In today’s high-performance shooting environments, your memory card isn’t just storage. It’s a workhorse that either keeps up or holds you back. Sony’s CFexpress Type 4.0 Type A Memory Cards raise the bar with industry-leading speed, high capacity and VPG400 certification. Read on to discover what makes these cards the preferred choice for professionals.
What are CFexpress Type A cards?
CFexpress Type 4.0 Type A Memory Cards are compact, high-speed memory cards designed for professional use. Unlike traditional SD cards, CFexpress Type A cards use advanced flash memory control technology to enable significantly faster read and write speeds. This makes them especially suited for high-bitrate video recording, such as 4K/8K video production, and high-resolution photography.
CFexpress vs SD: What’s the Difference?
Feature | CFexpress 4.0 Type A | UHS-II SD |
Max Read Speed | Up to 1,800 MB/s | Up to 300 MB/s |
Max Write Speed | Up to 1,700 MB/s | Up to 299 MB/s |
VPG Certified | ✅ (400 MB/s guaranteed) | ❌ |
Best Suited For | Professional High-speed Workflows | Everyday Creative Work and Backups |
Alpha 1 | FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS | 400mm | 1/2500s | F5.6 | ISO 500
Understanding the Specs
Read and Write Speeds
Read speed affects how fast you can transfer files to your computer, which is useful when you’re on time sensitive shoots. Write speed is critical for in-camera performance, like sustained burst shooting or high-bitrate video capture.
VPG400
VPG400 stands for Video Performance Guarantee 400 certification. It assures video recording stability at a minimum sustained write speed of 400 MB/s. This is a must-have if you’re looking for stable video recording in formats like 4K/8K, or 10-bit 4:2:2.
Who needs it?
CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Cards are built for creators who shoot intensively.
Wedding
When you’re capturing entire ceremonies in 10-bit 4:2:2 4K, there’ll be no delays from switching cards and no dropped frames.
Video Screenshot | Alpha 7S III | FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Action
Shoot at 4K 120fps with confidence, and know that the 1,700 MB/s write speeds mean no more hiccups.
Wildlife & Birding
Being out in the wild means tracking unpredictable subjects which requires high-speed still image bursts. These cards clear the buffer rapidly even during intensive burst shooting so you’re always ready for the next shot.
Alpha 1 II | FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS | 400mm | 1/2000s | F2.8 | ISO 100
Which CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Card Suits You?
The lineup includes a variety of storage capacities designed to suit different types of workflows. Find out more at https://www.sony.com.sg/electronics/xqd-memory-cards/cea-g-series.
Visit the support page to discover the latest line-up of compatible cameras.
Alpha 1 II | FE 50-150mm F2 GM | 400mm | 1/800s | F4.5 | ISO 100
Maximise your Workflow Further with MRW-G3
MRW-G3 CFexpress Type A Memory Card Reader
The MRW-G3 CFexpress Type A Memory Card Reader supports USB 40Gbps which allows you to transfer massive files quickly. It’s also compatible with PCs, smartphones and tablets, making your workflow even more efficient. Discover it at https://www.sony.com.sg/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-memory-cards/mrw-g3.
Alpha 1 II | FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS | 400mm | 1/1250s | F2.8 | ISO 640
Memory Card File Rescue
This software lets you recover damaged or accidentally deleted data from your card, which is essential for mission critical projects. Visit https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/support/memorycard/datarescue/en/index.html to find out more.
Built for the Demands of Pros
So whether you shoot stills, video or both, the CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Cards deliver unmatched speed, reliability and future-proof compatibility with the latest Alpha and Cinema Line cameras.
