Sony a7III belongs to Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera type. The camera is way too powerful by any means, so you can shoot amazing pictures.
Even though the camera is one of the best on the market, there is still room for SD card slots to keep your memories alive.
Every photographer’s nightmare is not having enough space in their camera. To prevent that, you need storage that will support and show its strength, so you can brag about your photography skills.
Let’s not waste any more time and take a look at the best SD cards for Sony a7iii.
A Quick Look at My Favorite SD Cards for Sony A7III
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | 9.7 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best For Price | 10 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Most Durable | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Read Speed | 8.5 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Budget | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Capacity | 8.2 | Check Price On Amazon |
Key Takeaways
- A fantastic SD card with the best characteristics is also required to function flawlessly for a camera as incredible as the Sony a7III.
- The SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card would be my ideal choice and the best SD card for this camera in this situation if I had to make a decision.
- Why not buy a Sony SD card instead? The Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card is the strongest SD card on the market.
- Numerous SD cards are available with various capacities and transfer rates; you should first determine the reason for which the card is needed before choosing the best option for your camera.
The top 6 SD Cards For Sony a7III
6. Lexar Professional 1667x 128GB SDXC UHS-II Card- Best For Price
What I Like
- Affordable
- Compatible
- Applies UHS-II technology
What I Don’t Like
- Durability could be better
Lexar Professional card takes the side of SDXC flash memory type. The brand released 3 capacity options to choose from 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
The price point and the offered versatility make Lexar’s performance a thing to brag about. It is compatible with advanced DSLRs, Advanced MILs, and New MILs.
Lexar Professional applies UHS-II technology (U3) to ensure the fast and quick reading speed up to 250MB/s.
The writing speed reaches up to 120MB/s which will impact your workflow.
For versatile use, this SD card slot works with UHS-I devices at UHS-I speeds. If you want the highest speed.
It manages to catch the extended length of Full HD 1080p quality as well as 3D capacity and 4K resolution video recordings.
For guarding your pictures and videos, go download the free Image Rescue software that is mainly designed to recover your lost files.
Why should you buy it?
This SD card has the most reasonable price tag, combining the price with everything it brings. You won’t be spending too much if you choose it and it will save your pictures plus it helps you recover the ones you had lost accidentally.
5. Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card- Most Durable
What I Like
- Very durable
- Weather-sealed
- Fairly fast at transferring files
What I Don’t Like
- Pricey
As you can guess from the name, the Sony TOUGH-G series SD card is made of high-grade durability construction. Sony’s one-piece molded structure is masterminded to remain undamaged 180-newton force.
Also, it is weather-sealed. This tough guy is dustproof (IPX6) and waterproof (IPX8) where it can stand 72 hours in 15 feet down to the water.
Sony TOUGH-G series UHS-II is SDXC flash memory type with Class 10 secure digital association.
Having 64GB capacity, the card is fairly fast at transferring files up to 300 MB/s transfer speed and up to 299MB/s write speed 3.
Sony TOUGH-G series UHS-II supports 8K and 4K resolution video recordings without causing any trouble in burst mode shooting.
Knowing that ribs can be broken and damage what’s inside the SD card, Sony this time made a ribless version to exclude the data damage. Supporting File Rescue Downloadable Software, no more data loss or the file loss in this secured card.
Why should you buy it?
f you are one of those photographers who love to own durable cameras and lenses, the Sony Tough is the most durable SD card you can ever find for your Sony A7III.
4. Prograde Digital SD UHS-II Card V90- Best Read Speed
What I Like
- Durable
- Packed with Advanced Recovery Pro Software
- Can withstand any weather condition
- Great capacity
What I Don’t Like
- Nothing at all
This SD card comes in 3 capacity options; 64GB, 128 GB, and 256GB opening many doors for different types of users. It uses an SD flash memory type.
Prograde Digital SDXC UHS-II is built to last for a long period of time because it can withstand from -13 to 185°F temperatures. Take it with you to any extreme conditions like snow or deserts with no trouble. Shockproof and X-ray proof will keep your content safe from damage.
Prograde Digital SDXC UHS-II is yelling to pro vloggers, filmmakers, professional photographers, content creators, influencers, or videographers to shoot in high quality and not wait too long for files and videos to be uploaded.
