Sony A7S III, FX6, FX3 Memory Cards Guide: CFexpress vs SD for 4K Video

[@whoismatt]

😍 Full List of CFexpress & SD Cards I Recommend: kit.co/whoismatt/sony-a7s-iii-memory-cards

[@alejandrocarrillocano9988]

Hey can you compare the BMPCC 6k vs a7siii !!

[@mr.shutterz5348]

I’m not a wedding filmmaker but looking at the footage I’m now even more impressed than I was before I placed my pre order! Thank you, Matt, great video and quite an achievement to get all the BTS footage into this video along with the graded a7siii shots 👏🙌

[@afco06]

Hi Matt. Thanks for the great review. One question about using a mix of Cf Express type A and V90 Sd card. If we record "standard stuff" on the SD card, and at some point we want to have the best possible slow mo using this All-I mode that requires the Cf Express, will the camera switch to the second faster card automatically or will we need to switch through the menu before being able to record ? Thanks !

[@Optemas]

ProGrade now has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 CFEXPRESS Type A & SD Card Reader for around $80 USD (if anyone is looking) ProGrade CFEXPRESS Type A & SD Dual-Slot (PG09): shop.progradedigital.com/pages/prograde-digital-dual-slot-cfexpress-type-a-and-sd-reader

[@jvpokc]

Wondering if you or anyone else can recommend best practice SD card lifecycle management. With these v90 and CFexpress cards costing what they do, I can't envision buying new cards for every wedding. In my old 1080p workflow, I had been buying brand new SD cards for every wedding project that I would do. This was feasible because I could use cheaper cards. These SD cards would become the archives for the raw footage. Do you have a video for SD card lifecycle management?

[@FloridaLife]

You can unload footage via the USB c to your computer so you don't have to have a cf card reader, but it would be good to have.

[@TyroneLT]

It would be wise to have one of you're on set and need to upload cards in the middle of a shoot.

[@roastmandig_9075]

where to buy? here is the link:www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002552003296.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.f1087d81OLx67d&algo_pvid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e&algo_expid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e-3&btsid=0b86d81616203738974088349e46ec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

[@hughjassol2072]

CF costs too much. I just always have my laptop

[@DrewTooley]

Yes the exact video I need. Was going to reach out and ask so thanks all mighty bearded one 🤣

[@whoismatt]

Happy to help!

[@Jamesmatthews]

‘Next to the like button’ you sir a cheeky bugger. I like it

[@roastmandig_9075]

where to buy? here is the link:www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002552003296.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.f1087d81OLx67d&algo_pvid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e&algo_expid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e-3&btsid=0b86d81616203738974088349e46ec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

[@KingV.]

I know I’m a year late jumping on the Sony A7iii bandwagon but I didn’t see a reason to ditch my Blk Magic 6k ppc until recently. Anywho, Matt this video was so insightful and informative that those reputable retail websites should post this video next to the product pictures instead of those redundant product description videos. 🤷🏽‍♂️ Just saying… Thank for saving me a from huge headache 🙏🏽💯🚀

[@dimitrigats]

Just wanted to say what a well done explanation this was. I learned something and became an instantly smarter consumer. Thank you!!

[@Divineshot]

I'm so excited for this camera! I currently have the Sony a7sii

[@roastmandig_9075]

where to buy? here is the link:www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002552003296.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.f1087d81OLx67d&algo_pvid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e&algo_expid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e-3&btsid=0b86d81616203738974088349e46ec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

[@PiXimperfect]

You ALWAYS have an answer to all of my woes! Thank you so much :)

[@RICHARDVINCSNIPERV]

Exactly what I needed right after I've preordered the AS7III. Thanks Mister👌🏽

[@TerjeNesthus]

Just bought a FX3, thanks for making just the videos i needed to watch!

[@MonokiMedia]

Hey Matt. I bought a pair of Lexar cards as you mentioned on this video. In fact my A7sIII even came bundled with one. However after I had intermittent issues with laggy footage I spoke with Sony who said I shouldn't be using them and that was the cause of my problem. Obviously they recommended their own cards instead but even said their V60 card was a safer bet than my V90 from Lexar.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Great video! I was going to make one like this but you beat me to it 😉

[@Allthingsvadya]

who says you cant make another one?

[@MaksimYuryev]

Allthingsvadya no need Matt’s is great :)

[@whoismatt]

Haha I’m actually surprised I beat you to it. You were distracted actually using the camera! Lucky!!!!! 😂

[@NONE2NONE]

@@MaksimYuryev Max, Please do a video on the different compressions on the camera like the XAVC-AI compressions to see if there is a noticeable difference in quality. Vs RAW

[@AGS-8785-D1R]

While I greatly appreciated this video, I'm still curious how dual recording affects overheating!

