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Canon EOS R5 Mark II SD card requirements

Best SD Card for Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Expert recommendations based on Canon EOS R5 Mark II specifications

Recommended Spec

CFexpress Type B (Slot 1) and SD UHS-II (Slot 2) (V90 (SD), VPG400 (CFexpress Type B) or faster)

Canon's updated 45MP flagship adds a new AI-driven processor and Eye Control AF, supporting 8K RAW video and 30fps burst shooting.

Official Canon EOS R5 Mark II SD Card Requirements

  • Format: CFexpress Type B (Slot 1) and SD UHS-II (Slot 2)
  • Minimum Speed: V90 (SD), VPG400 (CFexpress Type B) (90 MB/s (SD), 400+ MB/s sustained (CFexpress Type B) write)
  • Maximum Capacity: Up to No official limit
Why these requirements? Canon's updated 45MP flagship adds a new AI-driven processor and Eye Control AF, supporting 8K RAW video and 30fps burst shooting. Slot 1 is fixed CFexpress Type B (required for 8K RAW and the fastest bursts), while Slot 2 is a separate SD UHS-II slot. When writing to both slots simultaneously, the SD card becomes the bottleneck, so a V90 card is essential to avoid throttling the faster CFexpress card during backup recording.

Detailed Specifications

Type
CFexpress Type B (Slot 1) and SD UHS-II (Slot 2)
Min Speed Class
V90 (SD), VPG400 (CFexpress Type B)
Write Speed
90 MB/s (SD), 400+ MB/s sustained (CFexpress Type B)
Recommended Size
256GB, 512GB
Max Capacity
No official limit

Top SD Card Recommendations

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SD Card Verified Speed Class Write Speed Pros Price
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B VPG-400 SD card - 100USD
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B
 		VPG-400 Up to 1400 MB/s
  • The standard for Canon R5 and Nikon Z8.
 $$ Check Price
Sony TOUGH G-Series SD V90 SD card - 100USD
Sony TOUGH G-Series SD
 		V90 Up to 299 MB/s
  • Indestructible one-piece mold. Fastest write speeds.
 $$ Check Price
Lexar Professional 1667x Silver SD (Legacy ID) V60 SD card - 45USD
Lexar Professional 1667x Silver SD (Legacy ID)
 		V60 Up to 120 MB/s
  • Cheapest entry into UHS-II.
 $ Check Price

Sony TOUGH G-Series SD

The Sony TOUGH G-Series SD card excels in durability and performance, making it perfect for professionals who need a reliable storage solution for their high-end cameras. With read speeds up to 300 MB/s, it reduces the time it takes to transfer and edit footage. Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, the TOUGH G-Series SD card is a reliable choice for photographers, videographers, and content creators.

Target User: High-end camera users and professionals in rugged environments
Best For: Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Action Cameras

For users looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the Lexar Professional SD card or the Delkin Devices Power SD card, which offer similar performance but at a lower price point.

Lexar Professional 1667x Silver SD (Legacy ID)

The Lexar Professional 1667x Silver SD offers a budget-friendly option into UHS-II speeds, suitable for most photography and videography needs. With read speeds up to 250 MB/s, it efficiently handles high-volume tasks without breaking the bank. Its mid-range price tier provides a great balance between affordability and performance. This legacy ID card is ideal for everyday shooting.

Target User: Content creators with a tight budget, amateur videographers
Best For: Action Cameras, Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras

For more demanding professionals, consider upgrading to a faster UHS-II SD card. In comparison, other popular options like SanDisk Extreme may offer slight speed improvements but at a higher cost. If budget is not a concern, the faster speed may be worth the investment, but for those on a tighter budget, Lexar Professional 1667x Silver SD provides a cost-effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SD Card Do I Need for Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II requires a CFexpress Type B (Slot 1) and SD UHS-II (Slot 2) card with V90 (SD), VPG400 (CFexpress Type B) speed rating for reliable performance. We recommend 512GB capacity as the sweet spot balancing storage capacity with affordability. The device supports up to No official limit, though most users find 512GB sufficient for daily use. Always choose from trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, or Kingston to ensure consistent performance and avoid data loss.
Why does my SD card slow down 8K recording on the R5 Mark II?
If you're recording to both slots simultaneously, the camera's overall write performance is limited by the slower SD card. For 8K RAW, record to the CFexpress Type B slot only, or use a V90 SD card in the second slot to minimize the gap between the two media types when backup recording is enabled.
Is CFexpress Type B required for the R5 Mark II?
Yes, for 8K RAW video and the fastest electronic shutter burst rates, CFexpress Type B is required. For 4K video and most photography, the SD UHS-II slot with a V60 or V90 card is sufficient, so casual shooters can save money by skipping CFexpress entirely.
How is this different from the original EOS R5's SD card needs?
The Mark II carries over the same dual CFexpress Type B / SD UHS-II slot layout, but its faster sensor readout and AI processing push more data per second in burst and video modes. V90 SD cards are now the recommended baseline rather than V60, to keep pace with the camera's higher-throughput shooting modes.
Is V90 required for Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
Yes, V90 is recommended for Canon EOS R5 Mark II. It guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 90 MB/s (SD), 400+ MB/s sustained (CFexpress Type B), which is necessary for stable professional recording without dropped frames or errors.
What storage capacity should I get for Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
We recommend 256GB or 512GB cards. A 256GB card is good for typical use, with No official limit as the maximum supported capacity. Larger sizes are useful if you shoot frequently and want to minimize card swaps.
Can I use older or slower cards with Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
Not recommended. Cards slower than V90 (SD), VPG400 (CFexpress Type B) may cause dropped frames, corrupted files, or recording failures. Always use V90 (SD), VPG400 (CFexpress Type B) minimum for reliability.
Do I need a UHS card for Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
UHS cards are recommended for best performance with Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Non-UHS cards will work but may have slower transfer speeds. For this device, UHS-II is optimal.
Should I use more than one card with Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
For professional use or extended shooting sessions, dual cards provide redundancy and backup. Using multiple cards ensures you won't lose footage if one card fails. This is especially important for valuable recordings.
Does the brand matter for Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
Yes, trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, and Kingston are recommended. Quality brands have better reliability and warranty support. Avoid unknown brands, especially for demanding devices.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
Using cards slower than V90 (SD), VPG400 (CFexpress Type B) can cause: dropped frames during recording, corrupted files, or complete recording failure. Stick to V90 (SD), VPG400 (CFexpress Type B) minimum to avoid data loss.
How long will an SD card last with Canon EOS R5 Mark II?
Quality SD cards typically last 3-5 years with normal use. Replace your card if you experience read/write errors, corrupted files, or if it's been dropped or exposed to extreme conditions.

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