SanDisk Extreme Pro in the Sony A7S III and FX3: Will It Work?
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The quick answer
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card is a solid option for 1080p video recording and photography. It is a great stopgap if you already own one or need a card to start with.
The SanDisk Extreme Pro can fill that role until you invest in higher-performance cards. If you plan to use the A7S III or FX3’s advanced features, upgrading to a V90 or CFexpress card is essential.
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What worked and what did not
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card is one of the most popular memory cards on the market. You’ve likely seen these everywhere or even own a few. But can you use it with high-performance cameras like the Sony A7S III or FX3? I tested every resolution, frame rate, codec, and bit rate to find out.
| Feature | SanDisk Extreme Pro in the A7S III / FX3 |
|---|---|
| Compatible Settings | The SanDisk Extreme Pro works for 1080p video recording across all frame rates and codecs on the A7S III and FX3. This includes bit rates, as bit rate doesn't impact compatibility in the supported codecs. |
| Incompatible Settings | For 4K resolutions, advanced codecs like XAVC S-I HD or 4K, and 240fps slow motion, this card isn’t fast enough. These require higher-performing storage like V90 SD cards or Sony’s CFexpress Type A cards. |
When I would use the card
- 1080p Recording : If you plan to shoot in Full HD (1080p) for vlogging, YouTube, or other standard video projects, this card will get the job done.
- Photography : You can capture photos with no limitations.
When I would upgrade the card
If you aim to unlock the full potential of the A7S III or FX3, like shooting in 4K, high bit rate codecs, or slow-motion video, the SanDisk Extreme Pro won’t suffice. Here’s what to consider instead:
- V90 SD Cards : These are optimized for high-bit-rate 4K recording and advanced video codecs.
- Sony CFexpress Type A Cards : Designed specifically for the A7S III and FX3, these offer the highest performance but are significantly more expensive.
My verdict on using a card you already own
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card is a solid option for 1080p video recording and photography. It’s a great stopgap if you already own one or need something to start with until you can invest in higher-performance cards. However, if you plan to utilize the A7S III or FX3’s advanced features, upgrading to a V90 or CFexpress card is essential.