Best Memory Cards for Sony a1
Looking for the best memory cards for Sony a1? Here is the guide for you to get the top recommended CFexpress cards and SD cards for Sony a1 mirrorless camera.
The Sony a1 has dual memory card slots that are compatible with both durable, highly efficient CFexpress Type A cards and widely available UHS-II SD cards. Featuring a 50.1MP full-frame stacked Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR processing engine, the Sony a1 (Amazon, B&H, Adorama) is capable of capturing up to 30 full-frame images per second, using the electronic shutter, with full autofocus (AF) and auto exposure (AE) tracking up to an astonishing 120 calculations per second, with AE response latency as low as 0.033 second. In addition to the stills, the Sony a1 offers 8K 30p and 4K 120p video recording along with full pixel readout, internal 4:2:2 10-bit sampling, and 16-bit raw output via the full-size HDMI. So, with a brand new 50.1-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS image sensor, up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second, 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video and much more, the Sony a1 is the most technologically advanced, innovative camera that Sony has ever released.
Additionally, the Sony a1 includes dual memory card slots, both of which support working with CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II memory cards for flexible and high-speed file storage. Below are our top recommended CFexpress cards & SD cards for Sony a1 mirrorless camera based on the speed and price. You can choose the one you like.
Recommended CFexpress & SD Memory Cards for Sony a1
If you just want to cut to the chase, here are our top recommended CFexpress cards & SD cards for Sony a1:
CFexpress Cards (Type A) & Readers:
CFexpress Card | Max. Read Speed | Max. Write Speed |
Sony 160GB TOUGH CFexpress Type A Card | 800 MB/s | 700 MB/s |
Sony 80GB TOUGH CFexpress Type A Card | 800 MB/s | 700 MB/s |
Sony MRW-G2 CFexpress Type A/SD Card Reader | — | — |
SD Cards:
UHS-II SD Card | Max. Read Speed | Max. Write Speed |
Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card (V90) | 300 MB/s | 299 MB/s |
Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD Card (V90) | 300 MB/s | 260 MB/s |
Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II Card (V90) | 300 MB/s | 260 MB/s |
SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II Card | 300 MB/s | 260 MB/s |
Hoodman Steel 2000x SDXC UHS-II Card | 300 MB/s | 260 MB/s |
ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90) | 300 MB/s | 250 MB/s |
Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card (V90) | 300 MB/s | 250 MB/s |
Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card (V60) | 277 MB/s | 150 MB/s |
ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60) | 250 MB/s | 130 MB/s |
Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II SD Card (V60) | 250 MB/s | 90 MB/s |
Any of these make for a good choice. If you’d like more detailed recommendations, you can find them below.
Best Memory Cards for Sony a1
CFexpress Cards (Type A):
Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A Memory Card
- Max Read Speed: 800 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 700 MB/s
Utilizing the latest flash memory control technology, the Sony CFexpress Type A Memory Card offers high-speed data transfer, making it perfect for efficient, stress-free shooting. This memory card features a compact design yet achieves read speeds as high as 800MB/s and write speeds as high as 700MB/s, greatly reducing buffer clearing times. The CFexpress Type A cards are ideally suited for high-speed continuous shooting of more than 1,000 uncompressed RAW still images, as well as 4K 120p movie recording at high bit rates with the Slow & Quick Motion function when paired with the Sony a1.
In addition, optimized for the CFexpress Type A memory cards, the CFexpress Type A/SD card reader (MRW-G2) provides SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2) transfer speed, via its USB Type-C® connector, allowing creators to establish an efficient workflow when dealing with high-resolution images files, 4K video and other types of high-volume data.
Sony 160GB CFexpress Type A TOUGH Card: $398 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Sony 80GB CFexpress Type A TOUGH Card: $198 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Sony MRW-G2 CFexpress Type A/SD Card Reader: $118 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
SD Cards:
1. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II Card (300 MB/s, V90)
- UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 299 MB/s
The Fastest UHS-II SD Card, highly recommended! Boasting an ultra-fast maximum read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 299 MB/s, the Sony SF-G Tough Series UHS-II Memory Card is currently the world’s fastest SD memory cards and it is well-suited for 8K, 4K and Full HD video reacording and super fast continuous shooting. Thanks to its V90 speed class rating, minimum write speeds are guaranteed not to drop below 90 MB/s. So, if you are seeking the highest write speed with a V90 rating as well as extremely high 250-300MB/s read speeds for transferring photos from the card to a computer, this is the recommended cards for you.
Buy Sony 128GB SF-G Tough UHS-II SDXC Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Buy Sony 64GB SF-G Tough UHS-II SDXC Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
2. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Card (300MB/s, V90)
- UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s
Highly recommended and Best Value! Kingston’s Canvas React Plus SD card delivers high-performance speeds that are designed to work with industry-standard professional cameras for creatives who shoot 4K/8K videos and high-resolution photos. Designed with the latest UHS-II standards and top-of-the-line U3 and V90 speed classes, the Canvas React Plus SD enables you to shoot sequential burst-mode shots with recording speeds of up to 260MB/s. Unleash your creativity without experiencing slow speeds and dropped frames while maximising your workflow and efficiency with the included MobileLite Plus UHS-II SD Reader. With transfer speeds of up to 300MB/s, enhance your post-production process and handle heavy workloads with ease while capturing cinematic quality in high resolutions.
