20/05/2026 3:37 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
0
What card is actually gonna handle the a7R VI uncompressed raw files without the buffer slowing down every five seconds? I've been looking at the Sony Tough CFexpress Type A cards since everyone says they're the gold standard but they're so expensive it's making me want to scream.
I also saw some ProGrade cards that are way cheaper but then I read a thread saying they get overheating errors in the newest bodies? I'm trying to prep for a landscape shoot in Iceland next month and I can't afford to have my gear freeze up while I'm out in the field. Is the VPG-400 rating actually necessary for the high-res bursts or is that just for video stuff...
12
20/05/2026 4:08 pm
Quick reply while i have a sec. The VPG-400 thing is mostly a video spec, but it does mean the card can handle sustained writes without choking. If the Sony price tag is too much, look at the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type A Gold 160GB. Its cheaper and honestly performs just as well in my experience. About those ProGrade overheating rumors... that usually only happens with heavy video work. For landscape shooting in a place as cold as Iceland, you wont have any issues with the ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type A Gold 160GB. If you really want to save money, maybe just stick to high-end SD cards? The Sony TOUGH V90 SDXC 128GB is still plenty fast for landscapes. Youll wait an extra few seconds for the buffer to clear, but it beats spending $400 on a single card. Just depends how fast you need to review your shots.
10
20/05/2026 3:37 pm
Honestly, if you're heading to Iceland, reliability is everything. The a7R VI puts out massive files and you dont want to risk a failure in those freezing temps. That VPG-400 rating is technically for video, but it basically guarantees the write speed wont dip during long bursts of uncompressed raws. It keeps the buffer clearing consistently so you arent stuck waiting.
- Sony TOUGH 160GB CFexpress Type A
- Its pricey but literally built like a tank for harsh environments.
- ProGrade Digital 160GB CFexpress Type A Gold
- Good alternative if you're on a budget, just make sure your firmware is updated to help with the heat management. Sony cards are usually my go-to just because they're tested specifically for these bodies. It helps to have two cards so you can write to both slots simultaneously for backup... definitely worth the peace of mind.
1
20/05/2026 3:58 pm
Nice, didn't know that