Having V90 video speed class, the least of your worries will be dropping frames, even in 6K, 5K, 4K, UHD, and high bit rate MPEG-4 video. It reaches up to 300MB/s read speed and 250MB/s write speed. Everything will be uploaded extremely fast, so you don’t lose your precious time.
No more counterfeit because the Prograde Digital SDXC UHS-II doesn’t allow that to happen. There is a custom code and hard to be copied.
Lastly but most importantly, this memory card is packed with Advanced Recovery Pro Software. No worries about losing your precious videos and photos. The downside of that is not being included in the box and you have to purchase it separately.
Why should you buy it?
This SD card is very durable, and most importantly, it is very fast in reading and writing. It won’t lose your time in any way.
3. Kingston 128GB micro SDXC Canvas Select Plus– Best Budget
What I Like
- Affordable
- Amazing card capacity
- Waterproof and temperature proof
What I Don’t Like
- The reading and writing speed could be better
Here comes Kingston micro SDHC Canvas Select Plus with an amazing price and amazing 128GB card capacity. The micro SD flash memory type offers every possible capacity option where you can choose from 16 to 256GB for your Sony a7III.
For reassurance and peacefulness, Kingston 128GB micro SDXC Canvas Select Plus has tested positive for being waterproof, temperature proof starting from -13 to 185°F, shockproof, vibration proof, and X-ray proof. Use it everywhere in every weather condition, it will work perfectly fine.
Kingston 128GB micro SDXC Canvas Select Plus supports fairly fast photo and video uploading speed. The reading speed is 100 MB/s at maximum and the writing speed is at a minimum of 10 MB/s. It may not be the fastest card, but it shows a great value for the low price you pay.
It can capture raw and JPEG images in Full HD 1080p videos and photos. As a really nice bonus point is showing improved performance with every Android Device with an A1 rate.
Unfortunately, Kingston 128GB micro SDXC Canvas Select Plus doesn’t have recovery software, so be careful and try not to lose your recorded videos and images.
Why should you buy it?
Surprisingly, SD cards are expensive, but this Kingston card is an exception. If you don’t want to spend too much money on an SD card, you can take a look at it!
2. SAMSUNG EVO Select Micro SD-Memory-Card- Best Capacity
What I Like
- Compatible
- Durable
- Great car capacity
- Waterproof and temperature proof
- Works fast
What I Don’t Like
- Nothing at all
When we hear the name Samsung, it is pretty hard to doubt the overall quality of the brand. This time Samsung came up with large capacity options and compatibility. Not only for your Sony a7III camera but possibly with every existed device.
Micro SDXC flash memory type and 256GB large card capacity doesn’t match the given price. This time Samsung SD card comes at a really affordable price which is our favorite part when buying.
SAMSUNG EVO Select Memory Card will secure your valuable pictures and videos without caring where you live that adventure. Besides being reliable storage it will also last for ages and here is why.
Being waterproof up to 72 hours, temperature proof 31°F- 185°F, X-ray, magnet, withstand drops, wear out up to 10.000 swipes and all these features are proof for long-lasting life.
SAMSUNG EVO Select Micro SD-Memory-Card works fast and smooth with its U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s. The minimum writing speed is 30 MB/s. With this speed, you can shoot high-quality images in raw and JPEG format in your Sony a7III camera and record videos at Ultra HD 4K and Full HD quality.
Why should you buy it?
This SD card is for photographers who don’t want to change the cards frequently. It has a great storage capacity which will accept a quite amount of pictures within.
1. SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card- Best Overall
What I Like
- Amazing card capacity
- Very durable
- Great reading and writing speed
- Water, shock, and temperature proof
What I Don’t Like
- Limited lifetime of the RescuePRO Deluxe software
SanDisk Extreme PRO Memory Card is one of the best sd cards for Sony a7III camera. Offering 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacity options, this SDXC flash memory type will be your camera’s favorite friend in no time.
SanDisk Extreme PRO Memory Card is mainly built for professional-grade and advanced photographers and video makers. Helping your content to be carried around your shooting place (from studio to location) undoubtedly.
To make your workflow effective, the SanDisk Extreme PRO Memory Card is supporting a read speed of up to 300MB/s. This 128GB card will allow your Sony a7III camera (V90 class) to shoot video recordings at a cinema-quality 8k (7680p x 4320p) 4K, and Full HD at a transfer rate of 90 MB/s.
The write speed on the other hand is up to 260MB/s and is built-in with a write-protect switch feature. Also, the SD card allows you to capture raw photos and shutter burst continuously.
