Sony Launches CFexpress Type-A Cards for Professional Filmmaking and Video Production

Sony Unveils Rugged, High-Speed CFexpress Type A Card Reader for demanding Shooters

NEW YORK – July 17, 2025 – Sony is set to revolutionize professional workflows with the launch of its MRW-G3 card reader, an accessory engineered for the most extreme shooting conditions. Designed to seamlessly integrate with Sony’s CFexpress Type A memory cards, this new reader promises unparalleled speed and reliability, ensuring that creators can capture and transfer vast amounts of data without interruption.

The MRW-G3 isn’t just another piece of tech; it’s a robust tool built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Its construction boasts remarkable resilience, making it resistant to dust, water, extreme temperatures (down to -57°C), X-rays, and UV radiation. moreover, its antistatic properties safeguard sensitive data.this meticulous design ensures consistent operational capacity, even when faced with the toughest environments.

ultra-Fast Data Transmission Meets Unwavering Reliability

At the heart of the MRW-G3’s appeal is its optimized performance with Sony’s CFexpress Type A memory cards. Leveraging a USB interface, the reader facilitates data transmission speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s. This is a critical advantage for professionals working with high-resolution video and rapid-fire stills, where every second counts. Beyond raw speed, Sony has incorporated a specialized heat discharge design. this feature is crucial for maintaining high reliability during the transfer of large files,especially in high ambient temperatures,while also extending the lifespan of the card reader itself.

Pricing and Availability

The Sony MRW-G3 card reader will be available starting July 2025 with a recommended retail price of €180. Alongside the reader, sony is also releasing new high-capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards: the CEA-G960T (960GB) for €740 and the CEA-G1920T (1920GB) for €1,200.

Evergreen Insights for Creative Professionals:

The introduction of the MRW-G3 underscores a growing trend in professional filmmaking and photography: the need for hardware that keeps pace with increasingly demanding capture formats and volatile shooting locations.

The importance of Workflow Efficiency: As file sizes continue to balloon with advancements in camera technology (higher resolutions, higher frame rates, advanced codecs), efficient data transfer becomes a critical bottleneck. A high-speed reader like the MRW-G3 directly translates to less downtime and more time spent creating. This is not just about speed, but about streamlining the entire post-production pipeline.
Durability as a Core Feature: For professionals working in fields like documentary filmmaking, sports photography, or wildlife videography, equipment failure in the field can be catastrophic. The focus on dust,water,temperature,and radiation resistance in the MRW-G3 highlights the industry’s shift towards prioritizing ruggedness. Investing in durable gear reduces the risk of data loss and costly equipment damage, offering significant long-term savings and peace of mind.
* Synergy in the Ecosystem: sony’s strategic release of both high-capacity cards and an optimized reader demonstrates the value of a cohesive product ecosystem. When memory cards and readers are designed to work in perfect harmony,users benefit from maximized performance and reliability,avoiding potential compatibility issues or performance limitations that can arise from mixing brands. This integration is key for professionals who rely on thier tools to perform flawlessly.

What are the primary benefits of CFexpress Type-A cards over traditional SD cards for professional video recording?

Understanding CFexpress Type-A: The New Standard in Speed

Sony’s recent launch of CFexpress Type-A cards marks a significant leap forward for professional filmmakers and video producers. These cards aren’t just faster; they represent a fundamental shift in how we approach high-resolution,high-frame-rate video recording. But what exactly is CFexpress Type-A, and why is it so crucial?

cfexpress, introduced by the CompactFlash Association in 2017, utilizes PCIe 3.0 lanes for data transfer. unlike older formats like SD cards, CFexpress offers dramatically increased bandwidth. There are three types – A, B, and C – differing in physical size and PCIe lane count. Type-A cards, while compact, pack a punch with 1-2 PCIe lanes. This is a key distinction from the larger Type-B cards (using 1-8 lanes) and is why Sony has embraced Type-A for its professional cameras.Notably, the CFexpress standard is free and open-source, fostering innovation and competition.

Key Features and Specifications of Sony’s CFexpress Type-A Cards

Sony’s new cards are designed too meet the demanding requirements of modern filmmaking. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:

Capacity: Initially available in 80GB and 160GB options, catering to various project needs.

Read/Write Speeds: Boasting read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 400MB/s, these cards handle 8K RAW, 4K XAVC-I, and high-bitrate video with ease.

Form Factor: Compact and designed specifically for Sony’s professional cameras like the FX3, FX6, and FX9.

Durability: Built to withstand rigorous professional use, with robust construction and reliability.

VPG400 Guarantee: Ensures stable 400MB/s sustained write speeds for professional video recording.

Compatibility: which Sony Cameras Support CFexpress Type-A?

Currently,the following Sony cameras are compatible with CFexpress Type-A cards:

1. Sony FX3: Full-frame compact cinema camera.
2. Sony FX6: Full-frame professional camcorder.
3. Sony FX9: Full-frame professional camcorder.
4. Sony a7S III: Full-frame mirrorless camera (with firmware update).
5. Sony a1: Full-frame mirrorless camera.

Important Note: Always check your camera’s firmware is up-to-date to ensure full compatibility. Sony frequently releases firmware updates to expand compatibility and optimize performance.

Benefits of switching to CFexpress Type-A for Filmmakers

The advantages of adopting CFexpress Type-A extend beyond just faster speeds. Here’s how these cards can elevate your filmmaking workflow:

Higher Resolution Recording: Seamlessly capture 8K RAW footage without compromising performance.

Faster Data Transfer: Considerably reduce offloading times, streamlining post-production.

Reduced risk of Data Loss: enhanced error correction and data integrity features provide peace of mind.

Improved Workflow Efficiency: faster write speeds mean less time waiting for the card to clear, allowing for longer continuous recording.

Future-Proofing: Investing in CFexpress Type-A ensures your gear is ready for the demands of future video formats and resolutions.

cfexpress Type-A vs. Other Storage Media: A Comparison

| feature | CFexpress type-A | SD Card (UHS-II) | XQD Card |

|——————-|——————-|——————-|———-|

| Interface | PCIe 3.0 | UHS-II | PCIe 3.0 |

| max. Read Speed | 550MB/s | 312MB/s | 440MB/s |

| Max. Write Speed | 400MB/s | 300MB/s | 400MB/s |

| Form Factor | Compact | Standard | Larger |

| Cost | Higher | Moderate | Moderate |

As the table illustrates, cfexpress Type-A offers a significant performance advantage over traditional SD cards and even XQD cards, particularly in sustained write speeds crucial for professional video.

Practical Tips for Using and Maintaining cfexpress Type-A Cards

To maximize the lifespan and performance of your CFexpress type-A cards, consider these tips: