Summary
- The Sony FX5 requires VPG400 CFexpress Type A cards for its most demanding recording modes
- PetaPixel tested the camera with a VPG200 card
- The pre-production FX5 displayed a warning but continued recording
- One terabyte stores approximately 180 to 300 minutes of 5K RAW Open Gate footage
- High-capacity certified cards can significantly increase the total cost of ownership
The Sony FX5 introduces demanding recording capabilities, but they come with unusually strict —and expensive— memory card requirements.
Sony’s new cinema camera requires certified VPG400 CFexpress Type A cards to take full advantage of its highest-end video features, including internal 16-bit RAW Open Gate recording.
The requirement matters to professionals because suitable cards can significantly increase the total cost of buying and operating the camera, especially when large capacities and multiple storage devices are required.
What PetaPixel tested
PetaPixel’s Jordan Drake inserted a VPG200-certified card into the Sony FX5 instead of the recommended VPG400 media to see how the camera would respond in real-world use.
The FX5 displayed a warning stating that the inserted card was not guaranteed media, but recording continued. During this particular test, PetaPixel did not observe any dropped frames.
The result does not mean that every VPG200 card will operate without issues. The camera used for the test was running pre-production firmware, so the final version may disable certain settings or simply retain the warning.
What VPG400 certification means
VPG stands for Video Performance Guarantee and refers to a certification issued under the standards of the CompactFlash Association.
A VPG400 card has been tested to ensure that its write speed never falls below 400 MB/s. The certification is not based only on the maximum speed printed on the packaging, but on maintaining a guaranteed minimum level of performance during recording.
This is important in professional productions, where a temporary drop in write speed could interrupt recording or result in dropped frames.
Why Sony’s requirement is surprising
According to PetaPixel, the Sony FX5 is the first FX-series camera —apart from the significantly more expensive CineAlta Burano— to raise the requirement from VPG200 to VPG400.
The decision raises questions because even the FX5’s 16-bit X-OCN RAW Open Gate files appear to have data rates well below 400 MB/s. Sony, however, is using the higher certification as a guarantee of stability rather than simply an indication of theoretical speed.
The cost of memory cards
VPG400-certified CFexpress Type A cards are available in several capacities, but their prices can be particularly high.
PetaPixel reports that options begin at around $100 for an 80GB card, while Sony’s 1,920GB Tough card approaches $1,500. Less expensive high-capacity alternatives are available from other manufacturers, but they still represent a substantial investment.
For a professional who requires several cards, a card reader and an on-location backup solution, the real storage cost can rise quickly.
How much space RAW video requires
When recording 5K 24p RAW Open Gate, the FX5’s lowest-compression setting requires approximately 1TB for 180 minutes of footage.
With a higher-compression option, the same 1TB can store approximately 300 minutes of video. These figures show that even a very high-capacity card can fill relatively quickly during a demanding production.
Can VPG200 cards be used?
PetaPixel’s test indicates that, at least with the pre-production firmware, the FX5 does not immediately block recording when a VPG200 card is inserted.
However, the user assumes the risk because Sony does not guarantee the performance or reliability of its highest-end recording modes with unsupported media. For professional footage that cannot be recreated, VPG400 remains the safer choice.
A VPG400 label printed on a card should also not be accepted without verification. Buyers should confirm that the exact model appears on the CompactFlash Association’s official list of certified products.
What we think
The VPG400 requirement shows that Sony views the FX5 as a production tool where reliability matters more than minimizing cost. PetaPixel’s test is useful because it demonstrates that the camera may operate with VPG200 media, but it does not turn an unsupported card into a safe option for professional work.
Frequently asked questions
What memory cards does the Sony FX5 require?
Sony requires VPG400-certified CFexpress Type A cards for the camera’s most demanding recording modes.
Does the FX5 work with VPG200 cards?
In PetaPixel’s test, recording worked without dropped frames, but the camera displayed a warning and the behavior may change with final production firmware.
What does VPG400 guarantee?
It guarantees that a certified card’s write speed will not fall below 400 MB/s during operation.
How much storage does 5K RAW Open Gate require?
Approximately 1TB for 180 minutes at the lowest compression setting, or up to around 300 minutes with greater compression.
Is a Sony-branded card required?
No. Certified VPG400 cards are available from other manufacturers, provided that the exact model has received official certification.