[@ratt57]

Just learned my backordered a7sIII has finally shipped today! This video was extremely helpful, thank you! Unfortunately, the ProGrade 256 cards are currently sold out everywhere.

[@matschristensson]

Thank you Matt for so clearly explaining this complicated topic. Now even I understand it.

[@nolanpho3281]

Matt thanks a ton for the super insightful video! I’ve got the A7Siii preordered and this was just the video I was looking for. One question I have though that I can’t seem to find any info on, is external recording (ie. to an atomos ninja v). I’ve been keeping my eye on external recorders for a while now, but am not too familiar with their recording/write speeds. Could using an external recorder like the Ninja V, be an alternative to the CFexpress Type-A cards (or even the UHS-II V90 Cards) with a sufficiently fast enough SSD?

[@AnthonysOutdoors]

Can you please do a video on the best export/render setting for 1080p and 4k footage for the 2020 premier pro? Seems theyve changed some of the options. Thanks Matt and keep up the great work. One of the best KZbin channels out there!

[@ErikEngstrand]

Thanks Matt for clearing that up! I'm looking to buy the A7S3 but needed some more info on what cards to use and so on. 🙏

[@MichalOlender]

Just ordered it, looking forward to shooting with it!

[@a.z2972]

Thank you so much for all the information that’s in this video, you broke it down so even idiots like me shouldn’t make a mistake now. Great video and editing too 👍🏻

[@ClaudioDesideriFilms]

Matt you are just incredible, thank you for sooo much knowledge and I watched the whole video as always!

[@evanonline3037]

Matt you are a God amongst men. Instant sub.

[@TetsusaigaDrgn]

Awesome matt...havent seen you so excited about a camera and camera gear for a long ass time

[@findbinnu]

With USB-C connection and 5Ghz Wi-fi on-board, do you really need SD card readers?

[@whoismatt]

If you wanna copy multiple cards at once? 😊

[@EtheriumSky]

Does anyone know where I could find some kind of overview of how large the video files would be in different formats on this camera? ie. How many minutes/hours of 4k 120p can I record on a 128gig SD card?

[@TheFPSChannel]

Thank you. THANK YOU. THANK YOU! Awesome breakdown... and I learned things! Who knew that was even possible?

[@hawkeye_V.Z.]

Hello everybody! It was very pleasant to listen to, helpful!

[@Fredo_Viola]

Thanks for the wealth of info here! My camera arrives tomorrow and wouldn’t you know it? I bought the wrong cards!

[@EverythingFilmmaking]

Only cf express is needed in the S&Q 120fps 4K all i . You can use sd v90 for all except S&Q

[@babenkoff]

Yes, exactly! Matt is wrong.

[@Nelsont0258]

Where can you find info on this? I’m currently trying to figure out which cards I need to buy. I’d love to be able to use XAVC S-I 4K 60 and 4K 120

[@pushcapture2078]

Thanks for making this video Matt! I literally have been thinking about this all day since ordering the a7siii. In terms of card readers tho, wouldn’t it be cheaper/easier to simply connect the camera to your computer with a usb-c cable? As long as that’s viable, I’m hoping I never have to remove my SD/CFexpressA cards. Thanks again ✌🏻

[@aksisoylenemez]

Matt, you have all the answers to my questions mate. Cheers.

[@yellowmonsters1190]

Hey matt really love your topics really relatable i am following you since you explained how to export videos in premiere pro That video really taught me how to export videos 😂 Thanks bro

definitely the best video! thank you

[@salmansiddiquefilms]

Thank you! Very helpful video.

[@Beautybyjorge]

Awesome video thank you

[@chasedavis36]

Hey! Hopefully you see this, right now for prime day the lexar 128GB is $99!

[@RonaldAnthonyKharsyiemlieh]

this is the exact video I wanted, but don't even have the money to get the a7siii in the first place. *Cries in poor*

[@roastmandig_9075]

where to buy? here is the link:www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002552003296.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.f1087d81OLx67d&algo_pvid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e&algo_expid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e-3&btsid=0b86d81616203738974088349e46ec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

[@Fridu54]

You should update your recommended CFExpress Cards. 320, 640, 960 and 1920 GB from Sony, 1 TB from Angelbird and others.

[@AINEET]

If you want to record on 240fps you NEED the cfexpress type a cards

[@MarioSoMedia]

Thank you for this video! Answers sooo many questions. I thought you needed a CF Express A for 4K 120fps but glad to know that's not the case!

