SD and CFexpress memory card information for still image and video recording with Alpha cameras

Certain Alpha ILCE and all ILME camera models have advanced still image and video recording features that require attention when selecting memory cards. If you currently own memory cards, compare the card specifications of the camera to determine if your cards can be used. If you are purchasing cards then the specifications need to match your still image or video recording and editing needs.

Refer to the SD Association website for logo, type, capacity, and speed class information for the SD™ card formats and review the following information to help select the proper memory cards for your camera.

Choosing the proper memory card

General SD and CFexpress card video recording information

• SDHC/SDXC cards with a UHS speed rating of U3 or video speed rating of V30 work with the XAVC S HD, XAVC S 4K, and XAVC HS 4K formats in the Movie recording mode.
  • XAVC S HD only in the Slow & Quick (S&Q) recording mode.
• SDXC cards rated V60 work with all formats except:
  • XAVC S-I 4K and XAVC S-I HD.
  • XAVC S HD (240 capture fps) in (S&Q) mode.
• SDXC cards rated V90 work with all formats except:
  • XAVC S-I HD (240 capture fps) in S&Q mode.
  • XAVC S-I 4K (60 capture fps/24 & 30 record fps, 120 capture fps) in S&Q mode.
• CFexpress Type A Video Performance Guarantee (VPG 200 or higher) cards, work with all video formats. The advantage of this card is the increase in transfer speed over SD cards.
  • CFexpress card 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

  Troubleshooting Tips

  • When recording still images at high frame rates, the camera may buffer if the transfer rate of the memory card can't keep up with the transfer from the camera buffer. In this case, review the memory card transfer speed and try a card rated at a higher transfer rate.
  • 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: