Choosing a Memory Card for the Sony FX3

The Sony FX3 is a powerhouse of a camera, beloved by filmmakers and photographers alike for its compact size and impressive capabilities. Choosing the right memory card is crucial to unlocking its full potential. This guide highlights the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B and Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC memory cards as prime choices for your Sony FX3, ensuring you capture every moment in stunning detail.

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Best Memory Card for Sony FX3: A Detailed Guide

Sony FX3 Memory Card Requirements

Understanding the Sony FX3 card requirements is crucial for maximizing the camera's performance. The FX3 excels with CFexpress Type B cards for high-speed data transfer, especially when shooting in 4K or high frame rates. For those looking for a balance of price and performance, SD cards are a viable option.

Check the Lexar 2TB Professional CFexpress Type B Memory Card GOLD Series on Amazon here.

Best Memory Cards for Sony FX3

The best memory card for Sony FX3 depends largely on your shooting needs. For intensive video work, CFexpress cards provide the speed and capacity required for uninterrupted recording.

Find the Lexar 256GB Professional 2000x SDXC Memory Card on Amazon here.

Sony FX3 Card Slots Explanation

The Sony FX3 card slots accommodate both CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II cards, giving users the flexibility to choose based on their budget and recording needs. Note, however, that while the camera has dual slots, it does not support using different types of cards simultaneously.

FX3 CFexpress Type B and SD Card Options

When exploring FX3 CFexpress Type B and SD card options, consider the recording format and length. CFexpress cards are recommended for their superior speed for high-resolution video capture, while SD cards offer adequate performance for less demanding tasks.

View the pricing for the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B on Amazon here.

Best SD Card for FX3

The best SD card for FX3 should have a high speed class, preferably V90, to handle 4K video recording efficiently. The Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC cards are an excellent choice for those who use SD cards exclusively.

Purchase the Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC from Amazon here.

Recording Times and Storage Capacity

Discussing FX3 record times, the capacity of your memory card determines how long you can record. For example, a 256GB CFexpress card can store approximately 2.5 hours of 4K video at 100 Mbps.

Explore Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B cards on Amazon here.

Selecting the Optimal Memory Cards for Sony FX3

Choosing the optimal memory card for your Sony FX3 is crucial for maximizing the camera's performance and ensuring that you capture every moment in stunning detail. Whether you're shooting high-resolution video or capturing rapid sequences of photos, the right memory card can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll delve into the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B and Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC memory cards, both of which are designed to meet the demanding needs of the Sony FX3. From expansive storage options to lightning-fast data transfer speeds, these memory cards are the ideal companions for your camera, ensuring reliability and excellence in every shot.

What Cards Does FX3 Take?

The Sony FX3 is versatile, accepting both CFexpress Type B cards and SD cards, catering to different shooting needs and preferences.

Note that while the Sony FX3 supports CFexpress Type-A cards and UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards in both of its memory card slots, CFexpress and SD cards cannot be used simultaneously.

For those seeking top-tier performance, particularly when dealing with high-resolution video or rapid burst photography, the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B cards are unmatched. They offer sizes from 128GB to a massive 2TB, ensuring you're equipped for any project.

Can You Use SD Card with FX3?

Yes, the Sony FX3 supports SD cards, providing flexibility for users. For SD card users, the Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC stands out for its remarkable speed and reliability, making it an excellent choice for capturing high-quality images and 4K video. It's available in sizes up to 256GB, accommodating extensive shooting sessions without the need for frequent card swaps.

What's the Best Memory Card for the Sony FX3?

For unparalleled performance, especially in capturing 4K video or high-speed burst photos, the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B memory card line is recommended. Its lightning-fast speeds ensure that your Sony FX3 can perform at its best, without any lag or buffer delays. For those preferring SD cards or seeking a more cost-effective solution, the Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC is the top recommendation, offering impressive speeds that support the FX3's advanced capabilities.

Sony FX3 Recording Capabilities

What SD Card Does Sony FX3 Use?

The Sony FX3 uses SD cards up to the UHS-II standard. Among these, the Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II cards are ideal for their balance of cost, capacity, and performance. They meet the demands of high-resolution photos and 4K video, ensuring smooth and reliable recording.

Is the Sony FX3 Netflix Approved?

Yes, the Sony FX3 is approved by Netflix for original content creation, when recording in 4K. Using high-capacity, high-speed cards like the 2TB Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B ensures that you can meet Netflix's stringent quality requirements without concern for space or speed limitations.

How Long Can You Record on the FX3 Memory Card?

Recording times vary by resolution, bitrate, and card capacity. For instance, a 1TB Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B card can hold approximately 15 hours of 4K video at 100 Mbps. In contrast, a 256GB Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC card offers around 5.5 hours under the same conditions, providing ample recording time for most projects.

Advanced Features and Compatibility

Can FX3 Take RAW Photos?

The Sony FX3 can capture RAW photos, which require fast, high-capacity cards due to their size. The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B cards, with their high-speed data transfer rates, are perfectly suited to handle RAW photo files, ensuring quick saving and retrieval times.

Can I Use SanDisk SD Card with Sony Camera?

