMP files are not overwritten. This is intended as a one-time transfer step for the Lightroom import.

Settings / Preferences

On macOS, this item is found in the app menu as Preferences. Settings are saved on exit.

General

Display

Programs

The currently displayed image can be opened with an external program. Use Add to add a program and Remove to remove it. The target program must accept a file name as a launch parameter.

View Menu

Focus Location

Displays the focus point set by the camera as a pulsing symbol (two concentric circles with four tick marks) in the preview image. Colour and transparency adjustable via Settings.

FaceDetect Location

Displays detected face positions as rectangles in the preview image. Colour and transparency adjustable.

PhaseAF Locations

Displays the AF fields used if phase AF was active. Colour and transparency adjustable.

TrackingAF Location

With tracking active: shows the tracking symbol or EyeAF symbol around the focused point.

OnScreen Infos

Displays relevant capture information as an overlay over the preview image — similar to the camera's display or viewfinder. Transparency adjustable.

FullSizeRaw

Opens the raw image in a separate window (5–400 % zoom via mouse wheel). Decoding via LibRaw.

Statistics

Opens the Statistics dialog for extended analyses across an entire directory (including subdirectories). Bar, pie and donut charts, timeline. Print and clipboard export available.

Windows Menu

Each window can be shown or hidden individually. The visibility state is saved on exit: Source Directory, Statistics, MainData, Exif and MakerNotes, Directory Contents (Thumbnails).

Keyboard Shortcuts

Help Menu

Crop Resolution Calculator

Calculates the resolution loss when cropping an image to a different field of view. Example: from a 61 MP image (A7R IV, 50 mm), a crop equivalent to an 85 mm lens drops the effective resolution to approx. 21 MP.

About A7Info

Displays the program version and contact information.

4. Appendix

Recognised Lenses

A7Info automatically recognises the following lenses and displays their full name.

Version History

• +New dark design with amber accent; SVG icons in toolbar and metadata tree
• +MainData window redesigned (dashboard layout)
• +J/K keyboard navigation in the file browser
• +Real-time search field in the Exif & MakerNotes window
• +Star rating 0–5 (keyboard & mouse; stored in _a7info.json)
• +Batch EXIF export as CSV and JSON
• +Export Ratings to XMP for Lightroom workflow
• +FocusLocation: new SVG symbol with soft pulsing
• *Bugfix: GPS state in tree view was not saved correctly

• +Support for Sony A7 Mark V (ILCE-7M5)
• +Universal Binary for Apple Silicon and Intel (macOS)
• +Build system migrated from qMake to CMake
• *Bugfix: model ID parsing returned wrong values for serial number and shutter count

• +Adjustments for Sony A1 Mark II
• +EXIF and MakerNotes display now also shows tag names
• *Bug fixes

• +Support for Sony A1 Mark II

• +Support for Sony A9 Mark III; bug fixes

• +Support for A7CR and A7C II

• +Support for Sony A6700

• +Support for Sony A7R V

• +Support for Sony A7 IV
• +Face detection data from MakerNotes