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Best Sony A9 Memory Cards With Speed & Buffer Tests

You are here: Home / Sony Alpha Mirrorless Cameras / Sony A9 Guides & Resources / Best Sony A9 Memory Cards With Speed & Buffer Tests
Last updated: June 1, 2023 / Published: May 17, 2023 by Timothy Mayo - Leave a Comment

Welcome to my Sony a9 memory card guide.

I’ve tested 18 memory cards in the a9 to find out which cards are the fastest based on their actual in-camera speed and not the card label speed.

Sony A9 Memory Card Guide

Sony a9 Forum & Facebook Group

If you are looking for further help and advice on the a9 or would simply like to share your photos, then please head over to our friendly Sony a9 Forum. If you prefer Facebook then I also run the Sony a9 / a9II Shooters Group.

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • In-Camera Card Speed Comparison
  • UHS-II Memory Card Speed & Buffer Tests+−
    • 1. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II
    • 2. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II
    • 3. Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II
    • 4. Hoodman Steel 2000x UHS-II
    • 5. Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 UHS-II
    • 6. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II
    • 7. ProGrade V90 UHS-II
    • 8. Ritzgear Video Pro UHS-II
    • 9. PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II
    • 10. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II
    • 11. Sony SF-M UHS-II
    • 12. Transcend SD 700S UHS-II
    • 13. Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II
  • UHS-I Memory Card Speed & Buffer Tests+−
    • 1. Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I
    • 2. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I
    • 3. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I
    • 4. Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I
    • 5. Transcend 500S UHS-I
  • Simultaneous Recording Slot 1 + Slot 2
  • Sort RAW / JPEG
  • Which Memory Cards are Compatible?
  • What Size Memory Card Do You Need?
  • Memory Card Readers+−
    • Sony MRW-S1
  • Summary

In-Camera Card Speed Comparison

Here’s a quick in-camera memory card speed comparison for all of the memory cards that I have tested in the Sony a9.

Best UHS-II Memory Cards

These in-camera tests were carried out using the Sony a9 with firmware version 6.00. All cards used were 64GB SDXC UHS-II memory cards.

Click the memory card name to jump to my full buffer test results with multiple file formats.

Memory CardIn-Camera Write Speed *Max Burst **Video RatingPrice Check
1. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II147 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
2. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II144 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
3. Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II144 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
4. Hoodman Steel 2000x UHS-II144 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
5. Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 UHS-II144 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
6. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II143 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
7. ProGrade V90 UHS-II143 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
8. Ritzgear Video Pro UHS-II135 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
9. PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II135 MB/s127V90B&H Photo | Amazon
10. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II131 MB/s127V60B&H Photo | Amazon
11. Sony SF-M UHS-II131 MB/s127V60B&H Photo | Amazon
12. Transcend SD 700S UHS-II115 MB/s124V90B&H Photo | Amazon
13. Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II114 MB/s123V90B&H Photo | Amazon
* Approximate write speed when shooting in Uncompressed RAW at 12 FPS. ** Uncompressed RAW

Best UHS-I Memory Cards

These in-camera tests were carried out using the Sony a9 with firmware version 6.00. All cards used were 64GB SDXC UHS-I memory cards.

Click the memory card name to jump to my full buffer test results with multiple file formats.

Memory CardIn-Camera Write Speed * Max Burst **Video RatingPrice Check
1. Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I77 MB/s116V30B&H Photo | Amazon
2. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I77 MB/s116V30B&H Photo | Amazon
3. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I76 MB/s116V30B&H Photo | Amazon
4. Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I61 MB/s113V30B&H Photo | Amazon
5. Transcend 500S UHS-I54 MB/s113V30B&H Photo | Amazon
* Approximate write speed when shooting in Uncompressed RAW at 12 FPS. ** Uncompressed RAW

UHS-II Memory Card Speed & Buffer Tests

Here are my complete in-camera speed and buffer tests for 13 UHS-II SD cards.

These tests were done using the Sony a9’s electronic shutter and shooting at the maximum frame rate of 20 FPS.

However, when shooting Uncompressed RAW or Uncompressed RAW + JPEG the maximum frame rate does drop down to 12 FPS.

1. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II

sony sf-g tough memory cards for sony a9
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label): 299 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 134 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 147 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12732.38
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24541.06
JPEG L (15.7MB)367148.3
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS12047.80
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22693.52
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

2. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II

Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Memory Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label): 260 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 132 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 144 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12732.56
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24341.05
JPEG L (15.7MB)367147.15
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS12047.90
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22694.02
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

3. Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II

Delkin Devices 64GB POWER UHS-II SDXC

Delkin Devices design and support their memory cards in the USA.

