{"id":29967,"date":"2025-09-07T16:25:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-07T12:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/droneandcam.com\/post\/cfexpress-type-a-vs-uhs-ii-sony-a7r-v-key-speed\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T11:45:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T07:45:17","slug":"cfexpress-type-a-vs-uhs-ii-sony-a7r-v-key-speed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/droneandcam.com\/en\/post\/cfexpress-type-a-vs-uhs-ii-sony-a7r-v-key-speed\/","title":{"rendered":"CFexpress Type A vs UHS-II Sony A7R V: Key Speed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You know how it is: you’ve just invested in the Sony A7R V, and then, bang, you realize that choosing the right SD card<\/a> (or CFexpress Type A) is a real challenge. Speed, storage, compatibility… between UHS-II, V60\/V90, and the pitfalls of slow cards, it’s hard to find the right one for your high-resolution photo or video needs. Don’t panic: we’ll break down everything you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises, optimize your burst shots, your 4K\/8K recordings<\/strong> , and even save money without compromising quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. UHS-II compatibility with the Sony a7R V<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. UHS-I compatibility with the Sony a7R V<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. 4K Video Requirements and Speed Certification<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. SDXC capacity for large RAW files<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Buffer unload speed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Reliable UHS-II Card Brands<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Reliable UHS-I Card Brands<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Cards to avoid for video<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n
    \n \"SanDisk\n

    SanDisk 512 GB Extreme PRO<\/h3>\n

    Rating: 4.8\/5<\/p>\n

    \n \u2605 \u2605 \u2605 \u2605 \u2605\n <\/div>\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
    \n \"Lexar\n

    Lexar 512 GB SILVER PRO<\/h3>\n

    Rating: 4.6\/5<\/p>\n

    \n \u2605 \u2605 \u2605 \u2605 \u2605\n <\/div>\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
    \n \"Gigastone\n

    Gigastone SDXC 256 GB card<\/h3>\n

    Rating: 4.7\/5<\/p>\n

    \n \u2605 \u2605 \u2605 \u2605 \u2605\n <\/div>\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    UHS-II compatibility with the Sony a7R V<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Sony a7R V natively accepts UHS-II SD cards<\/a>, ideal for moderate photo or video use. They offer a minimum sustained write speed of 90 MB\/s (V90) or 60 MB\/s (V60), sufficient for codecs<\/a> like HEVC or certain S&Q modes. Personally, I tested a Sony G Tough V90 UHS-II, and even if the 258 MB\/s in actual writing is lower than the theoretical 312 MB\/s, it remains fluid for portrait or landscape<\/strong> . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The advertised speeds (up to 312 MB\/s) are laboratory data. In practice, the Sony a7R V often limits writing to 140-150 MB\/s, especially after the buffer fills. In short, if you chain bursts in compressed RAW<\/strong> , prefer a V90 UHS-II card<\/strong> to avoid untimely pauses. So, for standard 4K, it’s already very good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UHS-II cards excel in landscape photography or studio shooting, where long bursts aren’t the norm. They also handle 4K video well without extreme requirements. Why pay more for CFexpress Type A if you’re not shooting 10-second sequences in 8K? Simply put, it’s a good compromise between quality and price<\/strong> for the typical needs of this mirrorless camera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"SanDisk
    SanDisk Extreme PRO 512<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    UHS-I compatibility with the Sony a7R V<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Sony a7R V accepts UHS-I cards in both slots, but with limitations. They offer a maximum speed of 104MB\/s, well below the 312MB\/s of UHS-IIs. Personally, I tested a SanDisk Extreme Pro U3 UHS-I, and while it’s sufficient for posed portraits, it struggles in RAW burst mode or demanding 4K. In short, it’s a budget-friendly option but not optimal for this high-resolution body<\/strong> . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The speed difference between UHS-I and UHS-II is most noticeable in video or fast photography. Therefore, a V30 UHS-I card (30MB\/s minimum write) blocks 8K or S-Log3 modes<\/strong> , while a V60\/V90 UHS-II handles them. For light use (JPEG, 1080p), UHS-I remains viable, but it quickly slows down if you push the 61MP sensor to its limits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UHS-I cards are ideal for landscape or studio enthusiasts, where long bursts are rare. They’re also suitable for beginners shooting 1080p or 4K light videos. Let’s be honest: if you don’t need extreme performance, UHS-I saves money without completely sacrificing quality<\/strong> . But for professionals, it’s worth upgrading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4K Video Requirements and Speed Certification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    To shoot 4K with the Sony a7R V, a V60 card is the minimum required<\/strong> , although some XAVC S 100 Mbps modes tolerate V30. Personally, I’ve seen users stuck in 8K because of a U3 card. In short, check the V certification before recording in S-Log3 or multi-stream, otherwise you risk unexpected cuts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Certification<\/th>Minimum write speed (MB\/s)<\/th>Sony a7R V Video Compatibility<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    U3<\/strong><\/td>30<\/td>Standard 4K (250-300 Mbps) \/ 100 Mbps XAVC S formats<\/td><\/tr>
    V30<\/strong><\/td>30<\/td>8K 200 Mbps \/ 4K standard with S-Log3 \/ Multi-stream recording<\/td><\/tr>
    V60<\/strong><\/td>60<\/td>Advanced 4K (300 Mbps) \/ 8K 400 Mbps \/ 10-bit 4:2:2 videos<\/td><\/tr>
    V90<\/strong><\/td>90<\/td>4K 60p (600 Mbps) \/ 8K 400 Mbps with extended buffer \/ HLG formats<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    V60\/V90 cards are essential for demanding video formats. Personally, I tested a V90 UHS-II in 8K, and even if the speed goes up to 600 Mbps, the card maintains 90 MB\/s. Why deprive yourself of it if you do slow-motion or HDR shots? In short, it’s the assurance of smooth writing<\/strong> . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An underspecified card is a recipe for disaster. As a result, in 4K 60p, a V30 lags and recording stops after a few seconds. I’ve even seen users lose data with uncertified cards. In short, before buying, check the a7R V’s video compatibility<\/strong> on Sony forums or in real-world tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Memory
    Photo by ALOK DAS<\/span> on Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    SDXC capacity for large RAW files<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Sony a7R V requires SDXC cards (64GB and up) to handle its uncompressed RAW files, which reach 134.3MB per image. Personally, I’ve seen colleagues struggle with SDHC (32GB max) in the studio. In short, opt for SDXC UHS-II to avoid saturating the card<\/strong> in 200 shots and to speed up buffer clearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A 128GB card stores about 970 uncompressed RAWs, 256GB takes 1940, and 512GB up to 3880. So, for a day of shooting (500-1000 RAWs), 128-256GB is enough. In short, if you work in a studio with long series, upgrade to a larger capacity. Why complicate your life with several small cards?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are the average sizes according to the a7R V formats<\/strong> :<\/p>\n\n\n\n