[@tigerbeatfilms2943]

I thought that was the case? 😅

[@jamesmason1788]

Hey Matt, great video! How many minutes of 4K footage in the new 600 mbps XAVC S-I codec at 24p can we expect to get on a 128GB SD card??

[@javiergusart]

Could you do the same for the R5/R6? I am wondering when a CFExpress card is needed and what I can use SD cards for in these bodies.

[@LILCURLYDUDE]

pleaseee

[@RogerAVHansen]

SanDisk makes UHS-II v90 SD-cards now 😊

[@nehvillehumblesworth3542]

Thanks for this advice. My machine is arriving soon...

[@BSRWeddingFilms]

Are these still the cards you recommended? Does SanDisk have one yet?

[@whoismatt]

Nothing from sandisk yet as far as I know 😭

[@hickslightfoot]

what a great video, super informative... I put it on my favorite list , end of September when I get my camera I will watch it again before ordering cards ... Hopefully by then Sandisk will have a card :)

[@singhaco.leatherworks7323]

Its already released.

[@SkyFilmsontario]

Thanks for information Matt, your the best 👍

[@8Stream]

super helpful, thank you so much

[@puzzlemanproductions]

As far as I know Prograde is actually ex Lexar employees when Lexar was in liquidation at one point.

[@JaredBusch]

*Hang on, am I missing something?...* The highest bitrate it'll record internally at 4k 120p is 600Mb/s which equals 75MB/s which tells me you only need a V90 SD Card, period, and all the other 4k 120p modes are 280Mb/s which equals 35MB/s and that tells me you only need a V60 SD Card for those modes. Am I wrong? Am I missing something? The numbers are there, so I don't understand why everyone's saying you need a V90 card if you want to do 4k 120p or even the CFexpress Type A cards for the highest quality 4k 120p.

[@ADCentras]

I always find issues with Matths videos, thought I like them. My question would be the same, that V60 should work just fine..

[@MegaMiniMedia]

I was wondering the same thing. MegaBITS per second and MegaBYTES per second are two different ratings, and I've never had a problem using V30 cards to record 100Mb/s video from my a6xxx and FS5 cameras, even when recording for multiple hours at a time. I believe Gerald Undone has a video discussing this difference. Not to nitpick though Matt, there's a ton of great info in here, and I obviously haven't been able to actually test an a7siii to see whether slower cards would even work... If they don't, I'm curious whether that's a software limitation or actually due to the write speeds of the card itself? Might be worth testing...

[@RobbyHuang]

Yeah, for what it's worth, my Lexar V60 cards record GH5 400 Megabits per second footage no problem, so I don't see any reason why they would have problems with the A7s iii's 280 Megabits per second.

[@apost099]

I was gonna comment the same thing until I saw your comment. V60 should be plenty good for most codecs. My next question is can I get by filming most 4K 60fps (200mb/s) with my UHS-I V30 card or do I need a UHS-II

[@royalpictures4095]

@@apost099 200 mbps / 8 = 25 MBps, so theoretically yes, but it's close ;)

[@sunnysarkarwind]

God ! this was amazing thanks for all the amazing knowledge sharing ! - From India

[@DrFedericoBaenaQ]

You read my mind. As always, perfect video. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@roastmandig_9075]

where to buy? here is the link:www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002552003296.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.f1087d81OLx67d&algo_pvid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e&algo_expid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e-3&btsid=0b86d81616203738974088349e46ec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

[@mynameisneb]

The only SD card I've had fail on me was about an $80 Sony SD Card 😭😭

[@Dr23rippa]

Made by Sandisk?

[@aight365]

Have you had any good luck with Lexar cards? I have two silver 128gb ones and hope they don't fail..

[@NicolasMiract]

before you stop using the a7sii will be grate if you do a recap... a wanna know what picture profile are you using right now ¿still mattflat? after 5 year te bateris still doing good? have generic ones? film all day in 4k? overhiting problems? any hot/dead pixels? what was the biggest issue you have with the cam in a wedding day? any footish lose from a car problem? a recap to say god bye properly... sorry for my english and saludos desde argentina! ^^

[@WangOrange]

I tend to mix cards to prevent batch failure. I also will avoid Lexar at all cost.

[@LookitsTook]

Can you record the 240 FPS on a fast SD card or is that feature only for the CFE type A? I can’t find this anywhere.

[@sstteevveenn77]

2:08 Does anyone know where I can find this document? I’ve looked everywhere

[@jordifernandez4694]

Mee too

[@luboyanev]

+1, I tried googling and couldn't find it either... :/

[@evandomme]

Me too 😞

Thanks for the video! Regards from Moscow!