In order to show off its useful features, the SanDisk Extreme PRO Memory Card is kept safe from harm against shock temperatures, x-rays, and water. Free downloaded RescuePRO Deluxe software is able to be used or obtained but with 2 years of limited lifetime.
Why should you buy it?
SanDisk is a powerful name, bringing you the best overall SD card for your Sony camera. It is durable and resistant and offers RescuePRO Deluxe software, which can help you keep save the data.
General Overview of the Sony A7III Camera
The Sony A7 III is a mirrorless camera with a number of featuress that make it a fantastic choice for both beginner and professional photographers. The following are some of the camera’s key features:
Resolution: The A7 III’s full-frame 24.2-megapixel sensor allows it to capture a lot of detail in each picture. This is particularly helpful for photographing landscapes or other settings with intricate details.
Autofocus: The camera contains 425 contrast detection points and 693 phase-detection points for autofocus. This implies that even if the subject of your photo is moving, it can concentrate on it swiftly and precisely.
ISO Settings: As a resultt of the camera’s wide ISO range of 100–51200, you can snap images in a variety of lighting situations. With a higher ISO, you can take pictures in low light without using a flash since the sensor is more sensitive to light.
Video: The A7 III includes a number of features that make it simple for you to record high-quality films, including the ability to shoot 4K video. Its quick and accurate focusing mechanism works together with image stabilization to make your films steady and fluid.
Battery Life: The camera has a long battery life, so you can capture lots of photos or record countless videos before stopping to change the battery.
Durability: The camera has a sturdy, water- and dust-resistant body that is built to last. Additionally, it can survive temperatures as low as 14°F/-10°C, making it a good choice for cooler weather outdoor photography.
The Sony A7 III is an all-around capable camera that can be used for a variety of photography and videography activities. It is a fantastic option for both professional and beginning photographers because of its excellent resolution, fast focusing, wide ISO range, 4K video capability, long battery life, and durability.
Benefits and the Importance of Using an SD card with Sony A7III
I can’t recommend enough how important it is to use an SD card with your digital camera as a professional photographer.
Your camera would be essentially useless if it couldn’t store any of the pictures or videos you take.
One of the most significant advantages of having an SD card is the ease with which you may transfer your photos to other devices, such as your computer or smartphone.
This means that you can edit your imagess, post them on social media, or print off hard copies of them. Without an SD card, you would need to manually transfer the pictures from your camera to your computer using a cable, which might take a lot of time and be inconvenient.
The ability to take more images and videos is a significant advantage of having an SD card because as you know the internal memory of most digital cameras is typically limited, so you can only capture so many images or videos before you have to transferr them to your computer or another device.
Completely contrary, an SD card has a big storage capacity, allowing you to shoot as many pictures or videos as you like without having to worry about running out of room.
To ensure that your images and videos are saved promptly and with the minimal possibility of waiting, it’s also important to pair your camera with a high-speed SD card. When capturing action photos or making videos, is extremely crucial. Slow SD cards might create buffering in your camera, which can slow down the storing process and even result in you missing crucial shots.
And at last, recording and storing your images and videos with your digital camera requires the use of an SD card. It gives you the freedom to shoot as many photos and films as you like without any restrictions and makes it simple for you to share your images with other devices.
A high-speed SD card is a must for beginning photographers, not only for its storage capacity but also for the fluidity of the camera’s operation.
The Exact Way an SD Card Works in Different Cameras
The camera uses the SD card to storre photographs and movies as well as other data like camera settings and metadata. An SD card is a compact, rectangular device that is put into the camera’s memory card slot.
The SD card has a non-volatile memory, which means that even when the camera is turned off or the battery is removed, the data on it is still retained.
After being captured by the camera’s image sensor and temporarily saved in the camera’s internal memory, an image is taken, and that image is then transferred to the SD card, where it is permanently stored. Videos that are kept on the SD card in a digital format follow the same procedure.
The data stored on the SD card is managed by a built-in controller, which is in charge of arranging the data there and ensuring that it is stored properly.
To help prevent data loss due to card corruption or damage, the controller also has error-correction algorithms.
In conclusion, digital cameras use SD cards as a form of memory card to store pictures and videos. They feature a built-in controller that controls the data stored on them, and they are placed into the memory card slot of the camera.
