The best SD cards for the Sony α1 II – Buying guide

The Sony α1 II is one of the most advanced hybrid cameras on the market, capable of capturing 50.1-megapixel images and 8K video. To fully exploit its capabilities, it’s essential to choose a suitable memory card, in particular CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II cards. Thanks to its dual memory card slots, the Sony α1 II offers maximum flexibility and performance for professionals and discerning amateurs alike. In this article, we’ll explore the best memory cards for this exceptional camera and explain why they’re essential.

The best memory cards for the Sony α1 II

1. Sony VPG400 Tough CFexpress Type A – 320 GB

The Sony VPG400 Tough CFexpress High Speed Flash Memory Card – Class G, 320 GB – Type A is ideal for the Sony α1 II. With a read speed of up to 800 MB/s and a write speed of 700 MB/s, it’s ideally suited for 30 fps burst shooting and high bit-rate 8K video recording. Its rugged design guarantees resistance to weather, shock and intensive use, making it an essential choice for professionals working in demanding conditions. What’s more, this card is available in capacities of up to 640 GB, offering extra flexibility for long capture sessions.

2. SanDisk 512 GB Extreme PRO

The SanDisk 512 GB Extreme PRO remains an excellent alternative for those looking for high-performance SD cards for the Sony α1 II. With read speeds of up to 170 MB/s and write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, it’s ideal for 4K recordings and large RAW files. Although it doesn’t rival CFexpress Type A cards in terms of speed, it offers a viable solution for users with moderate needs. This card is also appreciated for its broad compatibility and competitive price.

3. Lexar SILVER PRO

The Lexar SILVER PRO is a high-performance SD card for the Sony α1 II. It offers read speeds of up to 160 MB/s and write speeds of up to 120 MB/s, making it suitable for 4K video and high-definition shooting. Although it is inferior to CFexpress Type A cards in terms of performance, it is a reliable and affordable option for novice content creators or occasional photographers.

4. Gigastone SDXC Memory Card 256 GB

The Gigastone 256 GB SDXC Memory Card is an economical solution for the Sony α1 II. With a read speed of 100 MB/s, it is ideal for HD recording and occasional shooting. While it may not meet the requirements of professionals working with 8K video or high-speed bursts, it remains an excellent option for occasional users or small-scale projects.

Why are CFexpress Type A cards essential?

The Sony α1 II features two memory card slots supporting CFexpress Type A and SD UHS-II cards. CFexpress Type A cards, like the Sony VPG400 Tough, are designed to handle the large volume of data generated by the Sony α1 II’s image sensor. With an impressive write speed of 700 MB/s, they enable uninterrupted image and video capture, even during extended sessions. What’s more, the relay mode automatically switches between the cards when one is full, eliminating the risk of losing critical moments.

CFexpress Type A cards are not only fast, they’re also incredibly reliable. Their rugged construction and tolerance of extreme conditions make them an ideal choice for photographers and videographers working in a variety of environments, from outdoor shooting in freezing temperatures to demanding studio shoots.

Guide to choosing the best memory card

1. Card type: For optimum performance, prefer CFexpress Type A cards, which are specifically designed for high-end cameras such as the Sony α1 II.
2. Write speed: A high write speed (from 700 MB/s) is crucial for handling fast bursts and 8K video recording.
3. Capacity: Opt for a capacity of at least 320 GB to ensure sufficient space for long capture sessions.
4. Reliability: Extreme-conditions cards like the Sony VPG400 Tough are indispensable for critical projects.
5. Compatibility: Always check that the memory card you choose is compatible with the specifications of the Sony α1 II.
6. Budget: Although CFexpress Type A cards are expensive, they offer considerable advantages in terms of performance and reliability, justifying their investment.

Conclusion

To take full advantage of the capabilities of the Sony α1 II, CFexpress Type A cards like the Sony VPG400 Tough are the optimal choice. Their exceptional speed, robustness and compatibility with the camera’s requirements make them a must-have solution for professionals and serious enthusiasts alike. For more modest needs, SD cards such as SanDisk Extreme PRO or Lexar SILVER PRO can be considered.