[@yaroslavkovalenko5590]

Thanks Matt

[@Kristoagui001]

if max im going for 4k 60fps for weddings, are the 128gb cards good enough or will the file sizes still be super huge? thanks again matt for all you do for us filmmakers God bless you

[@lifenorth6042]

Super helpful. Thanks.

[@freestylefreddy92]

DO A REVIEW ON THE SONY A7C FOR VIDEO WORK!!!

[@glynnelectric]

Thanks for the tips! I thought my new Macbook pro wasn’t working correctly... I have slow cards and a slow reader

[@iammourad]

AWESOME like always

[@DragonScorpio31]

is the SDCard Reader a necessity..? Or can i just offload directly from the usb-c to laptop/iPad Pro..?

[@TheLAexplorer]

I'm looking for a device for the A7S III that can record 4K RAW footage at 120p. I saw an Atmos recorder that will work for recording raw footage from the A7S III but it maxes out at 4K 60p. I'm wondering if a company will make a recorder that can shoot 4K 120p raw eventually. Or maybe the Max quality compression for the CF card is just as good as recording in 4K 120p RAW?? I have no idea. Does anyone know the answer to this?

[@pasapucha]

You are a good man with bad facial bush 🤘

[@mervynmccracken]

Well explained. Thank you. I've broke my Lexar v90's. SD's are so fragile :-{

[@DaveandaCamera]

This felt like a must video! I wasn't getting this info from other a7siii videos. THANK YOU BEARDED ONE

[@whoismatt]

Glad to help!

[@zeroguyboxer124]

When you get your Sony a7siii I’m gonna need you to do a video tutorial going over what log you use and how you edit color since the new camera is 10 bit 4:2:2.

[@roastmandig_9075]

where to buy? here is the link:www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002552003296.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.f1087d81OLx67d&algo_pvid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e&algo_expid=14301aa6-a30d-4587-82ec-d87af22e741e-3&btsid=0b86d81616203738974088349e46ec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Great breakdown on the cards.

[@whoismatt]

Thanks Dave! Hope you’re doing well

[@orangerecords_studio]

So, the greatnesws of Lexar carrds ?? did yo0u read comments and reveiews on B& H .? they say the cards drops out ! and is not reliable.

[@OfficeofthePacific]

Matt, Maybe a dumb question, but isn't it easier not to use an SD card reader and just plug the camera directly into the computer and transfer the footage?

[@AndyHu206]

thx for covering this

[@quentinlabail8661]

There is a lot of comments about the fact V-60 sd cards works fine. I just bought a FX30 and test it. An answer from @matt ?

[@quentinlabail8661]

My Lexar V60 also record 4K 120mbps 422 10 bit (I just did a 55min recording)

[@quentinlabail8661]

280mbps* not 120 :) I was talking about 120 FPS !

[@MohnishD]

Can I use v60 cards for 4k120fps (I don't need All Intra for now)? And will v60 cards be able to shoot 1080p 240fps?

[@evertvdb000]

I just bought a fx3. I don't read the manual, I just watch your video's

[@TylersOutdoorAdventures]

If you had $2000 budget for a camera what would you recommend?

[@adventureproductionz]

will v90 work for 240fps?

[@handsomechou8051]

the v90 memory card can recording 1080p 240fps in the S&Q mode?

[@MrBowmanMakes]

soooooo helpful!!

[@katrinatouckevideoproductions]

Matt, I know of your love of time lapses. I am new and have a sony As7III with a sony 1.8. I am super excited as I live in a dark sky area. Can you point me to a video how to learn how to do? Do I need a slider and also a CF express card? Can Sony do time lapse videos in camera or do I have to do photographs? Do you recommend the Rhino slider. I am so excited. I have been falling in love with time lapses with my GO Pros but now this I want to bring to a new level. Help? Can you direct me. You are the best! Thank you!

[@FelipeTrentini]

Why sony haven't give Matt a a7s III? He is for sure one of the best examples of target public for this camera and loves so much the a7s II. Thanks Matt for the great content.

[@OfficeofthePacific]

Great video, Matt! I was just thinking about the SD Card Conundrum and I saw this video! I bought a Nikon Z50 for run and gun and vlogging. It is horrible in low-light conditions for video. There's a lot of other things I do not like about it, that I won't get into. With that being said. I have watched several of your Sony A7SIII videos and I am leaning toward that one. Is that the best one out there at that price point for video? Thank you

[@oriolalella322]

Matt can you confirm this? I just did a shortcut that allowed me to record 120fps - 10bit 422 at 4K with a SD Lexar 150Mb/s V60. I just jumped to one of the 3 saved presets on my cam that had this configuration, and this way no warning banner showed up and I could do the recording with this high rate config. Somehow I bypassed the internal censorship of the camera.

