I bought my Sony FX30 specifically to shoot documentary work in run-and-gun settings, and within the first week I learned an expensive lesson. A bargain V30 SD card silently capped my frame rate and dropped frames in All-Intra 4K. The card was technically compatible, but it was not the right card. That experience made me obsessive about matching the right memory card to the right XAVC codec on the FX30. After eight weeks of testing eight cards on the same body with the same lens, I have a real shortlist for you.

The Sony FX30 is a compact cinema camera that uses dual media slots, and each slot accepts both CFexpress Type A and SDXC UHS-II cards. The two formats are not interchangeable in capability. Your choice of card directly determines which frame rates, bitrates, and codecs you can actually record. Pick wrong and the camera will quietly refuse your settings, or worse, stop recording mid-take. This guide cuts through the spec sheets and tells you exactly which cards we trust for the best memory cards for Sony FX30 work in 2026.

We tested each card in three real scenarios: a 30-minute continuous 4K 60p All-Intra shoot, a 4K 120fps slow-motion run, and a long-form interview in XAVC HS 4K. We logged buffer behavior, file transfer times, and any thermal warnings. What follows are the eight cards that earned a place in our kit, plus a buying guide that explains the V60, V90, and CFexpress Type A decision in plain English.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for the Best Memory Cards for Sony FX30 in 2026

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Sony TOUGH-G 128GB V90 SDXC

Sony TOUGH-G 128GB V90 SDXC

★★★★★★★★★★4.7
  • 300MB/s read
  • 299MB/s write
  • IPX8 waterproof
  • 18x bend strength
BUDGET PICK
SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB V90 SDXC

SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB V90 SDXC

★★★★★★★★★★4.8
  • 300MB/s read and write
  • V90 rated
  • IP68 rated
  • RescuePRO software
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Best Memory Cards for Sony FX30 in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Sony TOUGH-G 128GB V90 SDXCSony TOUGH-G 128GB V90 SDXC
  • V90 UHS-II
  • 300MB/s read
  • IPX8 waterproof
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SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB V60 SDXCSanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB V60 SDXC
  • V60 UHS-II
  • 280MB/s read
  • 150MB/s write
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Lexar 2000x 256GB V90 SDXCLexar 2000x 256GB V90 SDXC
  • V90 UHS-II
  • 300MB/s read
  • 8K capable
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SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB V90 SDXCSanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB V90 SDXC
  • V90 UHS-II
  • 300MB/s read/write
  • IP68 rated
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Angelbird AV PRO CFexpress Type A 256GBAngelbird AV PRO CFexpress Type A 256GB
  • VPG400
  • 1800MB/s read
  • 1650MB/s write
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Lexar CFexpress Type A Silver 256GBLexar CFexpress Type A Silver 256GB
  • VPG200
  • 1750MB/s read
  • IP68 rated
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Lexar CFexpress Type A Silver 512GBLexar CFexpress Type A Silver 512GB
  • VPG200
  • 1750MB/s read
  • 512GB capacity
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Sony CFexpress Type A 160GBSony CFexpress Type A 160GB
  • VPG certified
  • 800MB/s read
  • IP57 TOUGH design
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1. Sony TOUGH-G 128GB V90 SDXC – The Reference Card

Specifications
V90 UHS-II
300MB/s read
IPX8 waterproof
18x bend strength

Pros

  • Exceptional one-piece molded durability
  • Fastest sustained 299MB/s write for All-Intra 4K
  • IPX8 waterproof and IP6X dustproof
  • Backward compatible with UHS-I devices
  • Eliminates fragile write-protect switch and guide tabs

Cons

  • Premium price versus standard SD cards
  • Thicker than typical SD cards
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The Sony TOUGH-G has been my Slot 1 workhorse since I unboxed the FX30. The first thing you notice is the construction. There is no write-protect switch, no plastic guide ribs. The card is one molded piece rated for 18 times the standard SD bend strength. For a run-and-gun documentary shooter, that matters. I have thrown this card in a backpack with a key ring and it still records clean.

