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Sony A7 IV SD card requirements

Best SD Card for Sony A7 IV

Expert recommendations based on Sony A7 IV specifications

Recommended Spec

CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II (V60 (V90 for S&Q modes) or faster)

The A7 IV's slot 1 takes CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II; slot 2 takes SD only. V60 SD cards cover most 4K; XAVC S-I and some S&Q modes need V90 or CFexpress.

Official Sony A7 IV SD Card Requirements

  • Format: CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II
  • Minimum Speed: V60 (V90 for S&Q modes) (60 MB/s write)
  • Maximum Capacity: No official limit
Why these requirements? The A7 IV records high-bitrate 4K video. Slot 1 accepts ultra-fast CFexpress Type A cards or SD cards, while Slot 2 is SD-only. A V60 SD card is needed for most 4K modes, while V90 is required for the highest quality S&Q (Slow & Quick) recording to prevent buffer issues.

Detailed Specifications

Type
CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II
Min Speed Class
V60 (V90 for S&Q modes)
Write Speed
60 MB/s
Recommended Size
128GB, 256GB
Max Capacity
No official limit (1TB tested)

Top SD Card Recommendations

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SD Card Verified Speed Class Write Speed Pros Price
Lexar Professional 1667x SD V60 SD card - 45USD
Lexar Professional 1667x SD
Full Review
V60 Up to 120 MB/s
  • Low-cost way into UHS-II SD.
$ Check Price

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recommended
Lexar Professional 1667x SD

Lexar Professional 1667x SD

$ · Mid-Range
  • UHS RatingUHS-II
  • Speed ClassV60
  • App PerformanceN/A
  • Read SpeedUp to 250 MB/s
  • Write SpeedUp to 120 MB/s
  • EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB

Pros

  • Low-cost way into UHS-II SD.

Cons

  • V60
  • not V90. Too slow for All-Intra 4K.
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Lexar Professional 1667x SD

The Lexar Professional 1667x Silver is a V60 UHS-II SD card that reads up to 250 MB/s and writes up to 120 MB/s. It covers most 4K modes and clears bursts faster than UHS-I, but All-Intra video needs V90.

Target User: Content creators with a tight budget, amateur videographers
Best For: Action Cameras, Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras

For more demanding professionals, consider upgrading to a faster UHS-II SD card. In comparison, other popular options like SanDisk Extreme may offer slight speed improvements but at a higher cost. If budget is not a concern, the faster speed may be worth the investment, but for those on a tighter budget, Lexar Professional 1667x Silver SD provides a cost-effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SD Card Do I Need for Sony A7 IV?
The Sony A7 IV takes a CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II card rated V60 (V90 for S&Q modes) or faster. 128GB or 256GB covers most owners, and the maximum is No official limit. Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Do I need a CFexpress Type A card for the Sony A7 IV?
No, it's not required for most shooting. A V60 or V90 SD UHS-II card is sufficient for almost all video modes. CFexpress Type A is only necessary for clearing the buffer faster during intense burst photography or for the absolute highest video bitrates.
What is the difference between the two card slots?
Slot 1 is a combo slot that fits either one CFexpress Type A card or one SD card (UHS-I/II). Slot 2 only fits one SD card (UHS-I/II). You can use both for simultaneous backup or relay recording.
Is V60 required for Sony A7 IV?
Yes. V60 guarantees 60 MB/s of sustained write, which keeps the Sony A7 IV free of dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for Sony A7 IV?
128GB covers light use; 256GB suits heavy use. Maximum capacity: No official limit (1TB confirmed working).
Can I use older or slower cards with Sony A7 IV?
Not below V60 (V90 for S&Q modes). Slower cards cause dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Check the card label for the V60 (V90 for S&Q modes) mark.
Do I need a UHS-II card for Sony A7 IV?
No, but it helps. The Sony A7 IV has a UHS-II slot, so UHS-II cards write and offload faster. UHS-I cards work at UHS-I speed.
Should I use more than one card with Sony A7 IV?
For long shoots, yes. Two mid-size cards cost about the same as one large card, and a failure then loses half your files instead of all of them.
Does the brand matter for Sony A7 IV?
Yes. SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung and Kingston cards meet their rated speeds. Buy from the brand's store or a major retailer: counterfeit cards sold under those names are common on marketplaces.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Sony A7 IV?
A card slower than V60 (V90 for S&Q modes) causes dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. A card over the maximum capacity or in the wrong format may not be recognized.
How long will an SD card last in Sony A7 IV?
Several years in normal use. Cards usually fail from wear or counterfeit flash, not age. Replace yours at the first write error, corrupted file or "card not recognized" message.

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