Best Memory Cards for Sony a9

Are you a proud owner of the Sony a9 mirrorless camera? With its impressive features like the 24.2MP Full-Frame Sensor, 693-Point AF System & 20 fps Shooting, Internal UHD 4K Video Recording, and Dual SD Slots, this camera is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the world of photography. However, to truly maximize its potential, you need the best memory card that can keep up with its capabilities. In this article, we will explore the top memory cards that are compatible with the Sony a9, ensuring you never miss a moment and can seamlessly capture all your precious memories.

The Sony a9 is a professional-grade mirrorless camera designed for photographers who demand speed, accuracy, and exceptional image quality. To fully leverage its advanced features, it is crucial to use a memory card that can handle the camera’s high-resolution files and rapid burst shooting capabilities.

Why choose the right memory card for Sony a9?

The memory card plays a vital role in the overall performance of your camera. It acts as a storage medium for all your photos and videos, and the speed and reliability of the memory card directly impact the camera’s functionality. With the Sony a9’s ability to shoot 20 frames per second and record UHD 4K videos, a high-performance memory card is essential to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operation.

Understanding UHS-I and UHS-II SD memory cards

The Sony a9 features dual SD card slots, with different compatibility for each slot. Card Slot 1 supports ultra-fast UHS-II SD memory cards, while Card Slot 2 is compatible with UHS-I memory cards. It’s important to understand the difference between these two types of memory cards.

UHS-I (Ultra High-Speed Phase I) cards offer decent read and write speeds suitable for most cameras. They are affordable and widely available, making them a popular choice for many photographers. However, when it comes to the Sony a9’s high-speed burst shooting and 4K video capabilities, the performance of UHS-I cards may fall short.

UHS-II (Ultra High-Speed Phase II) cards, on the other hand, provide significantly faster read and write speeds, making them ideal for professional cameras like the Sony a9. With faster write speeds, the buffer clearing time between burst shots is reduced, optimizing your shooting experience. Additionally, UHS-II cards excel in transferring large files, such as 4K videos or a series of high-resolution images, to your computer swiftly.

Factors to consider when selecting a memory card for Sony a9

When choosing a memory card for your Sony a9, several factors should be taken into consideration:

a. Write Speed

The write speed is crucial for a camera like the Sony a9, as it determines how quickly the camera can clear its buffer after capturing a burst of images. Look for memory cards with fast write speeds to ensure you can capture continuous shots without any delay.

b. Read Speed

While the write speed is crucial for capturing images, the read speed becomes essential when transferring files from the memory card to your computer. Opting for a memory card with a fast read speed allows for quick and efficient file transfers.

c. Capacity

Consider the capacity of the memory card based on your shooting needs. Higher-capacity cards enable you to store more photos and videos without the need for frequent card changes.

d. Reliability

Choose memory cards from reputable brands known for their reliability and durability. High-quality cards are less likely to experience data corruption or card failure, ensuring your valuable memories are safe.

e. Price

While it’s important to invest in a high-quality memory card, it’s also essential to consider your budget. Determine the right balance between performance and cost to find a memory card that suits your needs.

Best UHS-II SD Memory Cards for Sony a9

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

A+! If you want to shoot sports, action, DCI, and UHD 4K, you need a fast UHS-II SD card. Need V90 UHS-II SD cards? Sony SF-G Tough Series UHS-II Memory Cards offer 300 MB/s read and 299 MB/s write speeds in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities. 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.

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

Best Value! The Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II card delivers very fast read and write rates, and you can get a complimentary Lexar SD UHS-II Reader for high-speed file transfer from card to computer, speeding productivity. The V90 speed class guarantees minimum write rates of 90 MB/s. It’s ideal for UHS-II cameras that capture 4K or Full HD video at 8fps+. Faster buffer cleaning implies more shots.

3. Sony SF-G UHS-II Card (300 MB/s)

Sony SF-G UHS-II Cards feature the same ultra-fast read and write speeds as SF-G Tough cards, but are U3 and V30 certified. Continuous filming and 4K video recording are supported. U3 speed class guarantees minimum write rates of 30 MB/s.

4. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II Card (300 MB/s)

SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SDXC Memory Cards can read 300 MB/s and write 260 MB/s. Amazingly quick! Perfect for continuous filming and 4K video. U3 speed class guarantees minimum write rates of 30 MB/s.

Best UHS-I SD Memory Cards for Sony a9

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

A+! Sony a9’s card slot 2 is compatible with UHS-I cards, and the quickest is SanDisk Extreme Pro 170 MB/s (with affordable price). SanDisk Extreme Pro 170MB/s UHS-I cards are perfect for full HD, 3D, and 4K video, raw, and burst photography. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I cards have a V30 and U3 speed class rating, guaranteeing 30 MB/s write rates. 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB. The lifetime warranty cards are compatible with SDXC devices.

2. SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SDXC Card (V30, U3)

The SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SDXC Card (V30, U3) provides read rates of up to 150MB/s and write speeds of up to 70MB/s, making it perfect for fast-action or continuous burst mode photography, as well as full HD, 3D, and 4K video. A write-protect switch prevents unintentional data loss.

Conclusion

Choosing the right memory card is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your Sony a9 mirrorless camera. By selecting a high-performance memory card that meets the camera’s requirements, you can ensure smooth operation, faster buffer clearing times, and seamless file transfers. Remember to consider factors like write speed, read speed, capacity, reliability, and price when making your decision. Invest in a reputable brand and enjoy capturing breathtaking moments without any limitations.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use a UHS-I memory card in both slots of the Sony a9?

No, the Sony a9 has separate compatibility for each slot. Card Slot 1 is compatible with UHS-II SD memory cards, while Card Slot 2 supports UHS-I memory cards.

Q2. Do I need a UHS-II memory card for regular photography with the Sony a9?

While UHS-II cards offer superior performance, they are not mandatory for regular photography. UHS-I cards can handle standard shooting needs efficiently.

Q3. Are the recommended memory cards backward compatible with UHS-I devices?

Yes, the recommended UHS-II memory cards are backward compatible with UHS-I devices. However, the cards will function at UHS-I speeds in such devices.

Q4. How many photos can I store on a 64GB memory card with the Sony a9?

The number of photos you can store on a 64GB memory card depends on various factors such as file size, compression, and shooting settings. As a reference, a 64GB card can hold approximately 1,400 RAW images or around 7,500 JPEG images.

Q5. What are the benefits of using a waterproof memory card?

A waterproof memory card, like the Sony SF-G Tough Series, offers added protection against water damage. It ensures your data remains safe even in challenging shooting conditions or unforeseen circumstances.