Best Memory Cards for Sony a1
Looking for the best memory cards for Sony a1? Here are our top recommended & fastest CFexpress cards and SD cards for Sony a1 mirrorless camera.
The Sony a1 has dual memory card slots that both accept either CFexpress Type A cards or UHS-II SD cards. Featuring a 50.1MP full-frame stacked Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR processing engine, the Sony a1 is capable of 30 fps continuous shooting at full-resolution, 8K 30p and 4K 120p 10-bit video recording, and still offers versatile sensitivity up to ISO 102400 for low-light shooting. The sensor’s design also includes a 759-point Fast Hybrid AF system, which offers advanced subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF on humans and animals, even including a dedicated Bird Mode. So, as Sony’s new flagship camera, the Sony a1 is an ideal mirrorless camera for sports, news, nature, portrait, street and commercial photography alike.
As we mentioned above, the Sony a1 (B&H, Adorama) has 2x memory card slots that both support CFexpress Type A cards and UHS-II SD cards. Although SD cards and CFexpress Type A cards are not the same in size, both card slots in the Sony a1 will accept either card type. So, in order to get the ultra high read speeds (transfer speed) and write speeds (fast buffer clearing time) to get the best out of your Sony a1 camera, here we list the top recommended & fastest CFexpress Type A cards and SD cards for the Sony a1 mirrorless camera based on the speed and price. Just choose the one you like.
Best Memory Cards for Sony a1
Here are the quick comparison tables of our top recommended CFexpress cards (Type A) and SD cards for Sony a1 mirrorless camera.
CFexpress Cards (Type A):
| CFexpress Type A Cards | Max. Read Speed | Max. Write Speed |
| Lexar Gold Series Professional CFexpress Type A Card | 900 MB/s | 800 MB/s |
| Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type A Card | 880 MB/s | 790 MB/s |
| Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type A Card | 880 MB/s | 790 MB/s |
| Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A Card | 800 MB/s | 700 MB/s |
| ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type A Card | 800 MB/s | 700 MB/s |
| Exascend Essential CFexpress Type A Card | 800 MB/s | 700 MB/s |
SD Cards:
Any of these make for a good choice. If you’d like more detailed recommendations or other brands and models, you can find them below.
CFexpress Cards (Type A) | SD Cards
Best CFexpress Cards (Type A) for Sony a1
1. Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type A Card
- Max Read Speed: 880 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 790 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 400 MB/s
- 48-Hour Replacement Guarantee
- Capacities: 80GB, 160GB
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type A Card is your go-to for superior value at a lower cost than Lexar’s Gold Series. Enjoy maximum read speeds of up to 880 MB/s and write speeds of up to 790 MB/s, with minimum write speeds that won’t drop below 400 MB/s. Perfect for raw and continuous-burst photography, 8K, 6K, and 4K video at high bitrates and frame rates, this card is waterproof, shockproof, and resistant to temperature extremes. Plus, it’s available in 80GB and 160GB capacities, with a 48-hour replacement guarantee and lifetime warranty – that’s unbeatable!
Buy Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type A Card at B&H.
2. Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type A Card
- Max Read Speed: 880 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 790 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 400 MB/s
- Capacities: 80GB, 160GB
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type A Cards provide the same great performance as the BLACK series cards, without the 48-hour replacement guarantee, and they come in both 80GB and 160GB capacities. Although the read speeds are the same for both cards, the 160GB card has a slightly faster write speed.
Buy Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type A Card at B&H.
3. Lexar Gold Series CFexpress Type A Card
- Max Read Speed: 900 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 800 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 700 MB/s
- VPG-400 Compliant at 400 MB/s
- Capacities: 80GB, 160GB, 320GB
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The Lexar Gold Series CFexpress Type A Card is one of the fastest on the market, offering incredible read speeds of up to 900 MB/s and write speeds of up to 800 MB/s, as well as a minimum sustained write speed of 700 MB/s, making it an ideal choice for capturing ultra-high-quality images and 8K video. Plus, with the VGP-400 video class standard, it ensures professional-level video performance. Available in both 80GB and 160GB capacities, this card is highly resistant to extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, X-rays, electrostatic and UV lighting, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty – a sign of true quality and reliability.
Buy Lexar Gold Series CFexpress Type A Card at B&H, Adorama.
4. Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A Memory Card
- Max Read Speed: 800 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 700 MB/s
- Capacities: 80GB, 160GB, 320GB, 640GB
- Limited 5-Year Warranty
The Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A card is the largest you can find on the market, and it’s the perfect choice for recording videos, shooting raw photos and more. Coming in 80GB, 160GB, 320GB and 640GB capacities, it offers incredibly fast read speeds of up to 800 MB/s and write speeds of up to 700 MB/s. What’s more, this highly recommended card is also shockproof, temperature resistant, X-ray proof, electrostatic discharge proof and UV light proof – making it truly tough!
Buy Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A Card at B&H, Adorama.
Sony MRW-G2 CFexpress Type A/SD Card Reader at B&H, Adorama.
5. ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type A Card
- Max Read Speed: 800 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 700 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 400 MB/s
- 160GB Storage Capacity
- Limited 3-Year Warranty
The ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type A card is the perfect companion for any photographer or videographer, offering lightning-fast read speeds of up to 800 MB/s and write speeds of up to 700 MB/s. Furthermore, its minimum write speed of 400 MB/s is guaranteed, so you can capture large-format raw 4K, 6K, 8K videos and more without interruption. With a metal shell for added durability and enhanced thermal conductivity, the card is capable of handling high temperatures – although not as tough as Sony cards – and is only available in a 160GB capacity with a 3-Year warranty.
Buy ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type A Card at B&H, Adorama.