Buy Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
3. Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II Card (300 MB/s, V90)
- UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s
Highly recommended and Best Value! With maximum read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 260 MB/s, the Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II card is the perfect match for any UHS-II compatible camera that records 4K, 3D, and Full HD video or has a fast 8fps+ continuous shooting speed. The buffer clearing time will be much much quicker which means you can take more shots. Thanks to its V90 speed class rating, minimum write speeds are guaranteed not to drop below 90 MB/s. Whether you’re a professional photographer, videographer, or enthusiast, Lexar Professional 2000x SDHC/SDXC UHS-II cards provide performance you can trust.
4. ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (300 MB/s, V90)
- UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
The ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (300 MB/s, V90) takes advantage of the UHS-II bus to support maximum read speeds of 300 MB/s and maximum write speeds of 250 MB/s. This card has also been designed with the V90 Video Speed Class rating, which guarantees minimum write speeds of at least 90 MB/s, allowing the card to be used in DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, camcorders, and digital cinema cameras that produce rich data streams, including 6K, 5K, 4K, UHD 4K, and high bit rate MPEG-4 video. It is also well-suited for raw photos and rapid-fire bursts.
Buy ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
5. Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card (300 MB/s, V90)
- UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
The Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II SDXC Memory Card delivers speeds capable of capturing the most demanding video modes of today’s cameras, including 8K, 4K, 3D, HDR, 360°& high-speed recording. Ideal for professional photographers and videographers, the Power SD card utilizes maximum read speeds of 300 MB/s and maximum write speeds of 250 MB/s to support data-intensive simultaneous capture, such as RAW + JPEG photos, multiple video streams created by 360° cameras, video+ still + GPS data & time-lapse. Rated Video Speed Class 90 (V90) and utilizing two rows of pins, the Power SD card guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 90MB/s, allowing for simultaneous multi-file recording and ensuring that data is written swiftly and safely to the card.
Buy Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
6. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II Card (300 MB/s)
- UHS-II / U3 / Class 10
- Max. Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max. Write Speed: 260 MB/s
Very Fast SD Card. Designed to meet the demands of professional photographers and videographers, the SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Card features read speeds of up to 300MB/s help you maximize post-production workflow efficiency so you stay competitive, while write speeds of up to 260MB/s support advanced camera functions such as continuous burst, rapid shooting and RAW plus JPEG capture. This memory card is an ideal accessory for the new generation of UHS-II-enabled DLSRs and video cameras.
Buy SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SDXC Memory Cards at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
7. Hoodman Steel 2000x UHS-II SD Card (300 MB/s)
- UHS-II / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s
With a ruggedized steel construction, the Hoodman Steel 2000x SDXC UHS-II Memory Card supports 4K Ultra HD video and features a read speed of up to 300 MB/s and a write speed of up to 260 MB/s making it easy to transfer large files quickly and efficiently. Additionally, this card supports the UHS-II bus interface as it comes equipped with a second set of pins for high speed data transfers when used with UHS-II compliant devices. Another great choice but a little expensive!
Buy Hoodman Steel 2000x SDXC UHS-II Memory Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
8. Sony SF-M Tough Series UHS-II SDXC Card (277 MB/s, V60)
-
- UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
-
- Max Read Speed: 277 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 150 MB/s
Another great choice with an affordable price. The Sony SF-M Tough Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card takes advantage of the UHS-II bus to support advanced DSLR functions such as continuous shutter bursts and rapid shooting, as well as RAW and JPEG captures. This card is also well-suited for video capture, including 4K, Full HD, and 3D video. It can achieve maximum read speeds of up to 277 MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 150 MB/s. Thanks to its V60 speed class rating, minimum write speeds are guaranteed not to drop below 60 MB/s. The Tough Series is also up to 18 times stronger than standard SD media (180N compared to 10N) and features a one-piece molded construction that is ribless with no write protect switch, helping to further guard against physical damage that can affect SD cards, such as a broken plastic casing, a broken data protection lock, and broken connector ribs.
9. Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II SD Card (250MB/s, V60)
- UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 250 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 90 MB/s
Affordable UHS-II card with excellent performance. If you are really on a very tight budget and just want to save some money, this is the card for you! With maximum read speeds of up to 250 MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, the Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II card is great for fast burst shooting and 4K & full HD video recording! Thanks to its V60 speed class rating, minimum write speeds are guaranteed not to drop below 60 MB/s. This card offers excellent performance with a similar price of UHS-I cards. Great value!
Buy Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II SD Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Don’t own the Sony a1 yet? Just get it at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Read more: Best Lenses for Sony a1.