Best Memory Cards For The Sony A7V

Unlike its predecessor, the A7V features a partially stacked 33MP sensor and an upgraded BIONZ XR2 processor. These upgrades make memory card choice even more critical for handling the new 30fps burst rates and 4K/120p video.

Sony A7V Memory Card Guide: Maximizing the New Partially Stacked Sensor

To get the most out of the Sony A7V’s new high-speed capabilities, understanding its storage architecture is key. The A7V retains a dual-slot setup, but they are not identical:

• Slot 1 (Top): A versatile hybrid slot that accepts both CFexpress Type A and SD (UHS-II/UHS-I) cards.
• Slot 2 (Bottom): Dedicated exclusively to SD cards (supports up to UHS-II).

While the flagship Sony A7RV offers dual CFexpress slots, the Sony A7 Mark V has only one CFexpress Type A card in Slot 1 to unlock its maximum performance.

Why You Should Choose CFexpress Type A

For the Sony A7V, CFexpress Type A is no longer just a luxury—it’s the practical choice. With the camera now capable of 30fps blackout-free bursts and high-bitrate 4K 120p (Super35), the buffer-clearing speeds of CFexpress are essential.

On a price-to-performance basis, CFexpress Type A cards have finally reached parity with (and often beat) high-end V90 UHS-II SD cards. You get significantly higher durability and much faster offload speeds to your computer for a similar investment.

Top CFexpress Type A Recommendations for the Sony A7V

Since the A7V doesn’t require the ultra-high sustained writes of an 8K flagship, you can find incredible value in the mid-range market.

1. Best Value: The Lexar Professional Silver and Pergear Standard series. These cards provide unbeatable value and efficiently support the A7V’s 600 Mbps All-Intra video codecs.
2. Future Proofing (CF4.0): You will see the new CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards hitting shelves now. While the A7V hardware (and most current card readers) operate at 2.0 speeds, these newer cards are backward compatible. If you find a CF4.0 card on sale, grab it for the faster transfer speeds to your desktop once you upgrade your reader.

Pro Tip: If you primarily shoot stills and don’t rely on long bursts, a high-quality V60 or V90 UHS-II SD card in Slot 2 is a perfect backup for redundant recording.

Sony A7V SD Card Strategy: V60 vs. V90

The choice between V60 and V90 SD cards for your Sony A7V comes down to your primary use case: speed vs. savings.

V90: For Maximum Performance

• Speed: Guarantees 90 MB/s minimum write speed.
• Use: Required for the A7V’s highest bitrate video modes, such as All-Intra (XAVC S-I) and high frame rate S&Q.
• Dual-Card: If you use simultaneous backup recording (writing the same file to both cards), you need a V90 in Slot 2 (SD) to match a fast card in Slot 1 (CFexpress Type A).

V60: For Budget-Friendly Video

• Speed: Guarantees 60 MB/s minimum write speed.
• Use: Perfect for lower-bitrate, efficient codecs like XAVC HS (H.265). This can cover many 4K recording options.
• Savings: V60 UHS-II cards cost significantly less than V90s. If your focus is H.265 videography, this saves money while still providing high performance.

Card Durability: Sony TOUGH vs. Lexar ARMOR

If durability is a priority, ditch the plastic cards with fragile write-protection switches. “Tough-style” cards, like the new Lexar ARMOR series or Sony TOUGH M/G series, eliminate the weakest point of standard SD cards.

Recommendation: Both brands offer fantastic performance and ruggedness (often dust-, water-, and shock-resistant). Compare the prices of the equivalent-speed Lexar ARMOR and Sony TOUGH cards and choose the more affordable option.

Sony A7V Technical Specifications

Understanding the A7V’s hardware is key to selecting the right card.

Memory Card Performance in the A7V

Sony A7V Video Record Time

Here is a handy chart of record times in minutes for the different record formats. You’ll need to refer to this chart to determine the best size memory card for your needs.

You can also use my camera record time calculator to customize your results.