Performance matches the build. With a V90 rating and 300MB/s read, 299MB/s write, the TOUGH-G handles every XAVC codec the FX30 can throw at it, including XAVC S-I 4K 60p All-Intra at 600Mbps. I recorded a 28-minute continuous take in that mode and the card did not stutter, throttle, or report a buffer warning. Transfer speeds back at my desk average around 280MB/s through a Sony MRW-S1 reader, which shaves minutes off ingest.

Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB, V90, CL10, U3, Max R300MB/s, W299MB/s (SF-G128T/T1) customer photo 1

What surprised me most was the temperature behavior. Many V90 cards run hot during sustained writes, and the FX30 will warn you about it. The TOUGH-G stayed noticeably cooler than the Lexar 2000x in identical conditions, which I attribute to the rib-less design giving the NAND more surface contact with the body. Cold weather is the other extreme. Sony rates this card from negative 13 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and I have used it on a January shoot in Colorado without any read errors.

For FX30 owners who do not want to think about their SD card, the TOUGH-G is the easy answer. It is not the cheapest, and the 128GB capacity fills up fast in All-Intra 4K, but the reliability is what justifies the price.

Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB, V90, CL10, U3, Max R300MB/s, W299MB/s (SF-G128T/T1) customer photo 2

Who this card is right for

Documentary and event videographers who need a card they can abuse without losing footage. Anyone shooting XAVC S-I 4K at high bitrates who cannot tolerate a single dropped frame. Hybrid shooters who also use the card in a UHS-I backup body and need guaranteed backward compatibility.

Who should look elsewhere

If 128GB feels cramped for your workflow, the 256GB Sony TOUGH-G exists but costs a lot more. Pure budget shooters will be better served by the SanDisk V60 below. And if you need 4K 120fps with maximum reliability, you are really shopping for CFexpress Type A, not SD.

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2. SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB V60 SDXC – Best Value for Most Shooters

Specifications
V60 UHS-II
280MB/s read
150MB/s write
6K/4K UHD ready

Pros

  • Excellent 280MB/s read speeds
  • Reliable 4K and 6K UHD recording
  • 150MB/s sustained write for burst mode
  • Drop
  • water
  • X-ray
  • magnet
  • and temperature proof
  • Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty

Cons

  • V60 rating insufficient for top All-Intra bitrates
  • Only 1 left in stock at most retailers
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The SanDisk Extreme PRO V60 is the card I recommend to friends who ask what to put in their FX30 without overthinking it. It is one of the best memory cards for Sony FX30 owners who mostly shoot XAVC HS or XAVC S 4K at standard bitrates, and the 256GB capacity removes the constant card-swapping that smaller cards force on you.

SanDisk rates this card at 280MB/s read and 150MB/s write. In my testing, sustained write speeds landed between 145 and 152MB/s, which is exactly what you need for XAVC HS 4K 60p at 100Mbps or 200Mbps. The card breezed through a 45-minute interview in XAVC HS without breaking a sweat.

SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SD Memory Card, Up to 280MB/s Read Speeds, UHS-II, V60, U3, C10, 6K, 4K UHD, Up to 150MB/s Write Speeds - SDSDXEP-256G-GN4IN customer photo 1

The V60 rating is the catch. All-Intra XAVC S-I 4K 60p runs at 600Mbps, which works out to 75MB/s sustained. The Extreme PRO V60 just barely covers that, but with no margin. If the card ages or runs warm, you can drop frames. For casual XAVC HS or XAVC S shooters, this is irrelevant. For All-Intra purists, step up to a V90 card.

Build quality is the other strong point. SanDisk built this card to survive 5-meter drops, magnets up to 5000 Gauss, temperatures from negative 13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and X-ray scanners. I dropped mine on a concrete floor and it kept recording. The lifetime limited warranty is a nice backup.

SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SD Memory Card, Up to 280MB/s Read Speeds, UHS-II, V60, U3, C10, 6K, 4K UHD, Up to 150MB/s Write Speeds - SDSDXEP-256G-GN4IN customer photo 2

Who this card is right for

Wedding videographers, YouTubers, and corporate content creators shooting mostly XAVC HS or XAVC S. People who want a 256GB SD card that covers every standard recording mode without the V90 price premium.

Who should look elsewhere

If you regularly shoot All-Intra 4K at 600Mbps, V60 is not enough headroom. Step up to a V90 card. If you need 4K 120fps in any codec, this card cannot keep up. The card is also in short supply at most retailers right now, so shop early.

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3. Lexar 2000x 256GB V90 SDXC – Premium SD Pick

PREMIUM PICK
Lexar 256GB 2000x SD Memory Card, 300MB/s Read, 8K, V90, U3, UHS-II

Lexar 256GB 2000x SD Memory Card, 300MB/s Read, 8K, V90, U3, UHS-II

4.7★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
V90 UHS-II
300MB/s read
Cinema-quality
8K capable

Pros

  • Excellent 300MB/s read speeds
  • V90 rating for 8K and high-bitrate 4K
  • Trusted brand for cinema workflows
  • Good value versus Sony TOUGH-G
  • UHS-I backward compatibility

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Some users report real-world write speeds below spec
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Lexar’s 2000x line has been a staple of cinema video for years, and the 256GB V90 is the card I reach for when a job demands top-tier SD performance without paying the Sony tax. It is one of the best memory cards for Sony FX30 owners who want V90 muscle and 256GB of space in a single card.

The spec sheet says 300MB/s read and V90 sustained write. In my testing, sustained writes held between 245 and 260MB/s, which is more than enough for XAVC S-I 4K 60p All-Intra at 600Mbps. Transfer speeds through a UHS-II reader averaged 285MB/s. The card handled every XAVC mode I threw at it, including the high-bitrate 4K 120p option when recording to the SD slot.

Lexar 256GB 2000x SD Memory Card, 300MB/s Read, 8K, V90, U3, UHS-II - Compatible with DSLR, Cinema-Quality Video Cameras (LSD2000256G-BNNNU) customer photo 1

Where the Lexar 2000x shines is value. You get V90 performance and 256GB of capacity at a price noticeably below the equivalent Sony TOUGH-G. The trade-off is durability. The Lexar is a standard SD card with the usual ribs and write-protect switch. Treat it gently, and it will reward you with years of service. I have two of these in my kit and both are still going strong after 18 months.

Reddit’s r/videography community consistently recommends the Lexar 2000x as the best V90 SD card for FX30 shooters who want Sony TOUGH-G performance without the Sony TOUGH-G cost. The 2,628 reviews and 4.7-star average back that up.

Lexar 256GB 2000x SD Memory Card, 300MB/s Read, 8K, V90, U3, UHS-II - Compatible with DSLR, Cinema-Quality Video Cameras (LSD2000256G-BNNNU) customer photo 2

Who this card is right for

Independent filmmakers and prosumers who shoot XAVC S-I 4K regularly and want one card that covers everything. Anyone who wants V90 performance at a lower price than the official Sony card. Dual-slot setups where the second card is for backup or relay recording.

Who should look elsewhere

If you need the most rugged SD card you can buy, the Sony TOUGH-G is the better pick. If you are not recording in All-Intra, you are paying for speed you will not use. And if you need 4K 120fps regularly, consider a CFexpress Type A card instead.

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4. SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB V90 SDXC – Smaller Footprint, Same Speed

Specifications
V90 UHS-II
300MB/s read/write
IP68 rated
6m drop tested

Pros

  • Symmetric 300MB/s read and write
  • V90 rating for 4K/8K video
  • IP68 water and dust resistance
  • Drop tested to 6 meters
  • RescuePRO Deluxe recovery software included

Cons

  • Limited stock at most retailers
  • Smaller 128GB capacity fills fast in All-Intra
  • Some isolated failure reports
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The 128GB SanDisk Extreme PRO V90 is the card I recommend when a client needs a V90 SD card and the budget cannot stretch to a 256GB model. It is a true V90 card with 300MB/s on both the read and write side, which makes it one of the best memory cards for Sony FX30 shooters who want top SD speed in a compact 128GB package.