While SanDisk SD cards are compatible with Sony cameras, including the FX3, for optimal performance, especially when capturing high-bitrate video or RAW photos, Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B and Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC cards are recommended for their superior speed and reliability.

How Long Can a 128GB SD Card Record in 4K?

A 128GB Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC card can record approximately 2.2 hours of 4K video at 100 Mbps. This capacity is suitable for short projects or as a secondary card, ensuring you always have the space needed for your 4K footage.

Advanced Features and Compatibility

Does Shooting Slow Motion on a Sony FX3 Take Up More Memory?

Slow motion video, due to its higher frame rates, does consume more memory than standard video. Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B cards, with their high write speeds and large capacities, are ideal for slow motion recording, accommodating the increased data without compromise.

Does Shooting 4K on a Sony FX3 Use More Memory?

Shooting in 4K significantly increases memory usage compared to HD. The vast storage options of Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B cards, up to 2TB, provide filmmakers with the confidence to shoot in 4K for extended periods, ensuring every detail is captured with clarity.

FAQs: Top 10 Questions About Choosing a Memory Card for the Sony FX3

1. What type of memory cards does the Sony FX3 support?

The Sony FX3 supports both CFexpress Type B cards and UHS-II SD cards, offering versatility for different shooting requirements and preferences.

2. Why is the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B recommended for the Sony FX3?

The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B is recommended for its high-speed capabilities and large storage options, which are essential for capturing high-resolution video and rapid burst photos without lag. Check out the Lexar CFexpress Type B on Amazon.

3. Can I use an SD card for 4K video recording on the Sony FX3?

Yes, the Sony FX3 can use UHS-II SD cards like the Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC for 4K video recording. These cards offer fast write speeds needed for 4K, although CFexpress cards provide higher speeds for more intensive uses. View the Lexar 2000x SDXC on Amazon.

4. What capacity memory card is best for video shooting on the Sony FX3?

For extensive video shooting, especially in 4K, it is advisable to use a high-capacity memory card. A 2TB CFexpress card or a 256GB SD card would be suitable, allowing for longer shooting times without the need to swap cards. Purchase the 2TB Lexar CFexpress Type B on Amazon.

5. How do I ensure my memory card is fast enough for the Sony FX3?

Ensure that the memory card has a write speed that matches or exceeds the camera’s maximum data rate. CFexpress cards typically offer faster speeds suitable for high-bitrate video, while UHS-II SD cards are adequate for general use.

6. Is there a difference in performance between CFexpress Type B and SD cards in the FX3?

CFexpress Type B cards generally offer better performance in terms of speed and reliability for intensive video recording like 4K at higher bitrates, whereas SD cards are more cost-effective and sufficient for less demanding tasks.

7. Can I record simultaneously on both CFexpress and SD cards in the Sony FX3?

The Sony FX3 does not support simultaneous use of CFexpress and SD cards. However, it does allow for recording to two cards of the same type simultaneously for redundancy or overflow.

8. What are the best practices for storing and handling memory cards for the Sony FX3?

Always store memory cards in a dry, cool place away from magnetic fields. Use a card case to protect them from physical damage and dust, and ensure to format the cards in the camera, not on a computer, for best performance.

9. How does shooting in different formats like RAW affect memory card choice?

Shooting in formats like RAW or high bitrate video requires faster and larger capacity memory cards due to the increased amount of data being written. CFexpress cards are preferred for these formats due to their superior speed and capacity.

10. Where can I buy memory cards suitable for the Sony FX3?

Memory cards for the Sony FX3, such as the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B and Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC, are available on major online retail platforms like Amazon. Check the specific links provided above for each recommended card to view current prices and availability.

Even More FAQs: Memory Cards for the Sony FX3

Do I need a CFexpress Type-A card for my Sony FX3?

A CFexpress Type-A card is necessary if you're shooting in S&Q Mode at high frame rates such as 240fps/200fps. For other video modes, a V90 SDXC card is sufficient.

What are the best CFexpress Type-A memory cards for the Sony FX3?

Top choices include the Sony CEA-G CFexpress Type-A, ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type A Cobalt, and Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type A, known for high speeds and robust performance.

Can I use UHS-II SD cards with the Sony FX3?

Yes, the Sony FX3 is compatible with UHS-II SD cards, which are recommended for less intensive shooting scenarios and offer good speed and capacity at a lower cost than CFexpress cards.

How long can I record video on the Sony FX3 with different memory cards?

Recording time varies by card type and capacity. For example, a 160GB CFexpress card can typically hold around 1 hour and 25 minutes of 4K video at 200 Mbps, while a 128GB SD card would hold approximately 70 minutes under the same conditions.

Is simultaneous recording on both memory card slots possible?

Yes, simultaneous recording to both slots is possible, but using two cards of the same type (either both CFexpress or both UHS-II) is recommended for optimal performance.

In Conclusion: Best Memory Card for Sony FX3

The right memory card for the FX3

Choosing the right memory card for your Sony FX3 is crucial to exploit its full potential. Whether it's high-speed action shots, 4K video recording, or capturing RAW photos, the Lexar Professional line offers the speed, reliability, and capacity to meet all your needs.

Interested our opinion on the Sony FX3, check out our article.

the best memory card for the sony fx3


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