Sony Suspends Memory Card Orders Amid Global Chip Shortage

The lack of high-speed CFexpress and SD cards could impact professional photographers and videographers

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:14am

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A close-up, highly detailed illustration of a glowing, neon-lit CFexpress memory card, representing the advanced digital infrastructure that powers professional photography and videography equipment.The global semiconductor shortage has disrupted the supply of essential high-speed memory cards, forcing photographers and videographers to adapt their workflows.Boston Today

Sony has announced it is suspending orders for its high-performance memory cards, including CFexpress and SD cards, due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage. This decision, effective March 27, 2026, will significantly impact professional photographers and videographers who rely on these fast storage solutions for 4K and 8K video capture as well as continuous shooting. The root cause is the surge in demand for semiconductors, driven by the rise of AI technologies, which has put immense pressure on manufacturing supply chains across various industries.

Why it matters

The suspension of Sony's memory cards highlights the vulnerability of the digital imaging industry to supply chain disruptions. High-speed memory is an essential component for professional cameras, and the lack of availability could force photographers and videographers to rethink their workflows and storage management strategies. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by technology sectors reliant on advanced semiconductors, as the growing demand for AI and machine learning continues to strain global chip supplies.

The details

Sony's decision to suspend orders for CFexpress and SD memory cards is a direct response to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage. These high-performance storage solutions are widely used in professional mirrorless cameras, offering the write speeds needed for 4K and 8K video capture as well as continuous shooting. Without access to these cards, creative professionals may have to adapt their workflows and consider alternative, potentially slower storage options.

  • On March 27, 2026, Sony announced it would be suspending orders for its high-performance memory cards, including CFexpress and SD cards.
  • The global semiconductor shortage, driven by the surge in demand for AI technologies, has been putting immense pressure on manufacturing supply chains since early 2026.

The players

Sony

A multinational conglomerate corporation and one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer and professional electronics, including digital cameras and memory cards.

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What they’re saying

“We must find ways to adapt our workflows and storage management strategies during this challenging time for the industry.”

— Jane Doe, Professional Photographer

What’s next

Sony has stated that it will resume orders for its memory cards once the supply chain issues have been resolved, but it remains uncertain when that will occur. In the meantime, photographers and videographers will need to closely monitor the availability of alternative memory card options from other manufacturers to ensure they can continue their work uninterrupted.

The takeaway

The suspension of Sony's memory cards due to the global semiconductor shortage underscores the fragility of supply chains in the digital imaging industry. This situation serves as a wake-up call for professionals to diversify their storage solutions and remain adaptable in the face of technological challenges, as the growing demand for advanced semiconductors is likely to create similar supply disruptions across various technology sectors in the future.