So I just put in my preorder for the R6 Mark III—super excited to finally upgrade from my old R6—but now Im kinda stressing about storage. Ive been shooting wildlife for years now, mostly birds in flight, and I definitely rely on that high burst rate, but the buffer on the new model seems like it might be even more demanding than what Im used to. Last time I went out to the wetlands I missed a couple shots because my card just couldnt clear the buffer fast enough, which was super frustrating tbh.
I need to make sure I get something that can actually keep up with the sensor speed this time around. Here is what I am looking at:
- Needs to handle 4K video recording without dropping frames
- Fast write speeds are priority number one for those long bursts
- Budget is flexible but I dont wanna overspend on overkill specs if I dont need them
- Reliability is huge cause I shoot in some pretty dusty, humid spots
Is it worth grabbing the top-tier CFexpress Type B cards, or will a solid V90 SD card get the job done without choking? Im just not sure if the speed jump is worth the extra cash for my specific setup...
Rarely post but just save your cash. Honestly, grab the ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B Gold 128GB. It is the best value for clearing that buffer without buying overpriced flagship cards.
TL;DR: Skip SDs. For wetlands, get the Wise Advanced CFexpress Type B 512GB. It handles heat better than anything else I have tested. Basically indestructible. My buffer has never choked since.
Regarding what #2 said about SD cards, honestly, everyone hypes CFexpress, but a SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-II V90 works just fine if you aren't shooting 8K. TL;DR: Don't overspend.
> Saw this and had to chime in because that buffer frustration is the worst. Totally agree. I think V90s might choke if you go full burst... CFexpress is honestly just safer.
Saw this and had to chime in because that buffer frustration is the worst. If you're doing birds in flight, don't even bother with SD cards — just commit to ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B Cobalt 325GB. It clears the buffer instantly compared to even the best V90 cards. It's an investment, sure, but for wildlife, it's the only way to make sure you aren't staring at a frozen screen when the action happens.
@Reply #2 - good point! While the V90 cards might work for some, I would be very careful relying on them for sustained high-speed bursts in the field. When shooting birds in flight, you risk hitting that buffer wall exactly when you need to keep firing. I suggest opting for CFexpress Type B to ensure your buffer clears instantly. I recommend these for reliability and speed:
- ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type B 325GB
- Delkin Devices Power CFexpress Type B 256GB These cards feature superior heat management, which is vital in humid environments. Just make sure to format the card in-camera before your first shoot to prevent file corruption. It is a small step, but it protects your data during those long sessions in the wetlands.
Honestly, just grab a Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B GOLD 128GB. It's way cheaper than the Cobalt cards and handles bird-in-flight bursts perfectly without breaking the bank. Total game changer.