Sony introduces CFexpress Type A Memory Card with MRW-G2 Card Reader

Along with the announcement of the Sony A7S III full-frame mirrorless camera, Sony introduced the 80GB and 160GB CFexpress Type A memory cards, thus expanding its TOUGH series. These cards provide high-speed data transfer, as well as the reliability of information storage and are designed for professional use for both photo and video shooting. For convenient work with new memory cards, Sony also announced a new MRW-G2 card reader, which is able to work not only with CFexpress Type A but also with SD cards.

Sony CFexpress Type A Memory Card

CFexpress Type A Features

  • Write speed up to 700 MB/s, read speed up to 800 MB/s
  • Compact format and versatility
  • The memory cards body is able to efficiently dissipate heat
  • Sony TOUGH construction – rugged and dust and IP57 water-resistant
  • File Scan Utility for memory card diagnostics and Memory Card File Rescue for data recovery

The 80GB and 160GB memory cards use the latest semiconductor technology to achieve speeds of up to 700 MB/s (megabytes per second) for writing and up to 800 MB/s for reading. These speeds help effectively empty the camera’s buffer for high burst shooting speeds. For example, the Sony A7S III is capable of capturing over 1000 uncompressed RAWs in burst or 4K 120p video. The cards guarantee stable-shooting at 400 MB/s bitrate, which will be appreciated by those users who need such quality and such speed.

The concepts of “overheating” and “heat dissipation” in the light of the latest news are beginning to play far from the last meaning in the work of photographic equipment, and for many, it is of paramount importance. Sony CFexpress Type A cards handle high data rates and high data transfer rates, so engineers have taken care of efficient heat dissipation. Sony claims these cards will perform well for a long time, even when shooting 4K 120p video.

New CFexpress Type A memory cards are manufactured to Sony TOUGH specifications and withstand the shock and bending that can occur with heavy use, especially in the field. The cards are resistant to drops and breaks, moreover, they resist water ingress into the case according to the IPX7 standard, and dust ingress according to the IP5X standard, thus providing IP57 protection for the card as a whole.

In case of emergency, Sony suggests using Memory Card File Rescue, which can recover deleted files from a memory card, including RAW photos and 4K videos. The Media Scan Utility will help you monitor the status of memory cards. For intensive professional use, it will be useful to monitor the number of read/write cycles so as not to exceed the recommended limit.

Sony MRW-G2 Memory Card Reader

Of course, in order to comfortably transfer the footage to a computer, it is convenient to use a memory card reader, and Sony also announced such a device. The card reader is called MRW-G2, and it is specially designed to read CFexpress Type A as well as SD memory cards. The card reader supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 data transfer protocol at a speed of 10Gbps, it is connected using the USB Type-C interface. By using CFexpress Type A memory cards, data transfer rates are up to 2.8 times faster than SD cards. However, the MRW-G2 card reader is not only compatible with CFexpress Type A, but also with SD SDXC / SDHC memory cards (UHS-I and UHS-II).

Price and availability

Sony 80GB TOUGH memory card has been priced at $198, while the 160GB variant will cost $398 and can be pre-ordered through the Bhphptovideo.com store.

Sony MRW-G2 CFexpress Type A/SD memory card reader, on the other hand, is also available to buy via the Bhphptovideo.com online store for $118 and shipping will begin from September 24, 2020.

About Ankeet Solanki

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