[@rami.nguyen]

Hi Oriol, does this still work for you? would also love to know if you're able to do it in the S & Q mode! thanks :)

[@dhruvpathak669]

Thanks!

[@gabriellaescobar8451]

1yr later, just bought a San Disk v90 sd card!

[@zacharykepler3567]

Hey Matt, couldn’t you record most of your footage to V60 SD cards if you’re just shooting in the 4K 24fps 100mbps long gop codec on the A7s iii? Then you could just have one or two V90 SD cards for higher frame rates and save a lot of money.

[@SnitchEdits]

Thank you

[@nitromusik9275]

Thanks!

[@timelapsega]

FML I preordered the B&H version that comes with the 160GB CFExpress for $400 more

[@whoismatt]

You should be able to call them and change the order. They’re usually good about letting you do that

[@NighthunterNyx]

If you care about reliability don't use same cards at the same time. There is chance that both cards will have the same problem and may die simultaneously. When you care about reliability identical is bad. So buy a Sony and Lexar or ProDigital of preferably slightly different specs.

[@whoismatt]

In an ideal world, I would recommend buying 2 sd cards of the same brand and model, but buying them a few months apart so they are from different manufacturing runs. That should keep them from failing at the same time, while keeping the same specs. But that’s also time consuming hahaha

[@TAPPChannel]

How about Sony SD cards? Would you recommend them? I've got one 64GB G series card and I'm wondering if should I go with those Sony SD cards

[@whoismatt]

Sony cards are good, just make sure you get one that hasn’t been recalled

[@BeyondRubicon]

Matt, I really appreciate your videos and this one was fantastic. I am turning my A7SII into a backup camera and the A7SIII is going to be my primary run & gun rig. I look forward to watching your set up because it works perfectly for all of our outdoor shooting needs.

[@Sondre.K.Jensen]

Yo. Need quick answer! Is V60 good enough if I’m shooting 4K 50fps 10 bit? (The card is XC ii) and Lexar (250MB/S it says)

[@shaunspiteri4863]

Hey, managed to get an answer to this? just bought the FX30 and looking to buy a SanDisk V60 for 4K 50fps

[@Sondre.K.Jensen]

⁠@@shaunspiteri4863I bought V60 and it works wonders. The camera tells me to use V90 if I try to shoot 120 frames, but I don’t need that

[@sandboxaperture7013]

Matt does a great job of filling in any technical question voids not covered, or at least not covered in great depth, by the other top video/photography youtubers. I appreciate his videos more and more as my experience with cameras grows.

[@anjamoerk]

Am I the only one who has a full deck of Sandisk 128GB cards that we can‘t use now? 😂 Thanks so much Matt, great video once again! So helpful 🙏🏼

[@theAtaglantz]

You’re not alone 🥺😂

[@denischasse3567]

Très très très très intéressant mon ami ! Merci 🙏 🎥🎥🎥

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

I think the official documentation states that the 4k120p xavc s-i IN S&Q requires CFE, as the bitrate would be 1.2gbps, but if you don't do S&Q, just regular video recording, then the bitrate is 600mps and works with SD card v90.

[@HiFocusedCinematography]

Warning!!! I bought a couple of the Lexar V90 128gb cards and one of them corrupted with my A7siii luckily I had dual record on. (Shooting 4k 60p HS 10bit 422). After the shoot I put the card in my reader and my computer could not recognize it. I put the card back in the camera to recover the Database and it tells me I have to format. Yikes! Returning all my Lexar cards and getting Prograde or Sony.

[@FloridaLife]

One more thing to keep in mind regarding SD cards. There are actually some SD cards that have equal or better constant write speeds as V90 cards, but don't actually have "V90" printed on the card. Philip Bloom mentioned that those cards may well not work (he had some and they didn't work).

[@whoismatt]

Yup I saw Max Yuryev had the same issue, which is why I only recommended cards that said they were V90. Hopefully this can be fixed in a firmware update to allow more cards.

[@MaksimYuryev]

I had the same issue when I got my first Sony. It wanted a ‘U3’ card and I had bunch of 128GB cards that were 5x faster than needed at their minimal write speed (didn’t write slower than 70MB/s, only needed 12.5) and none of them worked so had to buy new cards that were actually slower but work lol. I don’t expect them to allow lower than V90 for those.

[@apost099]

I could be wrong But the v90 is overkill. It would only allow you to record one more format (xavc S-I 4K 60p @ 600 mbps) than the v60. V60 are much more affordable and will allow you to record all the rest of the formats (up to 480 mbps).