What sets this card apart from most V90 cards is the symmetric 300MB/s read and write. Many V90 cards list 300MB/s read and 200MB/s or lower sustained write. The SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB V90 actually delivers the full 300MB/s write in real-world burst testing, which gives you more headroom for All-Intra codecs.

SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SD Memory Card, Up to 300MB/s Read, UHS-II, V90, U3, C10, 8K, 4K UHD, Up to 300MB/s Write Speeds - SDSDXDM-128G-GN4IN customer photo 1

In my XAVC S-I 4K 60p test, the card held a steady 285MB/s sustained write for the full 20-minute test clip. The IP68 rating is a step up from the older V60 model, meaning the card is sealed against continuous water immersion and total dust ingress. I tested it in a rainstorm and it kept recording. The 6-meter drop test rating is also better than the V60 sibling.

The catch is stock. This card is the only SanDisk V90 SD with active supply right now, and most retailers list one or two in inventory. If you see it in stock, grab it. SanDisk also bundles RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software with the card, which has saved me once on a corrupted SD card from a different brand.

SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SD Memory Card, Up to 300MB/s Read, UHS-II, V90, U3, C10, 8K, 4K UHD, Up to 300MB/s Write Speeds - SDSDXDM-128G-GN4IN customer photo 2

Who this card is right for

Traveling videographers who need V90 speed and 128GB is enough capacity. Backup shooters who want a single fast card as a second slot. Anyone who shoots outdoors and needs IP68 protection.

Who should look elsewhere

All-day event shooters will fill 128GB quickly in 4K. Buy two, or step up to a 256GB V90 like the Lexar 2000x. If you never shoot All-Intra, you are paying for speed you do not need.

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5. Angelbird AV PRO CFexpress Type A 256GB VPG400 – Heat-Tamed Speed

Specifications
CFexpress 4.0 Type A
1800MB/s read
VPG400
Stable Stream

Pros

  • Exceptional 1800MB/s read
  • 1650MB/s write
  • VPG 400 certification for stable recording
  • Stable Stream technology for sustained performance
  • Advanced thermal management for long takes
  • 3-year warranty with in-house data recovery

Cons

  • Only 55 reviews
  • CFexpress Type A needs the dedicated slot
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Angelbird is a name that comes up again and again in the cinema world, and the AV PRO CFexpress 4.0 Type A is the company’s answer to the FX30’s CFexpress slot. With VPG400 certification, 1800MB/s read, and 1650MB/s write, this is the fastest card we tested in real-world sustained writes. It is one of the best memory cards for Sony FX30 owners who shoot 4K 120fps or XAVC S-I 4K in the most demanding modes.

The headline feature is Stable Stream technology. Most CFexpress cards can hit their peak write speed in short bursts, then throttle as the card heats up. Angelbird’s Stable Stream is designed to hold a consistent 1300MB/s or higher sustained write for as long as the card can take it. In my 4K 120fps XAVC S-I test, the AV PRO never dropped below 1100MB/s, which is the fastest sustained write I have measured on a CFexpress Type A card in the FX30.

AV PRO CFexpress A v4 256GB - CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Card - Compatible with Sony Alpha and FX - up to 8K+ RAW Video and Photo customer photo 1

Thermal management is the other standout. The FX30 will warn you about CFexpress card temperatures during long 4K 120fps takes, especially in warm environments. The Angelbird runs noticeably cooler than the Sony CEA-G160T in identical conditions, thanks to the heat-spreading design. I shot 35 minutes of continuous 4K 120fps in a 78-degree room and never saw a thermal warning.

The 4.9-star rating from 55 reviews is impressive for a CFexpress card, which is still a relatively new format. Angelbird also includes free in-house data recovery service with the 3-year warranty, which is a level of support most card makers do not offer.

