What’s the difference between the Sony SF-E and SF-MUHS-II SD Cards?

Sony has two similar UHS-II SD Memory Cards. So, what are the main differences between the SF-E and SF-M?

You can find out in this comparison guide.

Quick Summary

When used under the HD312 mode, the Sony SF-M Series UHS-II SD Memory Card is slightly faster at maximum reading and quite a bit faster at maximum writing when compared to the Sony SF-E Series UHS-II SD Memory Card.

When used under the SDR104 mode, the 64GB SF-M is faster than the 64GB SF-E at maximum write speeds. Otherwise, the two cards are identical when it comes to maximum reading and writing in SDR104.

Overall, we recommend getting the SF-M over the SF-E, especially if you want to film the best quality 4K videos.

SF-E vs. SF-M Comparison Chart

You can check out a comparison table for the two Sony SD cards below.

Dimensions

The SF-E and SF-M are identical when it comes to physical size.

You can find the full measurements for the cards below:

• 1.26 in x 0.94 in x 0.08 in

Capacity Option

Both the Sony SF-E and Sony SF-M are currently available in the following capacity options:

• 64 GB
• 128 GB
• 256 GB

Model Numbers

You can also take a look at the model numbers for each capacity of both products below:

• 64 GB SF-E: SF-E64
• 128 GB SF-E: SF-E128
• 256 GB SF-E: SF-E256

• 64 GB SF-M: SF-M64
• 128 GB SF-M: SF-M128
• 256 GB SF-M: SF-M256

Usable Capacity

The Sony SF-E Series SD and Sony SF-M Series SD have the same amount of usable capacity.

You can check out the maximum amount of free space available for each capacity option below:

• 64 GB: 57.6 GB
• 128 GB: 115.2 GB
• 256 GB: 230.4 GB

Interface

The SF-E and SF-M both use the UHS-II interface.

SD Speed Class

The two SD cards in this comparison guide have been rated at Class 10. This means that the SD write speed is 10 MB per second at the minimum.

UHS Speed Class

For UHS, both the SF-E and SF-M have received the U3 rating, which means that both memory cards have a UHS write speed of at least 30 MB per second.

Video Speed Class

The 64 GB version of the Sony SF-E Series UHS-II SD Card has a video speed class rating of V30, which means that it has a minimum sustained video write speed of 30 MB per second. This speed is enough for filming 4K videos in good quality.

The 64 GB version of the SF-M, along with the 128 GB and 256 GB versions of the SF-E and SF-M, have a video speed class rating of V60. As a result, these cards have a minimum sustained video writing speed of 60 MB per second, good enough for filming 4K videos at the best quality.

HD312 Read Speed

The SF-M Series SD Card has a slightly faster maximum reading speed in HD312 mode when compared to the SF-E Series SD Card.

According to internal tests done by Sony, the SF-E is 7 MB per second faster, which translates to a 2.59% advantage.

You can find the HD312 read speeds below:

• Sony SF-E Series SD Card: Up to 270 MB per second
• Sony SF-M Series SD Card: Up to 277 MB per second

SDR104 Read Speed

If you are using the SDR104 mode, the maximum reading speeds identical for both versions.

You can check out the SDR104 read speed specifications below:

• Sony SF-E Series SD Card: Up to 95 MB per second
• Sony SF-M Series SD Card: Up to 95 MB per second

HD312 Write Speed

The SF-M is quite a bit faster than the SF-E when it comes to maximum writing speed in HD312 mode.

When you compare the same capacities, the 64GB SF-M is 80 MB per second faster (or 114.29% faster) than the 64GB SF-E.

The 128GB and 256GB capacity options of the SF-M are also 30 MB per second faster (or 25% faster) than the 128GB and 256GB capacity options of the SF-E.

You can check out the HD312 write speeds below:

• 64 GB Sony SF-E Series SD Card: Up to 70 MB per second
• 128 GB Sony SF-E Series SD Card: Up to 120 MB per second
• 256 GB Sony SF-E Series SD Card: Up to 120 MB per second

• 64 GB Sony SF-M Series SD Card: Up to 150 MB per second
• 128 GB Sony SF-M Series SD Card: Up to 150 MB per second
• 256 GB Sony SF-M Series SD Card: Up to 150 MB per second

SDR104 Write Speed

When it comes to maximum writing speeds in SDR104 mode, the 64GB SF-M is 20 MB per second faster (or 28.57% faster) than the 64GB SF-E.

Otherwise, the max write speeds when using SDR104 for the 128GB and 256GB are identical.

You can take a look at the SDR104 write speed below:

• 64 GB Sony SF-E Series SD Card: Up to 70 MB per second
• 128 GB Sony SF-E Series SD Card: Up to 90 MB per second
• 256 GB Sony SF-E Series SD Card: Up to 90 MB per second

• 64 GB Sony SF-M Series SD Card: Up to 90 MB per second
• 128 GB Sony SF-M Series SD Card: Up to 90 MB per second
• 256 GB Sony SF-M Series SD Card: Up to 90 MB per second

Software

For software, both SD cards use File Rescue, a program that helps you recover deleted files.

The SF-M also supports the SD Scan Utility, a software that helps you monitor the current health of your memory card.

Operating Temperature Range

The Sony SF-E Series UHS-II SD Memory Card and Sony SF-M Series UHS-II SD Memory Card have the same operating temperature range of -13℉ to 185℉ (Non-Condensing).

Dust and Water Protection

The two cards have been rated IP57.

For dust, some particles may get through the insides of the product but the amount won’t be enough to damage the cards.

For water, these SD cards can be submerged underwater at a depth of up to 1 meter for a maximum duration of 30 minutes.

Resources:

• https://www.sony.com/electronics/sd-cards/sf-e-series
• https://www.sony.com/electronics/sd-cards/sf-m-series