6. Exascend Essential CFexpress Type A Card
- Max Read Speed: 800 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 700 MB/s
The Exascend Essential CFexpress Type A Cards, available in 120GB, 180GB and 240GB varieties, are a reliable and dependable storage solution for photographers and filmmakers. Offering writing speeds of up to 700MB/s and reading speeds of up to 800MB/s, it can easily handle 8K RAW capture and beyond with no fuss. With enough storage capacity to store all of their work, they can rest easy knowing they won’t run out of space on the go.
Buy Exascend Essential CFexpress Type A Card at B&H.
Best SD Cards for Sony a1
1. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Card (300MB/s, V90)
Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD Card Key Specifications:
- Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Video Speed Class: V90
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
- Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and affordable UHS-II SD card for your camera, the Kingston Canvas React Plus is the clear winner. Not only will you get amazing performance that’s comparable to Sony SF-G Tough cards, but you’ll also save around 40% and can even get up to 256GB in capacity! So don’t hesitate: get your Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD Card and experience the best deal around!
This Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC card is the perfect companion for 8K, 4K, and Full HD video recording, as well as high-resolution photography, with its lightning-fast read speeds of 300 MB/s and write speeds of 260 MB/s. It is resistant to extreme temperatures from -13 to 185°F and comes with a lifetime guarantee, plus it has the V90 Video Speed Class rating which guarantees minimum write speeds of 90 MB/s or higher – making it the perfect card for any task!
For anyone in search of an SD card with lightning-fast read and write speeds, solid construction, a reasonable price tag, and a lifetime guarantee, we highly recommend the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD card!
Buy Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H, Adorama.
2. PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90)
PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90) Key Specifications:
- Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Video Speed Class: V90
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 280 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
- Capture 8K and 4K Video
- Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90) is an excellent and economical option for those needing 8K and 4K video, raw and sequential burst images and more. With its read rates of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 280 MB/s, as well as its V90 speed class designation to guarantee a minimum of 90 MB/s for both reading and writing, it’s an ideal choice for performance and price. Plus, the cost is about the same as the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC card – an excellent pick!
Buy PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90) at B&H, Adorama.
3. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card (V90)
Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card Key Specifications:
- Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Video Speed Class: V90
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 299 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
- Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Boasting an impressive read speed of up to 300 MB/s and write speed of up to 299 MB/s, the Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card is the fastest and most expensive UHS-II SD card on the market – perfect for capturing continuous shutter bursts and rapid shooting, as well as 8K, 6K, and 4K video recording. Not only that, but its rugged design is designed to protect it from drops of up to 16.4′ / 5m, immersions in up to 16.4′ / 5m of water for up to 72 hours, plus dust, X-ray, magnet, anti-static proof, UV light, and extreme temperatures from -13 to 185°F.
If you can afford it, then the Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card is a worthwhile investment – its only downside being the cost. You can rest assured knowing you’ll never be let down by it.
Buy Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H, Adorama.
Buy Sony UHS-II SD Memory Card Reader at B&H, Adorama.
4. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Card (V90)
SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Card Key Specifications:
- Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Video Speed Class: V90
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
- Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-II card is one of the most sought-after UHS-II SD cards – perfect for capturing stunning raw images and long shutter bursts. Not only that, it offers an impressive 8K, 4K, and Full HD video recording with a flawless cinematic quality. Plus, it’s tough enough to withstand x-rays, shocks, and water, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
Buy SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Cards at B&H, Adorama.
5. ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)
ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card Key Specifications:
- Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Video Speed Class: V90
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
- Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
If you’re looking for a storage solution that will enable you to shoot 6K, 5K, 4K, UHD 4K, and high bit rate MPEG-4 video, as well as raw photos and rapid-fire bursts, the ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90) is your best bet. It comes in a range of capacities from 64GB to a whopping 512GB, offering great performance and top-notch reliability. It really is a fantastic option – we highly recommend it!
Buy ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90) at B&H, Adorama.
Buy ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60) at B&H, Adorama.
6. Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)
Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card Key Specifications:
- Bus Speed: UHS-II
- Video Speed Class: V90
- Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
- Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Water / Shock / X-Ray Proof
Delkin Devices’ Power UHS-II SD card offers incredible value for money, with lightning-fast transfer speeds of up to 300 MB/s for reading and 250 MB/s for writing. Not only does it have an in-built error corrector for increased reliability, it also comes with a lifetime warranty and 48-hour replacement guarantee from the company.
Buy Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H, Adorama.
Buy Delkin Devices BLACK UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H.
7. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)
- UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 277 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 150 MB/s
If you’re after loads of capacity without going broke, think about buying a less speedy V60 memory card; it’ll still provide all the bitrates your Sony a1 needs, like the Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card – so you can save some cash!
Buy Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H, Adorama.
8. ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)
- UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 250 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 130 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 60 MB/s
If you’re looking to save some money but still want reliable performance, the ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60) is a great budget-friendly choice! It’s designed to withstand extreme temperatures from -13 to 185°F, is X-ray proof and shockproof, and comes with a limited 3-year warranty – giving you peace of mind when you’re out shooting.
Buy ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60) at B&H, Adorama.
9. Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II SD Card (V60)
- UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
- Max Read Speed: 250 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 120 MB/s
Bundget option. With maximum read speeds of up to 250 MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, the Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II card is great for fast burst shooting and 4K & full HD video recording! Thanks to its V60 speed class rating, minimum write speeds are guaranteed not to drop below 60 MB/s. This card offers excellent performance with a similar price of UHS-I cards. If you are really on a very tight budget and just want to save some money, this is the card for you! Great value!
Buy Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II SD Card at B&H, Adorama.
Don’t own the Sony a1 yet? Just get it at B&H, Adorama.
Read more: Best Lenses for Sony a1.
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