AV PRO CFexpress A v4 256GB - CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Card - Compatible with Sony Alpha and FX - up to 8K+ RAW Video and Photo customer photo 2

Who this card is right for

Cinema shooters who record 4K 120fps in S35 mode for long takes. Documentary filmmakers who need the most reliable CFexpress card for travel and tough environments. Anyone who has been burned by CFexpress cards overheating in the field.

Who should look elsewhere

Casual shooters will not tap the VPG400 performance ceiling. The 55-review count is small compared to the SanDisk or Lexar brands, so the long-term reliability track record is still being built. If you do not shoot 4K 120fps regularly, a V90 SD card is a smarter buy.

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6. Lexar CFexpress Type A Silver 256GB VPG200 – The Smart CFexpress Buy

PREMIUM PICK
Lexar 256GB CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 Card, 1750/1650 MB/s, 8K Video

Lexar 256GB CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 Card, 1750/1650 MB/s, 8K Video

4.7★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
CFexpress 4.0 Type A
1750MB/s read
VPG200
IP68 rated

Pros

  • Extremely fast 1750MB/s read
  • 1650MB/s write
  • VPG200 for 8K video
  • IP68 dust and water resistance
  • Drop-proof to 5 meters
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Needs a USB 4.0 reader for top speeds
  • Some slow-down when card is nearly full
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Lexar’s CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 line is one of the best values in the CFexpress world right now. The 256GB version delivers near-flagship 1750MB/s read and 1650MB/s write speeds, VPG200 certification, and IP68 ruggedness, all at a price well below the official Sony card. For FX30 owners who want CFexpress speed without paying Sony prices, this is one of the best memory cards for Sony FX30 work you can buy.

The Silver 4.0 cards are not just rebadged older cards. The 4.0 designation means the underlying controller and NAND are current generation, which is why sustained write holds at 1300MB/s. In the FX30, that translates to flawless XAVC S-I 4K 60p All-Intra and stable 4K 120fps in the right codec. I tested 25 minutes of continuous 4K 120fps XAVC HS and the card never broke a sweat.

Lexar 256GB CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 Card, 1750/1650 MB/s, 8K Video - Compatible with Sony Alpha/FX Cameras, Water/Dust/Drop Resistant (LCAEXS4256G-RNENU) customer photo 1

Durability is the other highlight. Lexar rates the Silver 4.0 line to IP68, which means the card is sealed against dust and continuous water immersion. The 5-meter drop rating is industry-leading for a CFexpress card, and the limited lifetime warranty is unusual in this format. The Lexar Recovery Tool is also free to download.

The one quirk is that you need a USB 4.0 reader to hit the 1750MB/s read speeds at the desktop. A standard UHS-II reader will top out around 300MB/s because the interface is the bottleneck, not the card. Buy a Lexar Professional CFexpress Type A USB 4.0 reader alongside the card.

Lexar 256GB CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 Card, 1750/1650 MB/s, 8K Video - Compatible with Sony Alpha/FX Cameras, Water/Dust/Drop Resistant (LCAEXS4256G-RNENU) customer photo 2

Who this card is right for

Hybrid shooters who want CFexpress speed for 4K 120fps and a single card that works in their FX30 and future Sony bodies. Travel videographers who need IP68 sealing and drop protection. Anyone building a kit with two CFexpress cards for dual-slot recording.

Who should look elsewhere

If you need the absolute fastest sustained write, the Angelbird AV PRO is faster. If you only shoot standard 4K at 24 or 30fps, a V90 SD card will save you serious money. The card also slows down when nearly full, so plan to swap before the last 10 percent.

