Sony A9 III Memory Card Slots: Full List & Guide 2026

The Sony A9 III, Sony's flagship mirrorless camera in 2026, features dual memory card slots for uninterrupted shooting. This guide lists all supported formats, speeds, and usage tips for professional photographers and videographers.

With CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II, it handles 120fps bursts and 8K RAW video flawlessly.

Sony A9 III Dual Slot Specifications

Slot 1 prioritizes high-speed media.

  • Slot 1: CFexpress Type B / XQD
  • Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II
  • Backup or overflow modes

Installation and Formatting Steps

Quick setup for field use.

  • 1. Power off camera.
  • 2. Open slot door on right grip.
  • 3. Insert label-up, push until click.
  • 4. Format in menu: Setup > Media

Recommended Memory Cards List

Top performers tested in 2026.

  • 1. Sony CEA-G160T 160GB CFexpress
  • 2. Lexar Professional Gold SD 256GB
  • 3. Angelbird AV Pro CFexpress 800GB

Sorting and Relay Modes Explained

Customize for workflows.

  • Sorting: RAW to Slot1, JPEG to Slot2
  • Relay: Overflow to Slot2
  • Simultaneous: Duplicate recording

Performance Benchmarks

Buffer clears in seconds.

  • CFexpress: 1000+ RAWs buffered
  • SD UHS-II: 500 shots

Troubleshooting Slot Issues

Common fixes.

  • 1. Clean contacts with blower.
  • 2. Firmware update via Sony site.
  • 3. Test cards in PC reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sony A9 III have dual slots?

Yes, CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II.

Can I use SD cards in Slot 1?

No, Slot 1 requires CFexpress/XQD only.

Max card size supported?

Up to 2TB per slot in 2026 firmware.

How to set simultaneous recording?

Menu > Shooting > Memory Card Settings > Simult.

Are slots hot-swappable?

No, power off required.

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