Best Memory Cards for Sony a6500

If you own a Sony a6500 camera, you know that having a reliable memory card is essential for capturing and storing your precious moments. The Sony a6500 features only one SD card slot, which supports UHS-I SD cards. While this may limit the maximum write speed of the camera to around 32MB/s, it still allows for the utilization of the read speed benefits offered by UHS-II memory cards, especially during the process of transferring pictures to a computer or previewing them on the camera. In this article, we will explore the best memory cards available for the Sony a6500, taking into consideration factors such as speed, capacity, and reliability.

Memory cards play a crucial role in the performance of your camera, as they are responsible for storing and transferring your digital files. When it comes to the Sony a6500, it’s important to choose a memory card that aligns with the camera’s capabilities and provides a seamless shooting experience.

Understanding Memory Card Speeds

Before we delve into the best memory cards for the Sony a6500, let’s understand the concept of memory card speeds. Memory cards are typically labeled with a speed class rating, denoted by a number inside a circle. This number represents the minimum sustained write speed in megabytes per second (MB/s) that the card can achieve.

UHS-I vs. UHS-II Memory Cards

The Sony a6500 supports UHS-I SD cards, which have a maximum write speed of around 32MB/s. It’s important to note that the camera does not fully utilize the enhanced write speeds offered by UHS-II memory cards. However, the read speeds of UHS-II cards can still be advantageous for certain tasks, such as transferring files to a computer or previewing images on the camera.

Best Memory Cards for Sony a6500

1. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I Card 170 MB/s (V30, U3)

• UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10
• Max Read Speed: 170 MB/s
• Max Write Speed: 90 MB/s

The SanDisk Extreme Pro 170 MB/s UHS-I card is the quickest UHS-I SD card and my top recommendation, especially for consumer UHS-I cameras. The SanDisk Extreme Pro 170MB/s UHS-I card is suitable for quick burst shooting, 4K video, and full HD video at 120fps. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I cards have a V30 and U3 speed class rating, guaranteeing 30 MB/s write rates. SanDisk Extreme Pro 170 MB/s UHS-I cards are available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities.

2. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II Card (300 MB/s, V90) – Fastest UHS-II SD Card

• UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
• Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
• Max Write Speed: 299 MB/s

The fastest UHS-II SD card is suggested. Sony SF-G Tough Series UHS-II Memory Cards are the world’s fastest SD memory cards, with read rates up to 300 MB/s and write speeds up to 299 MB/s. They are well-suited for 4K and Full HD video recording and extremely rapid continuous shooting. The V90 speed class guarantees minimum write rates of 90 MB/s. If you want the fastest write speed with a V90 rating and 250-300MB/s read rates, this is the card for you.

3. Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II Card (300 MB/s, V90) – Best Value

• UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
• Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
• Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s

A+! The Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II card can read up to 300 MB/s and write up to 260 MB/s, making it ideal for any UHS-II camera that shoots 4K or Full HD video at 8fps+. Faster buffer cleaning implies more shots. Free Lexar SD UHS-II Reader speeds file transmission from card to PC, accelerating workflow. The V90 speed class guarantees minimum write rates of 90 MB/s.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Memory Card

When selecting a memory card for your Sony a6500, here are some factors to keep in mind:

1. Speed Class Rating: Ensure that the memory card has a sufficient speed class rating to meet your shooting requirements.
2. Capacity: Determine the storage capacity you need based on your shooting style and frequency.
3. Brand and Reliability: Opt for reputable brands known for producing high-quality and reliable memory cards.
4. Budget: Consider your budget and choose a memory card that offers the best value for your money.

Conclusion

Choosing the right memory card for your Sony a6500 is crucial for optimizing its performance and ensuring a seamless shooting experience. While the camera supports UHS-I SD cards, it still benefits from the read speeds offered by UHS-II memory cards during file transfers and image previewing. Consider factors such as speed, capacity, and reliability when selecting a memory card that suits your photography needs. Remember to invest in reputable brands and prioritize the features that are most important to you.

FAQs

Can I use a UHS-II memory card in the Sony a6500?

While the Sony a6500 supports UHS-II memory cards, it does not take full advantage of their enhanced write speeds. However, UHS-II cards can still provide faster read speeds for transferring files.

What is the maximum write speed of the Sony a6500 with a UHS-I memory card?

The Sony a6500 has a maximum write speed of approximately 32MB/s when using a UHS-I memory card.

Are UHS-I memory cards sufficient for everyday photography?

Yes, UHS-I memory cards offer reliable performance and are suitable for everyday photography needs.

Are UHS-II memory cards worth it for the Sony a6500?

While the Sony a6500 may not fully utilize the write speeds of UHS-II memory cards, they can still provide faster read speeds for certain tasks, such as transferring files.

Can I use SDXC cards in the Sony a6500?

Yes, the Sony a6500 is compatible with SDXC cards, which offer higher storage capacities compared to SDHC cards.