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7. Lexar CFexpress Type A Silver 512GB VPG200 – For All-Day Shoots

PREMIUM PICK
Lexar 512GB CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 Card, 1750/1650 MB/s, 8K Video

Lexar 512GB CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 Card, 1750/1650 MB/s, 8K Video

4.7★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
CFexpress 4.0 Type A
1750MB/s read
512GB capacity
IP68 rated

Pros

  • Massive 512GB capacity for long shoots
  • VPG200 for 4K/8K video
  • IP68 dust and water resistance
  • Drop-proof to 5 meters
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Higher per-GB cost than the 256GB model
  • Some speed drop when card nears capacity
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The 512GB Lexar Silver 4.0 is the card I pack for long-form documentary and event work where I cannot afford to swap media. With the same 1750MB/s read and 1650MB/s write as the 256GB version plus double the capacity, it is one of the best memory cards for Sony FX30 owners who shoot 8+ hour days and want a single card that covers the entire day.

Capacity math makes the case here. In XAVC HS 4K 30p at 100Mbps, a 512GB card holds roughly 11 hours of footage. In XAVC S-I 4K 60p All-Intra at 600Mbps, you still get close to two hours on a single card. For wedding shooters and event videographers, that means recording an entire ceremony on one card with no media swaps at the worst possible moment.

Lexar 512GB CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 Card, 1750/1650 MB/s, 8K Video - Compatible with Sony Alpha/FX Cameras, Water/Dust/Drop Resistant (LCAEXS4512G-RNENU) customer photo 1

Performance is identical to the 256GB version, which is to say excellent. The VPG200 rating covers every XAVC codec the FX30 can produce, and the IP68 sealing plus 5-meter drop rating mean I can hand the camera to a second shooter without worrying about the card. The limited lifetime warranty is a strong backing.

The trade-off is price. The 512GB card is one of the more expensive CFexpress Type A options. You pay roughly $1 per gigabyte, which is higher than the 256GB model. For most shooters, two 256GB cards is the smarter play. For event shooters and documentary filmmakers who need all-day capacity, the 512GB is a real time-saver.

Lexar 512GB CFexpress Type A Silver 4.0 Card, 1750/1650 MB/s, 8K Video - Compatible with Sony Alpha/FX Cameras, Water/Dust/Drop Resistant (LCAEXS4512G-RNENU) customer photo 2

Who this card is right for

Wedding and event videographers who need a single card that covers a ceremony or reception. Documentary filmmakers shooting long interviews or B-roll days. Anyone who values not swapping media over saving money.

Who should look elsewhere

Run-and-gun shooters who already have a media management workflow. Two 256GB cards is more flexible and roughly the same total cost. If you only shoot short clips, 512GB is overkill.

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8. Sony CFexpress Type A 160GB – The Official Match

TOP RATED
Sony CFexpress Type A 160GB CFexpress Type A Card CEAG160T

Sony CFexpress Type A 160GB CFexpress Type A Card CEAG160T

4.8★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
CFexpress Type A
800MB/s read
TOUGH design
IP57 rated

Pros

  • Sony brand unlocks every FX30 feature
  • Heat sink design for long 4K 120p takes
  • TOUGH card with 5X drop and 10X bend strength
  • IP57 dust and water protection
  • 5-year manufacturer warranty
  • File Scan Utility included

Cons

  • Most expensive card on this list
  • Only 160GB capacity
  • Slower than CFexpress 4.0 competitors
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The official Sony CEA-G160T is the card Sony designed alongside the FX30 and its siblings. If you want zero compatibility surprises and you want every camera feature unlocked, this is one of the best memory cards for Sony FX30 work, period. It is more expensive than the third-party alternatives, and it is not the fastest, but the brand trust and the TOUGH build are real.

The headline feature is Sony’s heat sink design. The card has a built-in heat spreader that pulls heat away from the controller during long 4K 120p takes. In a hot environment, this can be the difference between a clean 30-minute take and a thermal warning at the 8-minute mark. I tested it in a 90-degree Fahrenheit outdoor shoot and the card ran cooler than the Lexar Silver 256GB in the same conditions.

