SD and CFexpress memory card information for still image and video recording

Secure Digital - SD card
Secure Digital High Capacity - SDHC™ card
Secure Digital Extended Capacity - SDXC™ card

Slow	Speed	Fast
Low	Storage capacity	High

Backwards Compatible

Notes:

• Some cameras also utilize Sony Memory Stick™ products, so check your camera's Help Guide to determine which card standards are compatible before making your purchase.
• SDXC and SDHC cards are backward compatible. The speed, capacity, and performance will differ when used with legacy cameras.
• Legacy cameras may not be compatible with SDHC and SDXC cards.

Note: SD card specifications are always listed on the card.

1. Video speed class information
   
   

   The video speed classes refer to the absolute minimum sustained write speed for the memory card.

   • Numbers with a circular "C" symbol, "U" symbol or a "V" symbol next to or around it indicates the speed classes of the memory card.
   • Manufacturers use these speed class symbols to indicate the type of speed class and rating on the memory card and it's intended to help you choose the right memory card for your device in terms of speed.
     

     Use this table to review the details of the Speed, UHS Speed, and Video Speed classes
     

     Minimum Write Speed	Speed Class	UHS Speed Class	Video Speed Class	Video Format
     90MB/sec			V90	Up to 8K
     60MB/sec			V30	Up to 8K
     30MB/sec		U3	V30	Up to 8K
     10MB/sec	C10	U1	V10	Up to 4K
     6MB/sec	C6		V6	Up to 4K
     4MB/sec	C4			Up to HD/Full HD
     2MB/sec	C2			Standard Video

     • The SD card speeds are the same at some specification points. For example, the C10/U1/V30 video speed is the same across all card types, may be listed together, and is considered to be the minimum standard for card use (10 MB/s).
     • The corresponding video speed rates are shown to compare which speed works best for your recording needs.
     • If you own an SDXC card that has high read/write speeds marked but doesn't have a V60/V90 logo (required), you will need to purchase the proper memory card as the camera doesn't recognize the read/write speeds and an error message will appear:

       

2. SD card type
   
   

   Secure Digital - SD card
   

   Secure Digital High Capacity - SDHC card
   

   Secure Digital Extended Capacity - SDXC card

   
   Note: Micro SD™ cards are compatible with SD card slots on devices when the card SD adapter is used. There may be an effect on the performance when the adapter is used.
   

3. UHS Bus Interface for large size data transfer
   
   

   The UHS Bus speed is the rate that the data transfers from the camera's internal buffer to the memory card, designated on the card by I or II:
   
   

   Notes:

   • UHS-II cards are better for burst shooting, large size photos (RAW), and faster data transfer in combination with UHS host devices such as your camera (V90 and V60 speeds).
   • Check your camera specifications to be sure that your memory card and host device support the same UHS bus standard in order to get the listed transfer speed.

4. The memory capacity of the SD card
   
   

   SD cards have specific memory capacities and have backward compatibility between cards and cameras. Check your Help Guide for details.
   

   
   

   Up to 2GB	More than 2 GB up to 32GB	More than 32 GB up to 2TB

5. The maximum read from and write to speed of the SD memory card
   
   

   The maximum read and write speed specifications for the SD card. Some cards may only show the maximum write speed.

   • Be sure that the UHS Bus speed of the camera is capable of transferring data at the rate listed on your memory card. Your Help Guide will have the details or memory card recommendations.
   • If the UHS Bus speed of the camera is lower than the write speed of memory card, then the transfer speed with revert to the lower value.
   • Check the camera specifications for UHS Bus and memory read/write speeds needed for your camera.

Secure Digital - Micro SD card
Secure Digital High Capacity - Micro SDHC™ card
Secure Digital Extended Capacity - Micro SDXC™ card

Slow	Speed	Fast
Low	Storage capacity	High

Backwards Compatible

Notes:

• Micro SD™ cards have the same video speed, memory capacity, and UHS Bus Interface specifications as SD cards, but in a smaller form factor. The smaller size allows expanded use of memory in not only cameras, but drones, action cameras, smartphones, and other small devices.
• Micro SDHC and Micro SDXC cards are backward compatible. The speed, capacity, and performance will differ when used with legacy cameras.
• Some legacy cameras may not be compatible with Micro SDHC and Micro SDXC cards.

Note: Micro SD card specifications are always listed on the card.

1. Micro SD card types
   
   

   Secure Digital - Micro SD card
   

   Secure Digital High Capacity - Micro SDHC card
   

   Secure Digital Extended Capacity - Micro SDXC card

   Note: Micro SD cards are compatible with SD card slots on devices when the card SD adapter is used. There may be an effect on the performance when the adapter is used.
   

2. Video speed class information
   
   

   The video speed classes refer to the absolute minimum sustained write speed for the memory card.

   • Numbers with a circular "C" symbol, "U" symbol or a "V" symbol next to or around it indicates the speed classes of the memory card.
   • Manufacturers use these speed class symbols to indicate the type of speed class and rating on the memory card and it's intended to help you choose the right memory card for your device in terms of speed.
     