They exist in various sizess and varieties, but their main differences are in how much storage they have. The SD card is a practical and dependable way to keep a lot of photos and videos taken with a camera.
The Memory Limit in Sony a7III
If you had no idea that your Sony a7III has a limited capacity, now you know. The limit storage is 256GB.
How Much Capacity is Enough for Sony a7III Camera?
There is no correct answer to that question. Everything depends on what purpose and intentions you are using it.
Ask yourself these questions and you will find out the answer.
- How often do you shoot?
- How much can you offload data?
- Are you a professional or entry-level?
- How much are willing to spend?
If you are a professional-grade photographer or videographer, 128GB or 256GB will be enough to handle 4K and upper-resolution quality.
If you are a beginner, then 64GB will enough as a starter pack. Plus, using the SD card for fun or creating social media content, 64GB will be not only enough but more than enough for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What To Prioritize When Buying an SD Card for a Digital Camera?
- Capacity– The most important point is capacity. Make sure you have enough space to store all your data and files in it. Nobody wants to see the warning note saying “Not enough space”. It is extremely annoying, we can all agree on that.
- Reading Speed– The second thing to look for is reading speed. If files aren’t transferring fast enough, it will be the waste of time. UHS-I devices can reach 104MB/s at maximum. As for UHS-II, reading speed reaches 312MB/s at maximum.
- Reliable Brand– If the brand is not reliable itself, who in the right mind thinks that an SD card would work fine. Always choose between popular brands.
- Compatibility– Everything is trash if your digital camera is not compatible with your chosen SD card slot. It can be a high-end brand and performer, but still, if it’s not compatible, there is no point in being fully feature-packed.
- Durability- Unless you aren’t a studio photographer or videographer only, don’t forget to check if there is a waterproof, shockproof, wear-out, or temperature-proof features. The thing with these features is that you will shoot in different weather conditions, and the sun won’t always shine. You must look at how tough the card can be in these environments.
What Type of SD Cards Can You Use in Camera?
There are 3 types of SD cards in total, and they are
- SDXC
- SDHC
- SD
Deciding which type to buy is not a complicated choice.
It depends on your intention, for example, if you are a more video-oriented card seeker, it would be better to choose the SDXC card type. Also, video processing takes time as you already know. To prevent that, try choosing the fast reading speed card slots.
For additional performance, SDXC-type cards feature an exFAT file system to hold up with large-sized data. This boosts the performance of your Sony a7III camera which is at high-bitrate.
SDHC which stands for high capacity card type stores a limited data capacity of 32GB. Nowadays, when a single standard picture resolution is only 1024 pixels wide and 72 PPI for web images, it will be hard for your shots to survive, let alone handle 4K or upper-resolution requirements.
Also, MicroSD Cards do amazing work if they are compatible with Sony a7III.
Can You Fit Any Type of SD Cards in Digital Cameras?
Unfortunately, there is no universal SD card that can fit all digital camera types. At least not yet.
For professional and advanced digital cameras, the SD card should support strong quality in comparison with those used in smart devices.
Newer released SD card models mostly are compatible with any type of camera. That question depends more on whether your camera can handle that exact SD card.
Can You Put the Same SD card in Different Cameras?
Yes, you absolutely can. However, there is a high chance of damage over time if you do it continuously.
UHS I cards vs. UHS II Cards
So, what’s the difference between UHS I cards and UHS II Cards? There’s only one main difference between then, and that is the read and writing speeds. UHS II cards usually tend to be faster than UHS I cards.
Final Thoughts
SD cards are must-have devices for digital cameras. Choosing the SD card that will fulfill your expected performance is ranked in the list.
Most importantly, look for a capacity and reading/writing speed, and then other features. We don’t want to waste time waiting for the data to upload.
The durability in the difficult conditions is another feature to consider when buying an SD card even though most of them are weather-sealed.
Check out the FAQ above for more general information.
Further Reading
Hopefully, the article was helpful.
Looking for a camera besides Sony a7II. There is an article written about SD Cards For Sony A6000 if you want to take a look.
If you are a serious photographer, I would offer you an SD Cards For Nikon D3300, do not hesitate, click it.
Additionally, there are SD Cards For Trail Cameras or known as remote cameras waiting for you to take wildlife videos and pictures while you are not around.
Photographer & Writer
I specialize in landscape, street and portrait photography and I have been featured in various galleries and publications. I believe that photography is a way to tell stories!