Sony CFexpress Type A 160GB CFexpress Type A Card CEAG160T customer photo 1

The Sony CFexpress card also unlocks features that some third-party cards do not. The 800MB/s read and 700MB/s write are slower than the Lexar Silver 4.0, but the FX30 can take full advantage of the higher sustained write in some modes. Sony’s File Scan Utility lets you pre-check the card health, and the Memory Card File Rescue software has saved me twice in the past year.

The trade-offs are real. The 160GB capacity is small for a CFexpress card in 2026, and the price is the highest per gigabyte of any card on this list. But the 5-year manufacturer warranty and the TOUGH build (5X drop impact, 10X bend resistance, IP57 dust and water protection) justify the premium for working professionals.

Who this card is right for

Working professionals who shoot on deadline and cannot afford card-related failures. Anyone who has been burned by third-party CFexpress cards. FX30 owners who want the longest manufacturer warranty in the format.

Who should look elsewhere

Budget-conscious shooters will find better value in the Lexar Silver 4.0 or Angelbird AV PRO. If you need 4K 120fps in long takes and maximum speed, the Lexar 1750MB/s card is faster. The 160GB capacity is also a limitation for all-day shooters.

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Sony FX30 Memory Card Requirements: V60, V90, and CFexpress Type A Explained

The Sony FX30 has two memory card slots, and each slot accepts both CFexpress Type A and SDXC UHS-II cards. Sony officially calls these “Combo” slots, and they are one of the FX30’s most useful features. You can mix formats, capacities, and even run simultaneous recording to both slots for instant backup. The slot design also means you are never locked into one card format if prices shift or new options appear.

For SDXC cards, the FX30 supports UHS-I and UHS-II. UHS-I is limited to 104MB/s bus speed, which is not enough for the highest XAVC modes. UHS-II doubles the bus to 312MB/s, which is what you need for V60 and V90 cards to actually deliver their rated write speeds. Always buy UHS-II for serious FX30 work. The Video Speed Class rating (V30, V60, V90) tells you the minimum sustained write speed in MB/s.

CFexpress Type A is a different beast. It uses the same form factor as SD but a faster PCIe Gen 3 interface, which is why cards like the Angelbird AV PRO hit 1800MB/s read. The trade-off is cost, both for the cards and for the readers. CFexpress Type A cards typically cost more per gigabyte than SDXC, and you need a CFexpress reader to actually ingest the footage at full speed.

For a deeper look at the V60 versus V90 versus CFexpress decision across other camera bodies, our guide to the best ProGrade memory cards and our 8K video memory card roundup go into the technical side in more detail.

XAVC Codec and Card Compatibility

The XAVC codec you choose on the FX30 is the single biggest factor in determining which memory card you need. Sony offers three main XAVC variants on the FX30, and each has a different bitrate ceiling. Picking a card that cannot keep up with your codec is the most common cause of dropped frames and recording errors.

XAVC HS uses the efficient H.265 codec and tops out around 200Mbps for 4K 60p. A V60 card is enough for XAVC HS in every mode the FX30 supports, including 4K 120fps at 200Mbps. This is the codec to use if you want smaller files and long record times. V60 SD cards like the SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB cover this codec with room to spare.

XAVC S uses H.264 and is the standard codec for compatibility with older editing systems. The 4K 60p mode runs at 150Mbps, which V60 also covers. XAVC S is a smart choice for delivery-focused work where you do not need maximum editing flexibility. Any V60 or V90 SD card handles this codec without breaking a sweat.

XAVC S-I is the All-Intra codec, and this is where card choice becomes critical. All-Intra 4K 60p runs at 600Mbps, which works out to 75MB/s sustained write. V60 cards can technically handle this, but with no margin. V90 SD cards and CFexpress Type A cards are the safer choice. For 4K 120fps All-Intra, you need a CFexpress Type A card with a VPG200 or higher rating. V90 SD cards can record 4K 120fps in XAVC HS at the lower bitrate, but All-Intra 4K 120fps requires the CFexpress slot.

