Sony has officially released its SF-M Tough series of UHS-II SD memory cards to retailers across the United States and Europe, making the rugged and high-speed storage solution available to professional and enthusiast photographers. With prices starting at around $69.99 / £, these cards are designed for those who demand both performance and extreme durability from their media.
Available now from outlets such as Adorama and B&H Photo Video, the SF-M Tough cards deliver impressive technical specifications, including read speeds of up to 277 MB/s and write speeds of up to 150 MB/s. These speeds make them well-suited for high-resolution photography and 4K video recording, where rapid data handling is essential for smooth workflows and reduced buffer clearing times. The cards are fully compliant with the UHS-II standard and are backward-compatible with UHS-I devices, though performance will be capped when used in slower slots.
What sets the SF-M Tough series apart from standard SD cards is its construction. Sony claims these cards are 18 times stronger than traditional SD cards, thanks to a monolithic structure that eliminates weak points such as the plastic ribs and write-protection switch found on conventional cards. The result is a more robust card that can better withstand the physical demands of fieldwork, accidental drops, or being carried loose in a camera bag.
In addition to enhanced strength, the SF-M Tough cards are engineered to offer the highest levels of environmental protection. The cards boast an IP68 rating, meaning they are completely dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to five metres for up to 72 hours. This level of waterproofing provides peace of mind for photographers working in extreme conditions—from rainy landscapes and dusty deserts to underwater environments using waterproof housings.
Shock resistance is also a key feature. Sony’s Tough cards are built to endure drops from up to five metres, making them ideal for use on fast-paced shoots, travel photography, or any scenario where gear may be jostled or handled roughly. The robust build is designed to withstand both the stresses of professional use and the occasional mishap, without compromising the integrity of stored data.
While the SF-G Tough series represents Sony’s flagship performance tier with even faster write speeds, the SF-M Tough cards offer a more affordable alternative that still delivers professional-level durability and reliable UHS-II speeds. This makes them particularly attractive for advanced hobbyists, hybrid shooters, and professionals who want tough, fast cards without paying premium-tier prices.
Sony has also integrated its standard suite of software utilities, including Memory Card File Rescue, which can help recover accidentally deleted files, and Media Scan Utility, which monitors the card’s condition over time to prevent potential data loss from ageing flash memory.
With cameras like the Sony A7R V, FX3, and Alpha 1 pushing file sizes higher and demanding fast, reliable media, the SF-M Tough cards are a logical match. The release of these cards broadens the Tough line-up and further reinforces Sony’s commitment to producing high-performance accessories to complement its imaging ecosystem.
Specifications:
Card type: SDXC UHS-II
Read speed: Up to 277 MB/s
Write speed: Up to 150 MB/s
Durability: 18x stronger than standard SD cards
Waterproof rating: IP68 (up to 5m for 72 hours)
Dustproof rating: IP68
Shockproof: Drop resistance up to 5m
Design: Ribless, no write-protect switch, monolithic one-piece moulding
Compatibility: UHS-II (backward compatible with UHS-I)
Software support: Memory Card File Rescue, Media Scan Utility
Available capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Price and Availability:
The Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SD cards are available now through major retailers such as B&H Photo Video and Adorama, with prices starting at approximately $69.99 / £59.99 for the 64GB version. Higher capacity cards, including 128GB and 256GB options, are also available at incrementally higher prices. These cards are a solid investment for photographers and videographers seeking a blend of speed, ruggedness, and reliability for demanding workflows.