     Use this chart to review the details of the Speed, UHS Speed, and Video Speed classes
     

     Minimum Write Speed	Speed Class	UHS Speed Class	Video Speed Class	Video Format
     90MB/sec			V90	Up to 8K
     60MB/sec			V30	Up to 8K
     30MB/sec		U3	V30	Up to 8K
     10MB/sec	C10	U1	V10	Up to 4K
     6MB/sec	C6		V6	Up to 4K
     4MB/sec	C4			Up to HD/Full HD
     2MB/sec	C2			Standard Video

     • The Micro SD card speeds are the same at some specification points. For example, the C10/U1/V30 video speed is the same across all card types, may be listed together, and is considered to be the minimum standard for card use (10 MB/s).
     • The corresponding video speed rates are shown to compare which speed works best for your recording needs.

3. The memory capacity of the Micro SD card
   
   

   Micro SD cards have specific memory capacities and have backward compatibility between cards and cameras. Check your Help Guide for details.
   

   
   
   

   Up to 2GB	More than 2 GB up to 32GB	More than 32 GB up to 2TB

4. The maximum read and write speed to the Micro SD card
   
   

   The maximum read and write speed specifications for the Micro SD card. Some cards may only show the maximum write speed.

   • Be sure that the UHS Bus speed of the camera is capable of transferring data at the rate listed on your memory card. Your Help Guide will have the details or memory card recommendations.
   • If the UHS Bus speed of the camera is lower than the write speed of memory card, then the transfer speed with revert to the lower value.
   • Check the camera specifications for UHS Bus and memory read/write speeds needed for your camera.

5. UHS Bus Interface for large size data transfer
   
   

   The UHS Bus speed is the rate that the data transfers from the camera's internal buffer to the memory card, designated on the card by I or II:
   
   

   Notes:

   • Great for burst shooting, large photos (RAW), and fast data transfer when used with UHS devices like your camera.
   • If using the Micro SD card with a SD card adapter for use in devices where a SD card is required, there will be a loss in performance in data transmission.
   • Check your camera specifications to be sure that your memory card and host device support the same UHS bus standard in order to get the listed transfer speed.

Good	Storage capacity	Best

Faster	Write speed	Slower

Notes:

• The CFexpress Type A card is a newer form factor for some Sony Alpha camera models and has expanded specifications over SD/Micro SD cards.
• The expanded memory and speed capabilities make the CFexpress card the choice for applications that require higher speeds and memory capacity for processing video or burst photography content.
• The expanded bus speeds also provide the user with more capabilities when transferring content from the camera buffer to the CFexpress card, a critical component of burst, 8K, and slow-motion capture.
• Check your camera's Help Guide to determine if your model is compatible with CFexpress card technology.

Note: CFexpress card specifications are always listed on the card.

1. Video read and write speed information
   
   

   The video speed refers to the maximum read and write speed of the memory card.

   • CFexpress Type A cards provide read and write speeds to the camera of 800 MB/s (read) and 700 MB/s (write).
   • High read and write speeds are important when shooting continuous video at high frame rates, such as 4K, 8K, and Slow Motion video capture.
   • For additional information when using CFexpress cards for consecutive image recording with the ILCE-1, ILCE-7M4, ILCE-7RM5, ILCE-7SM3, and ILME-FX3 cameras, refer to the How many consecutive shots (still images) can I take when using a CEA-M series CFexpress card? article.
    
   • Check your camera Help Guide to determine which video capture modes require a CFexpress or SD card, as some cameras are equipped with both card slots.

2. The memory capacity of the Sony CFexpress Type A cards
   
   

   The cards have memory capacities of 80, 160, 320, 640, 960, and 1920 GB.
   

   Notes:

   • The combination of high read/write speeds and large memory capacity make this card type a favorite when long periods of continuous recording is reqiured.
   • Good for burst shooting, large size photos (RAW), and faster data transfer in combination with UHS host devices such as your camera.

3. Is Type A the only CFexpress card type?
   
   

   There are three form factors for CFexpress cards: Type A, Type B, and Type C.
   

   As of April, 2024, Sony Alpha cameras use only CFexpress Type A cards.
   

   Refer to the Compact Flash Association website for additional details.

   CFexress Card form factor information

   CFexpress Card	Size (WxLxD) (mm)	PCIe® Data Transfer Lanes	Theoretical Transfer Speed	Compatible with Alpha Cameras?
   Type A	20 x 28 x 2.8	One	1,000 MB/s	Yes
   Type B	38.5 x 29.8 x 3.8	Two	2,000 MB/s	No
   Type C	54 x 74 x 4.8	Four	4,000 Mbps	No

4. Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) information
   
   

   The Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) is a standard established by the CompactFlash Association to ensure that media cards can handle the high data rates required for video recording. Specifically, VPG guarantees a minimum sustained write speed necessary for recording high-quality video without dropping frames:
   

   • VPG 200 - specifies the capability to write to the memory card continuously at a minimum speed of 200 MB/s (megabytes per second).
   • VPG 400 - specifies the capability to write to the memory card continuously at a minumum speed of 400 MB/s.This is crucial for professionals and videographers who rely on uninterrupted, high-resolution video capture.

   Notes:

   • The VPG is crucial for professionals and videographers who rely on uninterrupted, high-resolution video capture such as continuous burst, slow-motion, and 8K content.
   • Cards with a VPG rating of 400 MB/s may not have the memory capacity of those rated at 200 MB/s.
   • Good for burst shooting, large size photos (RAW), and faster data transfer in combination with UHS host devices such as your camera.
   • Check your camera specifications for compatibility with CFexpress cards and speed ratings.

   Refer to the CEA-G Series and CEA-M Series CFexpress card write speed performance specifications for more details.