Can You Use The Sandisk Extreme Pro SD Card With Sony a7s iii & FX3?

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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. Here’s what you need to know.

Key Findings

• 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 Can You Use the SanDisk Extreme Pro?

• 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 Should You Upgrade?

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:

1. V90 SD Cards: These are optimized for high-bit-rate 4K recording and advanced video codecs.
2. Sony CFexpress Type A Cards: Designed specifically for the A7S III and FX3, these offer the highest performance but are significantly more expensive.

Conclusion

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.