In this guide you’ll find complete details on all of the memory cards supported by the Sony FX30 including our recommended cards based on actual in-camera tests.
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- Quick Memory Card Comparison
- Which Memory Cards are Compatible?
- 5. ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type A Cobalt
UHS-II SD Memory Cards+−
- 1. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Memory Card (300/260)
- 2. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II (300/299)
- 3. ProGrade V90 UHS-II (300/250)
- 4. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II (300/260)
- 5. Delkin Devices 64GB POWER UHS-II SDXC (300/250)
- 6. Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 (300/280)
- 7. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II (277/150)
- 8. Sony SF-M UHS-II (277/150)
- 9. Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II (300/260)
- 10. Transcend SD 700S UHS-II (285/180)
- Supported Memory Cards for Movies
- Supported Memory Cards for S&Q Motion
- Important Memory Card Notes
- Summary
Quick Memory Card Comparison
Since the FX30 has only just been announced I’ve not had chance to the memory cards in-camera yet.
Therefore the in-camera write speed results you’ll see here are from my Sony A1 Memory Card Guide where they have all been tested in-camera.
As soon as I have the FX30 in my hands I will be testing all of these cards in-camera.
Best CFexpress Type-A Memory Cards
These tests were carried out with 160GB cards.
| Memory Card | In-Camera Write Speed (Sony A1) | Price Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Lexar Professional CFexpress Type-A Gold | 655 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 2. Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type-A | 617 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon | Memory Wolf UK |
| 3. Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type-A | 617 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon | Memory Wolf UK |
| 4. Sony CEA-G CFexpress Type-A | 600 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 5. ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type-A Cobalt | 600 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 6. Angelbird 1TB AV Pro CFexpress 2.0 Type A | Not yet tested | B&H Photo | Amazon |
Best UHS-II SD Memory Cards
These tests were carried out using 64GB cards.
| Memory Card | In-Camera Write Speed (Sony A1) | Price Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Kingston Canvas React Plus | 260 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 2. Sony SF-G Tough | 260 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 3. ProGrade V90 | 257 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 4. SanDisk Extreme Pro | 247 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 5. Delkin Devices POWER | 246 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 6. Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 | 246 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 7. Sony SF-M Tough | 150 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 8. Sony SF-M | 150 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 9. Lexar Professional 2000X | 141 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
| 10. Transcend SD 700S | 140 MB/s | B&H Photo | Amazon |
Sony FX30 Price Check at: B&H Photo
Which Memory Cards are Compatible?
The Sony FX30 supports the following memory cards in both of its two slots:
- CFexpress Type A memory cards
- SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
Although each memory card slot supports both type of card, you can only insert one into the slot.
CFexpress Type-A Memory Cards
Below you will find details of all the CFexpress Type-A memory cards currently available. The largest cards are offered by Sony with both 320GB and 640GB capacities, although these are not cheap!
For my complete speed and buffer tests please take a look at my Sony A1 Memory Card Guide where I have tested all of these cards in-camera. I will also be testing these in the FX30 when I have one in my hands.
1. Lexar Professional CFexpress Type-A Gold
The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type-A Gold are currently the fastest CFexpress Type-A card on the market.
They are available in both 80GB and 160GB capacities.
- Max Read Speed: 900MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 800MB/s
Check Price & Reviews for the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type-A Gold
At: B&H Photo | Amazon
2. Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type A
The Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type-A memory cards are designed and supported in the USA and also include a 48 Hour Replacement Guarantee.
They are available in both 80GB and 160GB capacities. Both capacities have the same read speeds but the larger 160GB card has a slightly faster write speed.
- Max Read Speed: 880MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 730MB/s (80GB)
- Max Write Speed: 790MB/s (160GB)
Price Check & Buyer Reviews for Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type A
At: Amazon | B&H Photo | Memory Wolf UK
3. Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type A
The Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type-A memory cards designed and supported in the USA just like the BLACK cards.
They are available in both 80GB and 160GB capacities, both capacities have the same read speeds but the larger 160GB card has a slightly faster write speed.
- Max Read Speed: 880MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 730MB/s (80GB)
- Max Write Speed: 790MB/s (160GB)
Price Check & Buyer Reviews for Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type A
At: Amazon | B&H Photo | Memory Wolf UK
4. Sony CEA-G CFexpress Type-A
Sony CEA-G Series CFexpress Type-A memory cards have been rigidity tested to 150 newtons to protect your card data during drops from up to 7.5 meters, they are also IP57 rated for dust and moisture protection.
