I just bought a Sony FX3A and I’m a bit confused about which memory card is best. The manual mentions CFexpress Type A and SDXC, but I’m not sure what I actually need for 4K recording at higher frame rates. Do I really need CFexpress, or will a fast V90 SD card be enough? Any recommendations or real-world experiences with reliable cards for this camera?
I'd recommend getting at least one CFexpress Type A card (Sony or LEXAR) and a couple of high-quality V90 SD cards like the SanDisk Extreme PRO. The FX3 handles most common shooting modes fine with good SD cards, but having a CFexpress gives you headroom for those unexpected situations where you suddenly need 4K120 or higher bitrates. Depending on your typical shooting style, you might find you rarely need the CFexpress.
Hey! Congrats on the FX3A, that's awesome! I totally get the memory card stress – it's like, the *one* thing you don't want to mess up! I went through the same panic when I first got mine. Okay, so here's my take, and it's purely based on my own experience (I'm still learning too, haha!).
I've been using the Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A card and honestly, it's been fantastic. I know, it's a Sony card with a Sony camera, so maybe it's a no-brainer, but seriously, it's been flawless. I've shot a bunch of stuff in 4K 60fps, S-Log3, the whole shebang, and haven't had a single dropped frame. I even filmed a super long interview the other day – like, almost an hour straight – and it just kept on trucking. I haven’t tried any other cards yet because this one works so well!
It's VPG400 rated, which, from what I understand, is the sweet spot for the FX3A's highest bitrates. That's what I specifically looked for when deciding on my card. I think sticking with VPG400 is a safe bet, especially since you're planning on shooting in S-Log3. I remember reading somewhere that the FX3A can be a bit picky, and some cheaper cards might struggle with sustained write speeds, especially during longer takes.
I opted for the 128GB because I figured it was a good balance between capacity and cost. I also have a couple of smaller 80GB cards as backup. I'm thinking of grabbing another 128GB, though! It is a little pricey, but I view it as an investment since you really don't want a card to fail in the middle of a shoot! It's a little more expensive but I definitely think it's worth the piece of mind.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions – I'm happy to share what I've learned (or stumbled upon, haha!). Good luck with your shooting!
Hey, congrats on the FX3A! CFexpress Type A can be a bit much at first, but you'll get the hang of it. Instead of focusing *solely* on the highest VPG rating, consider balancing that with card capacity and cost. A VPG200 card from a reputable brand like Sony or ProGrade Digital should be sufficient for your 4K 60p S-Log3 needs, and often they're significantly cheaper than the VPG400 options.
Also, don't underestimate the importance of offloading speed! Even if a card *writes* fast enough, waiting ages to transfer files can be a real pain. So, consider investing in a quality CFexpress Type A card reader. The Sony one is decent, but there are other options out there too.
Personally, I've had good luck with the Sony 160GB VPG200 cards. They've been reliable and haven't given me any issues. Hope this helps, and feel free to ask if you have more questions!
Hey there! Yeah, picking the right CFexpress card for the FX3A can feel like a high-stakes game, especially when you're thinking about those long 4K 60fps takes in S-Log3! Everyone's given some good advice already, but I wanted to chime in with a slightly different angle: data safety and reliability.
While chasing the absolute *fastest* card is tempting, I'd suggest prioritizing brands known for rock-solid reliability and data integrity, even if it means sacrificing a *tiny* bit of speed. Think ProGrade Digital or Angelbird. They might cost a little more, but the peace of mind is worth it, especially on important shoots.
Specifically, I'd recommend looking at ProGrade Digital's Cobalt series or Angelbird's AV Pro CFexpress Type A cards. They've both got a great reputation for consistent performance and, more importantly, are built to withstand some pretty harsh conditions. Make sure the card is rated to handle the highest bitrate your camera shoots!
A couple of years ago, I had a cheaper card fail mid-shoot (thankfully not on a paid gig!), and ever since, I've been a bit paranoid about skimping on storage. Now, I always factor in the cost of reliable cards into my budget. It's like insurance for your footage, really. For capacity, 256GB is probably the sweet spot if you're shooting a lot of 4K 60fps.
Also, it's worth checking Sony's official compatibility list for CFexpress cards. It's not exhaustive, but it's a good starting point. Ultimately, if you're still unsure, consider renting a couple of different cards and doing some test recordings to see how they perform with *your* specific workflow and settings. Better safe than sorry! Good luck!
Hey there! Yeah, the CFexpress Type A world can be a pricey rabbit hole. Instead of chasing the absolute highest VPG, might want to consider balancing that with capacity. I've been burned before by smaller, super-fast cards filling up mid-shoot – not fun!
I'd suggest the 160GB Sony cards; they're usually a decent price per GB and work reliably in the FX3A for 4K60. Aiming for overkill (like VPG400 when VPG200 is fine) can mean doubling your cost for minimal real-world benefit. I've shot with them for years and haven't had issues. Just make sure to format in-camera! Let me know if you have other questions.