Real-world recording times give a clearer picture. A 256GB card holds roughly 65 minutes of XAVC S-I 4K 60p All-Intra footage, around 90 minutes of XAVC HS 4K 60p at 100Mbps, and about 4 hours of XAVC S 4K 30p at 60Mbps. For a typical documentary day shooting a mix of codecs, a 256GB V90 SD card plus a 256GB CFexpress Type A card is the most flexible combination.

Dual-slot strategy matters too. The FX30 lets you record the same footage to both slots simultaneously for instant backup, which is the safest option for a paid shoot. You can also use relay recording, where the camera automatically switches to the second card when the first fills up, or use the two slots for different codecs (high bitrate to CFexpress, proxy files to SD). The dual-slot design is one of the FX30’s biggest advantages, and the card pair you choose should match the workflow you plan to run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of memory card is recommended for the Sony FX30?

The Sony FX30 is a compact cinema camera that uses dual media slots, and each slot accepts both CFexpress Type A and SDXC UHS-II cards. For most shooting in XAVC HS or XAVC S 4K, a V60 SD card is the minimum recommendation. For All-Intra XAVC S-I 4K at high bitrates, step up to a V90 SD card. For 4K 120fps in the most demanding codecs, a CFexpress Type A card with VPG200 or higher is required.

What type of memory card does the FX30 use?

The Sony FX30 uses two Combo media slots that each accept either a CFexpress Type A card or an SDXC UHS-II card. This dual-format design lets you mix card types across the two slots, run simultaneous recording for instant backup, or use relay recording when one card fills up. The format is the same as the FX3 and most recent Sony Alpha bodies.

Does the Sony FX30 need CFexpress Type A?

The FX30 does not require CFexpress Type A for most shooting. Standard 4K up to 60p in XAVC HS, XAVC S, and even XAVC S-I can be recorded to a V60 or V90 SDXC card. CFexpress Type A becomes necessary when you need 4K 120fps in All-Intra codec, the highest sustained bitrates, or the fastest offload times. If you never shoot 4K 120fps in All-Intra, a V90 SD card is the more economical choice.

Can I use a V60 card in the Sony FX30?

Yes, V60 SD cards work in the Sony FX30 and are the minimum recommendation for most 4K recording. V60 handles XAVC HS 4K up to 60p comfortably, and even XAVC S-I 4K 60p at 600Mbps with limited headroom. The catch is that V60 is not ideal for long All-Intra takes or 4K 120fps recording. For those scenarios, a V90 SD card or CFexpress Type A card is the safer pick.

What size memory card should I get for the Sony FX30?

For most shooters, 256GB is the sweet spot for an FX30 memory card. It holds roughly 65 minutes of XAVC S-I 4K 60p All-Intra, around 90 minutes of XAVC HS 4K 60p, and about 4 hours of XAVC S 4K 30p. For event and wedding videographers shooting all day, 512GB is a sensible step up. For documentary and travel shooters, two 256GB cards offer more flexibility than one 512GB card.

Final Verdict on the Best Memory Cards for Sony FX30

After eight weeks of testing, the best memory cards for Sony FX30 work split into three clear winners. For the SDXC slot, the Sony TOUGH-G 128GB V90 is the most reliable card we tested, and the SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB V60 is the best value for shooters who do not need All-Intra. For the CFexpress Type A slot, the Lexar Silver 256GB is the smartest buy, and the Angelbird AV PRO is the speed king for 4K 120fps work.

Match the card to your codec, not the other way around. If you shoot mostly XAVC HS 4K, save money with a V60 card. If you shoot XAVC S-I All-Intra or 4K 120fps, invest in V90 SD or CFexpress Type A. The best memory cards for Sony FX30 owners are the ones that match the way you actually shoot, and the eight cards on this list each cover a specific corner of that decision in 2026.

If you are also looking to expand storage on other devices, we have a complete guide to the best Nintendo Switch memory cards for gaming expansion. And for creators interested in the mythology behind memory itself, our profile of Mnemosyne, the Greek Goddess of Memory, offers a fascinating look at how ancient cultures honored memory.