They are available in 80GB, 160GB, 320GB and 640GB capacities.
- Max Read Speed: 880MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 800MB/s
5. ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type A Cobalt
Although not as tough as the Sony cards, they do feature a metal enclosure/encasement that has been designed to endure high temperatures and provide better thermal conductivity.
They are only available in 160GB capacity at present.
- Max Read Speed: 800MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 700MB/s
UHS-II SD Memory Cards
The Sony FX30 also supports UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards in both card slots. Here are my top 10 UHS-II SD card recommendations based on my Sony A1 Speed / Buffer Tests.
1. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Memory Card (300/260)
The Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC cards have a claimed read speed of 300MB/s and a write speed of 290MB/s. In my Sony a1 speed tests they write at the same speed (260MBs) as the Sony SF-G Tough cards but they are typically priced around 40% less for a 64GB card.
They are V90 rated and available in 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) and 256GB (SDXC) sizes.
2. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II (300/299)
The Sony SF-G Tough cards have a claimed read speed of 300MB/s and a write speed of 299MB/s. They are V90 rated and available in 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) and 256GB (SDXC) sizes.
3. ProGrade V90 UHS-II (300/250)
The ProGrade V90 cards have a claimed read speed of 300MB/s and a write speed of 250MB/s. They are V90 rated and available in 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) and 256GB (SDXC) sizes.
4. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II (300/260)
The SanDisk Extreme Pro cards have a claimed read speed of 300MB/s and a write speed of 260MB/s. They are V90 rated and available in 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) and 256GB (SDXC) sizes.
Important Note: Older versions of this card are not V90 rated and therefore will not work in certain video modes.
5. Delkin Devices 64GB POWER UHS-II SDXC (300/250)
The Delkin Devices 64GB POWER UHS-II SDXC memory cards support read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of 250 MB/s. They are also V90 rated for video. They are available in 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) and 256GB (SDXC) sizes.
6. Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 (300/280)
The Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 UHS-II memory cards support read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of 280 MB/s. They are also V90 rated so they guarantee a minimum write speed of 90 MB/s. They are available in 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) and 256GB (SDXC) sizes.
7. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II (277/150)
Sony’s SF-M Tough Series are similar to the more expensive SF-G version but these are only rated V60 for video and their read time has been cut to 277MB/s and the write time to 150MB/s. They are available in 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) and 256GB (SDXC) sizes.
8. Sony SF-M UHS-II (277/150)
Sony’s SF-M Series are identical to the SF-M Tough Series just without the added toughness so they cost a little less. The Sony SF-M cards have a claimed read speed of 277MB/s and a write speed of 150MB/s. They are V60 rated and available in 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) and 256GB (SDXC) sizes.
9. Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II (300/260)
The Lexar Professional 2000X cards have a claimed read speed of 300MB/s and a write speed of 260MB/s. They are V90 rated and available in 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC), 128GB (SDXC) sizes.
10. Transcend SD 700S UHS-II (285/180)
The Transcend SD 700S cards have a claimed read speed of 285MB/s and a write speed of 180MB/s. They are V90 rated and available in 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC) sizes.
Supported Memory Cards for Movies
Sony FX30 movie recording formats and compatible memory cards are detailed in the table below.
| File Format | Maximum Recordable Bitrate | Supported Memory Cards |
|---|---|---|
| XAVC HS 4K | 280Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V60 or higher |
| XAVC S 4K | 280Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V60 or higher |
| XAVC S HD | 100Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card SDHC/SDXC card (U3 or higher) |
| XAVC S-I 4K | 600Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V90 or higher |
| XAVC S-I HD | 222Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V90 or higher |
Supported Memory Cards for S&Q Motion
The FX30 will require a CFexpress Type-A memory card if you want to shoot in S&Q Mode with the file format XAVC S-I 4K and slow-motion recording, or XAVC S-I HD when the frame rate is set to [240fps]/[200fps].
| File Format | Maximum Recordable Bitrate | Supported Memory Cards |
|---|---|---|
| XAVC HS 4K | 500Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V60 or higher*1 |
| XAVC S 4K | 560Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V60 or higher*1 |
| XAVC S HD | 500Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V60 or higher*2 |
| XAVC S-I 4K | 1200Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V90 or higher*3 |
| XAVC S-I HD | 890Mbps | CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) SDXC V90 or higher*4 |
*1 When [Frame Rate] is set to [120fps]/[100fps], you may need an SDXC V90 memory card.
*2 When [Frame Rate] is set to [240fps]/[200fps], you may need an SDXC V90 memory card.