The Power cards have been built specifically for extreme conditions and are protected against water, shock, and x-rays. They also feature built-in error correction and wear leveling.

Each card is backed by a Lifetime Warranty and Delkin’s American-based customer support team.

  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label speed): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label speed): 250 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 132 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 144 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12732.77
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24341.25
JPEG L (15.7MB)367147.19
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS12047.95
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22694.04
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II SDXC

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

4. Hoodman Steel 2000x UHS-II

Hoodman Steel 2000X UHS-II Memory Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label speed): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label speed): 260 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 132 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 144 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Hoodman Steel 2000x UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12732.76
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24341.15
JPEG L (15.7MB)367147.55
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS12047.93
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22694.05
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Hoodman Steel 2000X

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

5. Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 UHS-II

Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 Memory Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label speed): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label speed): 280 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 96 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 144 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12732.56
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24242.90
JPEG L (15.7MB)366155.29
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS11467.12
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)222108.92
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 Memory Cards

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

6. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II

SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II V90 Memory Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label speed): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label speed): 260 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 132 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 143 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12733.65
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24141.58
JPEG L (15.7MB)367148.55
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS12048.12
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22694.03
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

7. ProGrade V90 UHS-II

ProGrade V90 UHS-II Memor Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label speed): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label speed): 250 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 132 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 143 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the ProGrade V90 UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12733.65
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24141.58
JPEG L (15.7MB)367148.55
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS12048.12
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22694.03
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: ProGrade V90 UHS-II

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

8. Ritzgear Video Pro UHS-II

Ritz Gear Video Pro UHS-II Memory Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label): 280 MB/s
  • Write speed (label): 250 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 131 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 139 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Ritzgear Video Pro UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12733.56
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24341.48
JPEG L (15.7MB)366149.28
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS12048.00
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22595.52
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Ritz Gear Video Pro

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

9. PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II

PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II Memory Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label): 280 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 132 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 138 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12734.55
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24141.58
JPEG L (15.7MB)367148.15
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS12048.52
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22693.01
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: PNY X-PRO 90

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

10. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II

Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II Memory Cards

The Sony SF-M Tough memory cards are similar to the more expensive SF-G Tough version, but these are rated V60 for video and their read speed has been cut to 277MB/s and the write speed to 150MB/s.

  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V60
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label speed): 277 MB/s
  • Write speed (label speed): 150 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 121 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 131 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12737.06
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24044.16
JPEG L (15.7MB)364147.72
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS11853.20
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22695.02
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

11. Sony SF-M UHS-II

Sony SF-M UHS-II Memory Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V60
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label speed): 277 MB/s
  • Write speed (label speed): 150 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 121 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 131 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Sony SF-M UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12737.06
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)24044.16
JPEG L (15.7MB)364147.72
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS11853.20
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22695.02
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Sony SF-M UHS-II

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

12. Transcend SD 700S UHS-II

Transcend SD 700S SD Cards
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label speed): 285 MB/s
  • Write speed (label speed): 180 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 108 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 115 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Transcend SD 700S UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12442.61
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)23948.62
JPEG L (15.7MB)367148.84
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS11660.23
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)22695.11
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Transcend SD 700S UHS-II

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

13. Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II

Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II
  • Bus speed: UHS-II
  • Video speed class: V90
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Read speed (label): 300 MB/s
  • Write speed (label): 260 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 108 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 114 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS12342.75
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)23648.63
JPEG L (15.7MB)366149.70
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS11659.63
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)226100.45
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Lexar Professional 2000X

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

UHS-I Memory Card Speed & Buffer Tests

Here are my complete in-camera speed and buffer tests for 5 UHS-I SD cards.

These tests were done using the Sony a9’s electronic shutter and shooting at the maximum frame rate of 20 FPS.

However, when shooting Uncompressed RAW or Uncompressed RAW + JPEG the maximum frame rate does drop down to 12 FPS.

1. Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I

Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB,512GB, 1TB (SDXC)
Read speed (label speed): 100 MB/s
Write speed (label speed): 80 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 71 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 77 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS11664.33
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)23271.87
JPEG L (15.7MB)364144.84
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS11292.25
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)221127.10
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

2. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I

Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (SDXC)
Read speed (label speed): 170 MB/s
Write speed (label speed): 90 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 71 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 77 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS11664.67
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)23271.89
JPEG L (15.7MB)364144.94
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS11292.27
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)221127.11
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Kingston Canvas Go Plus UHS-I

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

3. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I

SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I SD Cards

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB,512GB, 1TB (SDXC)
Read speed (label speed): 170 MB/s
Write speed (label speed): 90 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 70 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 76 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS11665.68
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)23272.81
JPEG L (15.7MB)364144.99
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS11193.27
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)221127.81
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

4. Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I

Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB,512GB, 1TB (SDXC)
Read speed (label speed): 160 MB/s
Write speed (label speed): 120 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 59 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 61 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS11381.13
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)22686.65
JPEG L (15.7MB)366146.25
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS110111.95
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)219150.30
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Price Check & Buyer Reviews: Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I

At: Amazon | B&H Photo

5. Transcend 500S UHS-I

Transcend 500S UHS-I SD Cards

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB (SDXC)
Read speed (label speed): 95 MB/s
Write speed (label speed): 60 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are my complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB card in Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

The actual a9 in-camera write speed is approximately 50 MB/s when shooting in Uncompressed RAW + JPEG L or 54 MB/s shooting in Uncompressed RAW only with the Transcend 500S UHS-I card.

Image TypeShots Before Hitting Buffer (Max Burst)Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB)– 12 FPS11393.07
Compressed RAW (24.9MB)22688.65
JPEG L (15.7MB)367147.44
Uncompressed RAW (49.2MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB) – 12 FPS109132.32
Compressed RAW (24.9MB) + JPEG L (15.7MB)219152.30
Hi Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS)

Check Price & Reviews: Transcend 500S UHS-I

At: B&H Photo | Amazon

Simultaneous Recording Slot 1 + Slot 2

If you wish to record simultaneously to slot 1 and 2 at the same time then there is no benefit to using a UHS-II memory card in slot 1.

The write speed will be restricted to the maximum write speed of the UHS-I card in slot 2.

Sort RAW / JPEG

This setup is also slower than writing to a single card but unlike simultaneous recording there are still benefits to using UHS-II cards in slot 1 but only when shooting uncompressed raw.

The fastest setup here is to shoot RAW to slot 1 with a UHS-II card, then JPEGs to slot 2 with a UHS-I card.

Which Memory Cards are Compatible?

Slot 1: The Sony a9 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II + UHS-I memory cards in slot 1.

Slot 2: Only SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory cards are supported in slot 2. UHS-II cards will still work in slot 2 but you won’t get the speed benefit, they simply default to UHS-I speeds.

What Size Memory Card Do You Need?

For shooting stills I would recommend a minimum memory card size of 128GB, espeically if you are shooting at 20 FPS.

For each memory card this will give you around 7000 images if you shoot JPEG (Extra Fine) only, 3500 images when shooting RAW & JPEG (Compressed RAW), 4880 RAW only images (Compressed RAW), 1000 RAW & JPEG images (Uncompressed RAW) and 2400 images shooting uncompressed RAW.

Memory Card Readers

If you want to take advantage of the faster UHS-II read times which are around 3x faster than UHS-I then you’ll need a UHS-II capable card reader.

Sony MRW-S1

Sony’s MRW-S1 UHS-II USB SD Card Reader/Writer enables the fast transfer of data via a USB 3.1 interface. It can read/write to UHS-II SD Cards and is backward compatible with UHS-I SD cards.

sony mrw-s1 uhs-ii reader for a7iii

Price Check & Buyer Reviews for Sony MRW-S1

At: Amazon | B&H Photo

Summary

The Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II CD cards came out on top for speed by a fraction, but there’s really very little difference between the Sony Tough card and the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD card, except for the price.

The Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD card typically costs around half the price of the Sony SF-G Tough card.

So if you don’t need the additional durability of the Tough card then my recommendation would be to go with the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD card.

Alternatively all of the top 7 UHS-II cards performed very well and you would be unlikely to notice the difference in speed when shooting in the field.

So you might simply just wish to go with your preferred brand name.

It’s a shame that slot 2 does not support UHS-II cards because if you want to shoot to both slots simultaneously you will always be restricted by the slower card. You can still use a UHS-II card in slot 2 but it will be restricted to UHS-I speeds.

I hope you have found this guide helpful in selecting the best memory cards for your a9.

If you have any questions please drop them in the comments below or sign-up to our friendly forum where members are always happy to help.

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About Timothy Mayo

I started Alpha Shooters back in 2017 to share my own experiences as a photographer shooting with Sony Alpha cameras, lenses and accessories.

I enjoy wildlife photography the most but will happily point my camera at pretty much anything.

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You can find out more about my story here or follow me on Instagram if you wish.

I also have a YouTube Channel but haven’t published much content recently due to the demands of my one and three year old boys.

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