*3 For slow-motion recording, a CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) is required.
*4 When [Frame Rate] is set to [240fps]/[200fps], a CFexpress Type A memory card (VPG200 or higher) is required.
Important Memory Card Notes
- When shooting a proxy movie, a higher-speed memory card may be required.
- CFexpress Type B memory cards cannot be used.
- When an SDHC memory card is used to record an XAVC S movie over extended periods of time, the recorded movies will be divided into files 4 GB in size.
- When recording a movie on memory cards in both the Slot 1 and the Slot 2, insert two memory cards with the same file system. Movies cannot be recorded simultaneously when using a combination of the exFAT file system and FAT32 file system.
What Size Memory Card Do You Need?
For video you’ll probably want to go with the largest memory card that you can afford or use an external recorder. The following table will help you to better understand what size cards you will need.
Movie Record Times
The table below shows the approximate total recording times using a Sony Tough memory card formatted in the Sony FX30. Values may vary depending on the shooting conditions and the type of memory card used.
| File Format | Record Frame Rate | Record Setting | 64GB SD | 128GB SD | 80GB CF | 160GB CF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XAVC HS 4K | 60p/50p | 200M | 30 min | 1h 10 min min | 40 min | 1 h 20 min |
| XAVC HS 4K | 60p/50p | 150M | 45 min | 1 h 30 min | 50 min | 1 h 40 min |
| XAVC HS 4K | 60p/50p | 100M | 1 h | 2 h 10 min | 1 h 15 min | 2 h 30 min |
| XAVC HS 4K | 60p/50p | 75M | 1 h 20 min | 2h 50 min | 1 h 35 min | 3 h 10 min |
| XAVC HS 4K | 60p/50p | 45M | 2 h | 4 h 10 min | 2 h 20 min | 4 h 50 min |
| XAVC S 4K | 60p/50p | 200M | 30 min | 1 h 10 min | 40 min | 1 h 20 min |
| XAVC S 4K | 60p/50p | 150M | 45 min | 1 h 30 min | 50 min | 1 h 40 min |
| XAVC S HD | 60p/50p | 50M | 1 h 50 min | 3 h 50 min | 2 h 10 min | 4 h 30 min |
| XAVC S HD | 60p/50p | 25M | 3 h | 6 h 10 min | 3 h 30 min | 7 h 10 min |
| XAVC S-I 4K | 60p/50p | 600M | 10 min | 25 min | 10 min | 25 min |
| XAVC S-I 4K | 60p/50p | 500M | 10 min | 30 min | 15 min | 35 min |
| XAVC S-I HD | 60p/50p | 222M | 30 min | 1 h 5 min | 35 min | 1 h 15 min |
| XAVC S-I HD | 60p/50p | 185M | 35 min | 1 h 15 min | 40 min | 1 h 30 min |
Memory Card Readers
Unless you prefer to copy files to your computer via USB-C then you will require a card reader. Here are some of the options available.
Sony MRW-G2 CFExpress Type-A Card Reader
The Sony MRW-G2 supports both CFexpress Type A cards as well as a SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, along with transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s via USB 3.1 Gen 2. Both USB Type-C to Type-C and USB Type-C to Type-A cables are included.
ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type A & UHS-II SDXC Dual-Slot USB 3.2 Gen 2 Card Reader
The ProGrade Digital reader has one CFexpress Type A slot and one UHS-II SDXC slot. Like the Sony above it supports up to 10 Gb/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2 to deliver transfer speeds of up to 1.25 GB/s, or 1250 MB/s via its USB Type-C interface. It includes USB Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables.
Sony MRW-S1 UHS-II USB Memory Card Reader/Writer
If you won’t be using CFexpress Type-A cards then you only really need Sony’s MRW-S1 UHS-II USB SD Card Reader/Writer. It can read/write to UHS-II SD Cards via a USB 3.1 interface and is backward compatible with UHS-I SD cards.
Summary
Unless you are going to be shooting in S&Q mode with the file format XAVC S-I 4K and slow-motion recording, or XAVC S-I HD when the frame rate is set to [240fps]/[200fps], then you won’t require an expensive CFexpress Type-A card.
However, if you want to take advantage of the largest capacity cards then you will need to go for the Sony CFexpress Type A cards which are available up to 640GB in capacity.
Of course, if you are using an external recorder like the Atomos Ninja V then you can save a small fortune by recording internally to the Atomos.
I hope to get my hands on the FX30 in November so that I can test all of these cards in-camera to see exactly how they perform.
I found all the information about this camera here, bravo!